IVOG vs. VBK

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IVOG (Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF) and VBK (Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds from Vanguard - IVOG tracks the S&P MidCap 400 Growth Index while VBK tracks the CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IVOG returned 11.61%/yr vs 11.74%/yr for VBK. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IVOG charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VBK.

Performance

IVOG vs. VBK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF (IVOG) 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, IVOG achieves a 19.25% return, which is significantly higher than VBK's 17.41% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with IVOG having a 11.61% annualized return and VBK not far ahead at 11.74%.

IVOG

• 1D: 0.27%
• 1M: 5.95%
• YTD: 19.25%
• 6M: 19.31%
• 1Y: 30.31%
• 3Y*: 18.06%
• 5Y*: 8.64%
• 10Y*: 11.61%

VBK

• 1D: -1.06%
• 1M: 4.84%
• YTD: 17.41%
• 6M: 16.96%
• 1Y: 32.77%
• 3Y*: 17.73%
• 5Y*: 5.68%
• 10Y*: 11.74%

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

IVOG vs. VBK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IVOG Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF	19.25%	7.34%	15.62%	17.36%	-19.08%	18.85%	22.60%	26.13%	-10.58%	19.90%
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF	17.41%	8.50%	16.50%	21.45%	-28.44%	5.66%	35.44%	32.75%	-5.70%	21.87%

Correlation

The correlation between IVOG and VBK is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 10, 2010	0.93

The correlation between IVOG and VBK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

IVOG vs. VBK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IVOG	VBK
Industrials	30.9%	24.7%
Technology	21.9%	25.9%
Healthcare	13.5%	15.3%
Consumer Cyclical	8.0%	9.6%
Financial Services	7.3%	5.6%
Real Estate	5.5%	3.9%
Energy	3.7%	4.8%
Basic Materials	3.6%	3.2%
Consumer Defensive	2.1%	2.4%
Utilities	2.0%	1.2%
Communication Services	1.5%	3.5%

Return for Risk

IVOG vs. VBK — Risk / Return Rank

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

IVOG

IVOG Risk / Return Rank: 56
IVOG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
IVOG Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
IVOG Omega Ratio Rank: 49
IVOG Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
IVOG Martin Ratio Rank: 66

VBK

VBK Risk / Return Rank: 51
VBK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
VBK Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
VBK Omega Ratio Rank: 44
VBK Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
VBK Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

IVOG vs. VBK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF (IVOG) 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.

	IVOG	VBK	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.78	1.72	+0.06
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.56	2.38	+0.18
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.29	+0.02
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.14	2.88	+0.27
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	12.34	10.98	+1.36
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IVOG vs. VBK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IVOG Sharpe Ratio is 1.78, which is comparable to the VBK Sharpe Ratio of 1.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IVOG 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	IVOG	VBK	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.78	1.72	+0.06
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.42	0.24	+0.18
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.57	0.52	+0.05
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.64	0.43	+0.21

Drawdowns

IVOG vs. VBK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IVOG drawdown since its inception was -39.32%, smaller than the maximum VBK drawdown of -58.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IVOG and VBK.

Drawdown Indicators

	IVOG	VBK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.32%	-58.68%	+19.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.69%	-11.44%	+1.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.61%	-27.54%	+1.93%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.31%	-38.39%	+9.08%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.32%	-38.70%	-0.62%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.06%	+1.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.88%	-10.15%	+4.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.46%	2.99%	-0.53%

Volatility

IVOG vs. VBK - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF (IVOG) and Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) have volatilities of 5.18% and 5.37%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IVOG	VBK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.18%	5.37%	-0.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.19%	14.62%	-1.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.14%	19.21%	-2.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.61%	23.48%	-2.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.59%	22.86%	-2.27%

IVOG vs. VBK - Expense Ratio Comparison

IVOG has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is higher than VBK's 0.07% 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

IVOG vs. VBK - Dividend Comparison

IVOG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.54%, more than VBK's 0.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IVOG Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF	0.54%	0.64%	0.79%	1.15%	1.05%	0.47%	0.74%	1.17%	1.01%	0.93%	1.11%	1.04%
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 IVOG and VBK in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, IVOG 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, IVOG or VBK?

VBK has higher volatility (5.37%) compared to IVOG (5.18%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IVOG dropped -39.32% vs VBK's -58.68%.

Which ETF is better, IVOG or VBK?

On 10-year performance, VBK leads with 11.74% vs 11.61% for IVOG. On fees, VBK is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, IVOG has been the lower-risk option at 5.18%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IVOG or VBK?

Over the 10-year period, VBK has performed better with a 11.74% return vs 11.61%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IVOG or VBK?

VBK is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.15% for IVOG.

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

IVOG has the higher dividend yield at 0.54%, compared with 0.45% for VBK.

What is the main difference between IVOG and VBK?

IVOG tracks S&P MidCap 400 Growth Index, while VBK tracks CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for IVOG and 0.07% for VBK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IVOG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.78 vs 1.72), 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.