ISMD vs. VB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ISMD (Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF) and VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds - ISMD tracks the Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact Equal Weight Index while VB tracks the CRSP US Small Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ISMD returned 7.62%/yr vs 7.11%/yr for VB. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ISMD charges 0.57%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VB.

Performance

ISMD vs. VB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF (ISMD) and Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ISMD achieves a 21.54% return, which is significantly higher than VB's 14.16% return.

ISMD

• 1D: -1.62%
• 1M: 5.36%
• YTD: 21.54%
• 6M: 20.97%
• 1Y: 36.88%
• 3Y*: 16.11%
• 5Y*: 7.62%
• 10Y*: —

VB

• 1D: -0.65%
• 1M: 3.52%
• YTD: 14.16%
• 6M: 14.12%
• 1Y: 28.82%
• 3Y*: 17.05%
• 5Y*: 7.11%
• 10Y*: 11.30%

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

ISMD vs. VB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ISMD Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF	21.54%	4.14%	9.53%	16.74%	-13.44%	29.38%	7.45%	24.62%	-12.63%	8.43%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	14.16%	8.87%	14.17%	18.22%	-17.51%	17.57%	19.19%	27.34%	-9.34%	11.91%

Correlation

The correlation between ISMD and VB 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	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 1, 2017	0.92

The correlation between ISMD and VB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

ISMD vs. VB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ISMD	VB
Industrials	17.7%	20.8%
Technology	17.3%	17.2%
Financial Services	15.2%	12.6%
Consumer Cyclical	11.2%	11.3%
Healthcare	9.5%	11.1%
Real Estate	8.9%	7.6%
Consumer Defensive	6.1%	3.4%
Basic Materials	5.2%	4.8%
Energy	3.3%	4.7%
Utilities	3.3%	3.3%
Communication Services	2.5%	3.1%

Return for Risk

ISMD vs. VB — Risk / Return Rank

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

ISMD

ISMD Risk / Return Rank: 63
ISMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
ISMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
ISMD Omega Ratio Rank: 55
ISMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
ISMD Martin Ratio Rank: 66

VB

VB Risk / Return Rank: 56
VB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
VB Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
VB Omega Ratio Rank: 48
VB Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VB Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

ISMD vs. VB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF (ISMD) and Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB). 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.

	ISMD	VB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.01	1.78	+0.22
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.82	2.56	+0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.31	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.84	3.22	+0.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.04	11.87	+0.16
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ISMD vs. VB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ISMD Sharpe Ratio is 2.01, which is comparable to the VB Sharpe Ratio of 1.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ISMD and VB, 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

	ISMD	VB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.01	1.78	+0.22
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.37	0.34	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.53	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.40	0.44	-0.04

Drawdowns

ISMD vs. VB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ISMD drawdown since its inception was -44.60%, smaller than the maximum VB drawdown of -59.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ISMD and VB.

Drawdown Indicators

	ISMD	VB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.60%	-59.56%	+14.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.64%	-8.98%	-0.66%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.64%	-25.36%	-1.28%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.64%	-28.15%	+1.51%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.05%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.62%	-0.65%	-0.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.17%	-8.44%	+0.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.07%	2.43%	+0.64%

Volatility

ISMD vs. VB - Volatility Comparison

Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF (ISMD) has a higher volatility of 4.95% compared to Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) at 4.42%. This indicates that ISMD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ISMD	VB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.95%	4.42%	+0.53%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.52%	11.72%	+0.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.56%	16.28%	+2.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.87%	20.74%	+0.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.74%	21.42%	+2.32%

ISMD vs. VB - Expense Ratio Comparison

ISMD has a 0.57% expense ratio, which is higher than VB's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

ISMD vs. VB - Dividend Comparison

ISMD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.95%, less than VB's 1.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ISMD Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF	0.95%	1.21%	1.24%	1.17%	1.28%	9.35%	0.99%	0.88%	1.35%	2.02%	0.00%	0.00%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	1.19%	1.33%	1.30%	1.55%	1.59%	1.24%	1.14%	1.39%	1.67%	1.35%	1.50%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ISMD and VB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, ISMD and VB 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, ISMD or VB?

ISMD has higher volatility (4.95%) compared to VB (4.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ISMD dropped -44.60% vs VB's -59.56%.

Which ETF is better, ISMD or VB?

On 5-year performance, ISMD leads with 7.62% vs 7.11% for VB. On fees, VB is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VB has been the lower-risk option at 4.42%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ISMD or VB?

Over the 5-year period, ISMD has performed better with a 7.62% return vs 7.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ISMD or VB?

VB is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.57% for ISMD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ISMD or VB?

VB has the higher dividend yield at 1.19%, compared with 0.95% for ISMD.

What is the main difference between ISMD and VB?

ISMD tracks Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact Equal Weight Index, while VB tracks CRSP US Small Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: Inspire and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.57% for ISMD and 0.05% for VB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ISMD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.01 vs 1.78), 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.