IJJ vs. VFVA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IJJ (iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF) and VFVA (Vanguard U.S. Value Factor ETF) are both Mid Cap Value Equities funds. IJJ is passively managed, while VFVA is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, IJJ returned 7.43%/yr vs 9.48%/yr for VFVA. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IJJ charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for VFVA.

Performance

IJJ vs. VFVA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF (IJJ) and Vanguard U.S. Value Factor ETF (VFVA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IJJ achieves a 8.95% return, which is significantly lower than VFVA's 9.50% return.

IJJ

• 1D: -0.36%
• 1M: 1.82%
• YTD: 8.95%
• 6M: 9.26%
• 1Y: 20.64%
• 3Y*: 13.80%
• 5Y*: 7.43%
• 10Y*: 10.32%

VFVA

• 1D: -1.33%
• 1M: 0.94%
• YTD: 9.50%
• 6M: 10.40%
• 1Y: 28.50%
• 3Y*: 17.34%
• 5Y*: 9.48%
• 10Y*: —

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

IJJ vs. VFVA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
IJJ iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF	8.95%	7.27%	11.63%	15.24%	-7.11%	30.45%	3.56%	25.66%	-10.11%
VFVA Vanguard U.S. Value Factor ETF	9.50%	14.77%	7.67%	17.37%	-3.96%	36.94%	2.28%	25.42%	-15.61%

Correlation

The correlation between IJJ and VFVA is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 16, 2018	0.95

The correlation between IJJ and VFVA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

IJJ vs. VFVA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IJJ	VFVA
Financial Services	21.8%	25.7%
Industrials	18.8%	7.6%
Consumer Cyclical	13.5%	13.1%
Real Estate	9.6%	0.4%
Technology	9.3%	14.5%
Energy	7.4%	7.3%
Basic Materials	6.0%	3.3%
Consumer Defensive	5.5%	7.1%
Utilities	4.2%	-
Healthcare	3.5%	14.9%
Communication Services	0.5%	6.2%

Return for Risk

IJJ vs. VFVA — Risk / Return Rank

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

IJJ

IJJ Risk / Return Rank: 38
IJJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
IJJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
IJJ Omega Ratio Rank: 35
IJJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
IJJ Martin Ratio Rank: 41

VFVA

VFVA Risk / Return Rank: 58
VFVA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
VFVA Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VFVA Omega Ratio Rank: 52
VFVA Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
VFVA Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

IJJ vs. VFVA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF (IJJ) and Vanguard U.S. Value Factor ETF (VFVA). 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.

	IJJ	VFVA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.36	1.87	-0.52
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.06	2.76	-0.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.33	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.96	3.35	-1.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.76	10.61	-3.85
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IJJ vs. VFVA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IJJ Sharpe Ratio is 1.36, which is comparable to the VFVA Sharpe Ratio of 1.87. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IJJ and VFVA, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	IJJ	VFVA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.36	1.87	-0.52
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.38	0.47	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.47	0.43	+0.05

Drawdowns

IJJ vs. VFVA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IJJ drawdown since its inception was -58.00%, which is greater than VFVA's maximum drawdown of -48.58%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IJJ and VFVA.

Drawdown Indicators

	IJJ	VFVA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.00%	-48.58%	-9.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.59%	-8.55%	-2.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.68%	-24.07%	+1.39%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.68%	-24.07%	+1.39%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.11%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.36%	-1.51%	+1.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.94%	-7.31%	-0.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.06%	2.69%	+0.37%

Volatility

IJJ vs. VFVA - Volatility Comparison

iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF (IJJ) has a higher volatility of 3.81% compared to Vanguard U.S. Value Factor ETF (VFVA) at 3.36%. This indicates that IJJ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VFVA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IJJ	VFVA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.81%	3.36%	+0.45%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.67%	9.81%	+0.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.33%	15.35%	-0.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.57%	20.18%	-0.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.04%	24.32%	-2.28%

IJJ vs. VFVA - Expense Ratio Comparison

IJJ has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is higher than VFVA's 0.13% 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

IJJ vs. VFVA - Dividend Comparison

IJJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.64%, less than VFVA's 1.95% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IJJ iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF	1.64%	1.79%	1.81%	1.68%	1.97%	1.62%	1.78%	1.70%	2.01%	1.52%	1.67%	1.83%
VFVA Vanguard U.S. Value Factor ETF	1.95%	2.13%	2.40%	2.45%	2.21%	1.68%	2.04%	2.08%	1.65%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IJJ and VFVA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, IJJ and VFVA move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, IJJ or VFVA?

IJJ has higher volatility (3.81%) compared to VFVA (3.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IJJ dropped -58.00% vs VFVA's -48.58%.

Which ETF is better, IJJ or VFVA?

On 5-year performance, VFVA leads with 9.48% vs 7.43% for IJJ. On fees, VFVA is cheaper at 0.13% per year. On volatility, VFVA has been the lower-risk option at 3.36%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IJJ or VFVA?

Over the 5-year period, VFVA has performed better with a 9.48% return vs 7.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IJJ or VFVA?

VFVA is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.18% for IJJ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IJJ or VFVA?

VFVA has the higher dividend yield at 1.95%, compared with 1.64% for IJJ.

What is the main difference between IJJ and VFVA?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.18% for IJJ and 0.13% for VFVA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFVA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.87 vs 1.36), 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.