IJS vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

IJS (iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IJS is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the S&P SmallCap 600 Value Index, while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IJS returned 10.41%/yr vs 17.88%/yr for VUG. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IJS charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

IJS vs. VUG - 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 Growth ETF (VUG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IJS achieves a 18.07% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 4.80% return. Over the past 10 years, IJS has underperformed VUG with an annualized return of 10.41%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively higher 17.88% annualized return.

IJS

• 1D: 1.81%
• 1M: 5.44%
• YTD: 18.07%
• 6M: 14.10%
• 1Y: 37.03%
• 3Y*: 14.24%
• 5Y*: 5.96%
• 10Y*: 10.41%

VUG

• 1D: 1.77%
• 1M: -1.66%
• YTD: 4.80%
• 6M: 3.81%
• 1Y: 21.18%
• 3Y*: 23.60%
• 5Y*: 13.74%
• 10Y*: 17.88%

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

IJS vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IJS iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value ETF	18.07%	6.54%	7.33%	14.68%	-11.34%	30.53%	2.63%	24.11%	-12.86%	11.35%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	4.80%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between IJS and VUG is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.50
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.59
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.73

Over the past year, the correlation between IJS and VUG has dropped to 0.49 - well below their long-term average of 0.73, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

IJS vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IJS	VUG
Financial Services	19.8%	4.3%
Consumer Cyclical	15.9%	12.2%
Industrials	11.6%	3.6%
Technology	11.3%	53.5%
Real Estate	8.7%	1.0%
Energy	7.6%	0.4%
Healthcare	7.6%	4.6%
Basic Materials	7.1%	0.6%
Communication Services	4.4%	17.3%
Consumer Defensive	3.8%	1.5%
Utilities	2.2%	0.9%

Return for Risk

IJS vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

IJS

IJS Risk / Return Rank: 78
IJS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
IJS Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
IJS Omega Ratio Rank: 71
IJS Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
IJS Martin Ratio Rank: 81

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 39
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 42
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 35

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. VUG - 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 Growth ETF (VUG). 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	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.03	1.29	+0.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.89	1.78	+1.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.23	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.01	1.29	+2.72
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.18	4.44	+8.74

IJS vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IJS Sharpe Ratio is 2.03, which is higher than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IJS and VUG, 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. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IJS drawdown since its inception was -60.11%, which is greater than VUG's maximum drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IJS and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	IJS	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.11%	-50.68%	-9.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.28%	-16.53%	+7.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.65%	-22.85%	-5.80%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.65%	-35.61%	+6.96%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.68%	-35.61%	-12.07%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-5.73%	+5.73%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.88%	-7.09%	-2.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.82%	4.78%	-1.96%

Volatility

IJS vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value ETF (IJS) is 4.88%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 5.86%. This indicates that IJS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IJS	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.88%	5.86%	-0.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.82%	13.00%	-1.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.38%	16.47%	+1.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.00%	22.31%	-0.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.60%	21.48%	+2.12%

IJS vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

IJS has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% 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. VUG - Dividend Comparison

IJS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.26%, more than VUG's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IJS iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value ETF	1.26%	1.62%	1.78%	1.42%	1.46%	1.52%	1.00%	1.66%	1.75%	1.41%	1.22%	1.59%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.39%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IJS and VUG in my portfolio?

IJS and VUG have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IJS or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (5.86%) compared to IJS (4.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IJS dropped -60.11% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, IJS or VUG?

On 10-year performance, VUG leads with 17.88% vs 10.41% for IJS. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, IJS has been the lower-risk option at 4.88%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IJS or VUG?

Over the 10-year period, VUG has performed better with a 17.88% return vs 10.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IJS or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for IJS.

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

IJS has the higher dividend yield at 1.26%, compared with 0.39% for VUG.

What is the main difference between IJS and VUG?

IJS is categorized as Small Cap Value Equities, while VUG is Large Cap Growth Equities. IJS tracks S&P SmallCap 600 Value Index, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for IJS and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IJS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.03 vs 1.29), 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.