IJS vs. VBR

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

IJS (iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value ETF) and VBR (Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF) are both Small Cap Value Equities funds - IJS tracks the S&P SmallCap 600 Value Index while VBR tracks the CRSP US Small Cap Value Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IJS returned 10.51%/yr vs 11.02%/yr for VBR. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. IJS charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VBR.

Performance

IJS vs. VBR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value ETF (IJS) and Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IJS achieves a 17.64% return, which is significantly higher than VBR's 13.42% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with IJS having a 10.51% annualized return and VBR not far ahead at 11.02%.

IJS

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: 3.17%
• YTD: 17.64%
• 6M: 15.52%
• 1Y: 39.39%
• 3Y*: 15.42%
• 5Y*: 6.48%
• 10Y*: 10.51%

VBR

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: 2.65%
• YTD: 13.42%
• 6M: 11.41%
• 1Y: 27.72%
• 3Y*: 16.95%
• 5Y*: 8.85%
• 10Y*: 11.02%

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

IJS vs. VBR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IJS iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value ETF	17.64%	6.54%	7.33%	14.68%	-11.34%	30.53%	2.63%	24.11%	-12.86%	11.35%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	13.42%	9.09%	12.40%	16.00%	-9.38%	28.08%	5.90%	22.78%	-12.28%	11.81%

Correlation

The correlation between IJS and VBR is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.97

The correlation between IJS and VBR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

IJS vs. VBR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IJS	VBR
Financial Services	19.4%	17.5%
Consumer Cyclical	15.4%	12.5%
Technology	13.4%	12.1%
Industrials	11.6%	17.4%
Real Estate	8.6%	10.5%
Healthcare	7.3%	8.3%
Energy	7.0%	4.3%
Basic Materials	6.9%	6.0%
Communication Services	4.4%	2.8%
Consumer Defensive	3.9%	4.0%
Utilities	2.1%	4.6%

Return for Risk

IJS vs. VBR — Risk / Return Rank

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

IJS

IJS Risk / Return Rank: 72
IJS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
IJS Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
IJS Omega Ratio Rank: 63
IJS Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
IJS Martin Ratio Rank: 76

VBR

VBR Risk / Return Rank: 59
VBR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
VBR Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
VBR Omega Ratio Rank: 52
VBR Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
VBR Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

IJS vs. VBR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value ETF (IJS) and Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR). 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.

	IJS	VBR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.16	1.82	+0.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.07	2.67	+0.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.31	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.26	3.14	+1.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.04	11.11	+2.92

IJS vs. VBR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IJS Sharpe Ratio is 2.16, which is comparable to the VBR Sharpe Ratio of 1.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IJS and VBR, 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

IJS vs. VBR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IJS drawdown since its inception was -60.11%, roughly equal to the maximum VBR drawdown of -61.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IJS and VBR.

Drawdown Indicators

	IJS	VBR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.11%	-61.98%	+1.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.28%	-8.85%	-0.43%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.65%	-24.19%	-4.46%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.65%	-24.19%	-4.46%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.68%	-45.28%	-2.40%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.42%	-1.03%	-0.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.87%	-8.25%	-1.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.81%	2.50%	+0.31%

Volatility

IJS vs. VBR - Volatility Comparison

iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value ETF (IJS) has a higher volatility of 4.84% compared to Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) at 3.97%. This indicates that IJS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VBR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IJS	VBR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.84%	3.97%	+0.87%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.82%	10.66%	+1.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.38%	15.33%	+3.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.94%	19.73%	+2.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.62%	21.75%	+1.87%

IJS vs. VBR - Expense Ratio Comparison

IJS has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than VBR'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

IJS vs. VBR - Dividend Comparison

IJS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.35%, less than VBR's 1.73% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IJS iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value ETF	1.35%	1.62%	1.78%	1.42%	1.46%	1.52%	1.00%	1.66%	1.75%	1.41%	1.22%	1.59%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	1.73%	1.95%	1.98%	2.12%	2.03%	1.75%	1.68%	2.06%	2.35%	1.79%	1.77%	1.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IJS and VBR in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, IJS and VBR 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, IJS or VBR?

IJS has higher volatility (4.84%) compared to VBR (3.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IJS dropped -60.11% vs VBR's -61.98%.

Which ETF is better, IJS or VBR?

On 10-year performance, VBR leads with 11.02% vs 10.51% for IJS. On fees, VBR is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VBR has been the lower-risk option at 3.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IJS or VBR?

Over the 10-year period, VBR has performed better with a 11.02% return vs 10.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IJS or VBR?

VBR is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for IJS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IJS or VBR?

VBR has the higher dividend yield at 1.73%, compared with 1.35% for IJS.

What is the main difference between IJS and VBR?

IJS tracks S&P SmallCap 600 Value Index, while VBR tracks CRSP US Small Cap Value Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for IJS and 0.05% for VBR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IJS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 1.82), 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.