ISCG vs. VBK

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

ISCG (iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF) and VBK (Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds - ISCG tracks the Morningstar US Small Cap Broad Growth Extended Index while VBK tracks the CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, ISCG returned 11.69%/yr vs 11.89%/yr for VBK. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. ISCG charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VBK.

Performance

ISCG vs. VBK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF (ISCG) 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, ISCG achieves a 14.22% return, which is significantly lower than VBK's 16.74% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with ISCG having a 11.69% annualized return and VBK not far ahead at 11.89%.

ISCG

• 1D: -0.86%
• 1M: 4.84%
• YTD: 14.22%
• 6M: 13.57%
• 1Y: 31.27%
• 3Y*: 16.40%
• 5Y*: 5.28%
• 10Y*: 11.69%

VBK

• 1D: -1.27%
• 1M: 4.37%
• YTD: 16.74%
• 6M: 16.71%
• 1Y: 30.85%
• 3Y*: 16.47%
• 5Y*: 5.08%
• 10Y*: 11.89%

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

ISCG vs. VBK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ISCG iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF	14.22%	12.88%	13.35%	23.13%	-26.75%	-1.26%	43.41%	27.66%	-6.91%	24.68%
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF	16.74%	8.50%	16.50%	21.45%	-28.44%	5.66%	35.44%	32.75%	-5.70%	21.87%

Correlation

The correlation between ISCG and VBK is 0.97 - 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	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 7, 2004	0.95

The correlation between ISCG and VBK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

ISCG vs. VBK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ISCG	VBK
Industrials	25.2%	24.7%
Technology	23.6%	25.9%
Healthcare	14.5%	15.3%
Financial Services	10.6%	5.6%
Consumer Cyclical	8.9%	9.6%
Real Estate	5.1%	3.9%
Basic Materials	3.0%	3.2%
Consumer Defensive	2.9%	2.4%
Energy	2.8%	4.8%
Communication Services	2.4%	3.5%
Utilities	0.9%	1.2%

Return for Risk

ISCG vs. VBK — Risk / Return Rank

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

ISCG

ISCG Risk / Return Rank: 53
ISCG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
ISCG Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
ISCG Omega Ratio Rank: 46
ISCG Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
ISCG Martin Ratio Rank: 61

VBK

VBK Risk / Return Rank: 49
VBK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
VBK Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
VBK Omega Ratio Rank: 41
VBK Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VBK 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.

ISCG vs. VBK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF (ISCG) 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.

	ISCG	VBK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.70	1.55	+0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.38	2.16	+0.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.26	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.75	2.71	+0.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.47	10.16	+0.31

ISCG vs. VBK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ISCG Sharpe Ratio is 1.70, which is comparable to the VBK Sharpe Ratio of 1.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ISCG 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

ISCG vs. VBK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ISCG drawdown since its inception was -57.72%, roughly equal to the maximum VBK drawdown of -58.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ISCG and VBK.

Drawdown Indicators

	ISCG	VBK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-57.72%	-58.68%	+0.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.43%	-11.44%	+0.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.71%	-27.54%	+0.83%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.80%	-38.39%	+0.59%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.48%	-38.70%	-2.78%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.86%	-1.63%	+0.77%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.61%	-10.14%	-1.47%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.00%	3.05%	-0.05%

Volatility

ISCG vs. VBK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF (ISCG) is 6.05%, while Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) has a volatility of 7.20%. This indicates that ISCG 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

	ISCG	VBK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.05%	7.20%	-1.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.62%	15.58%	-1.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.55%	20.00%	-1.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.03%	23.61%	-0.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.19%	22.93%	+0.26%

ISCG vs. VBK - Expense Ratio Comparison

ISCG has a 0.06% 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

ISCG vs. VBK - Dividend Comparison

ISCG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.59%, more than VBK's 0.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ISCG iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF	0.59%	0.61%	0.84%	0.77%	0.92%	0.62%	0.10%	0.27%	0.40%	0.52%	1.19%	0.64%
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 ISCG and VBK in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, ISCG and VBK 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, ISCG or VBK?

VBK has higher volatility (7.20%) compared to ISCG (6.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ISCG dropped -57.72% vs VBK's -58.68%.

Which ETF is better, ISCG or VBK?

On 10-year performance, VBK leads with 11.89% vs 11.69% for ISCG. On fees, VBK is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, ISCG has been the lower-risk option at 6.05%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ISCG or VBK?

Over the 10-year period, VBK has performed better with a 11.89% return vs 11.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ISCG or VBK?

VBK is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.06% for ISCG.

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

ISCG has the higher dividend yield at 0.59%, compared with 0.45% for VBK.

What is the main difference between ISCG and VBK?

ISCG tracks Morningstar US Small Cap Broad Growth Extended Index, while VBK tracks CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for ISCG and 0.05% for VBK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ISCG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.70 vs 1.55), 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.