GSSC vs. VBK

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

GSSC (Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta US Small Cap Equity ETF) and VBK (Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds - GSSC tracks the Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Small Cap Equity Index while VBK tracks the CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, GSSC returned 7.65%/yr vs 4.59%/yr for VBK. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GSSC charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VBK.

Performance

GSSC vs. VBK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta US Small Cap Equity ETF (GSSC) and Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GSSC achieves a 17.97% return, which is significantly higher than VBK's 16.76% return.

GSSC

• 1D: -0.39%
• 1M: 5.36%
• YTD: 17.97%
• 6M: 15.68%
• 1Y: 33.98%
• 3Y*: 18.41%
• 5Y*: 7.65%
• 10Y*: —

VBK

• 1D: -1.56%
• 1M: 1.50%
• YTD: 16.76%
• 6M: 13.90%
• 1Y: 30.40%
• 3Y*: 17.58%
• 5Y*: 4.59%
• 10Y*: 12.03%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

GSSC vs. VBK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GSSC Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta US Small Cap Equity ETF	17.97%	10.76%	11.14%	17.27%	-16.81%	24.13%	16.02%	23.14%	-9.24%	8.39%
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF	16.76%	8.50%	16.50%	21.45%	-28.44%	5.66%	35.44%	32.75%	-5.70%	9.89%

Correlation

The correlation between GSSC and VBK is 0.90, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 29, 2017	0.88

The correlation between GSSC and VBK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

GSSC vs. VBK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GSSC	VBK
Technology	18.2%	27.2%
Industrials	17.6%	24.6%
Healthcare	16.6%	14.4%
Financial Services	16.6%	5.4%
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	7.9%
Energy	4.3%	4.4%
Real Estate	4.3%	3.5%
Basic Materials	3.9%	2.7%
Consumer Defensive	3.8%	2.7%
Communication Services	2.6%	3.0%
Utilities	2.1%	1.3%

Return for Risk

GSSC vs. VBK — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

GSSC

GSSC Risk / Return Rank: 60
GSSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
GSSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
GSSC Omega Ratio Rank: 52
GSSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
GSSC Martin Ratio Rank: 64

VBK

VBK Risk / Return Rank: 49
VBK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
VBK Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
VBK Omega Ratio Rank: 41
VBK Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VBK Martin Ratio Rank: 58

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

GSSC vs. VBK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta US Small Cap Equity ETF (GSSC) and Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	GSSC	VBK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.81	1.52	+0.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.57	2.12	+0.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.26	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.23	2.67	+0.56
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.80	9.99	+0.81

GSSC vs. VBK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GSSC Sharpe Ratio is 1.81, which is comparable to the VBK Sharpe Ratio of 1.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GSSC and VBK, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

GSSC vs. VBK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GSSC drawdown since its inception was -41.38%, smaller than the maximum VBK drawdown of -58.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GSSC and VBK.

Drawdown Indicators

	GSSC	VBK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.38%	-58.68%	+17.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.56%	-11.44%	+0.88%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.05%	-27.54%	+1.49%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.81%	-38.39%	+10.58%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-38.70%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.39%	-1.61%	+1.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.97%	-10.13%	+1.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.15%	3.05%	+0.10%

Volatility

GSSC vs. VBK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta US Small Cap Equity ETF (GSSC) is 5.60%, while Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) has a volatility of 7.13%. This indicates that GSSC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VBK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GSSC	VBK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.60%	7.13%	-1.53%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.34%	15.65%	-2.31%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.88%	20.10%	-1.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.30%	23.63%	-2.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.00%	22.91%	+0.09%

GSSC vs. VBK - Expense Ratio Comparison

GSSC has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is higher than VBK's 0.05% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

GSSC vs. VBK - Dividend Comparison

GSSC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.03%, more than VBK's 0.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GSSC Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta US Small Cap Equity ETF	1.03%	1.17%	1.42%	1.33%	1.31%	1.00%	0.94%	1.24%	1.21%	0.73%	0.00%	0.00%
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF	0.45%	0.54%	0.54%	0.68%	0.55%	0.36%	0.44%	0.57%	0.79%	0.82%	1.08%	0.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GSSC and VBK in my portfolio?

GSSC and VBK have a correlation of 0.90, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GSSC or VBK?

VBK has higher volatility (7.13%) compared to GSSC (5.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GSSC dropped -41.38% vs VBK's -58.68%.

Which ETF is better, GSSC or VBK?

On 5-year performance, GSSC leads with 7.65% vs 4.59% for VBK. On fees, VBK is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, GSSC has been the lower-risk option at 5.60%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GSSC or VBK?

Over the 5-year period, GSSC has performed better with a 7.65% return vs 4.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GSSC or VBK?

VBK is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for GSSC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GSSC or VBK?

GSSC has the higher dividend yield at 1.03%, compared with 0.45% for VBK.

What is the main difference between GSSC and VBK?

GSSC tracks Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Small Cap Equity Index, while VBK tracks CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Goldman Sachs and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for GSSC and 0.05% for VBK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GSSC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 vs 1.52), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.