JSMD vs. VEA

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

JSMD (Janus Henderson Small/Mid Cap Growth Alpha ETF) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - JSMD is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Janus Small Mid Cap Growth Alpha Index, while VEA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, JSMD returned 13.87%/yr vs 10.67%/yr for VEA. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. JSMD charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

JSMD vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Janus Henderson Small/Mid Cap Growth Alpha ETF (JSMD) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, JSMD achieves a 19.55% return, which is significantly higher than VEA's 16.08% return. Over the past 10 years, JSMD has outperformed VEA with an annualized return of 13.87%, while VEA has yielded a comparatively lower 10.67% annualized return.

JSMD

• 1D: 1.27%
• 1M: 6.04%
• YTD: 19.55%
• 6M: 17.80%
• 1Y: 31.95%
• 3Y*: 17.83%
• 5Y*: 8.38%
• 10Y*: 13.87%

VEA

• 1D: 1.17%
• 1M: 4.79%
• YTD: 16.08%
• 6M: 17.35%
• 1Y: 32.96%
• 3Y*: 19.14%
• 5Y*: 9.87%
• 10Y*: 10.67%

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

JSMD vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
JSMD Janus Henderson Small/Mid Cap Growth Alpha ETF	19.55%	9.25%	15.08%	26.81%	-22.84%	8.40%	30.79%	31.05%	-4.73%	24.46%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	16.08%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	22.62%	-14.75%	26.42%

Correlation

The correlation between JSMD and VEA is 0.72, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.71
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 25, 2016	0.70

The correlation between JSMD and VEA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.70 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

JSMD vs. VEA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	JSMD	VEA
Technology	28.1%	13.8%
Industrials	23.3%	19.2%
Healthcare	18.7%	8.2%
Financial Services	8.9%	23.3%
Consumer Cyclical	8.7%	7.5%
Basic Materials	3.0%	7.5%
Communication Services	2.9%	3.4%
Real Estate	2.8%	2.7%
Consumer Defensive	2.5%	5.6%
Energy	1.1%	5.4%
Utilities	-	3.3%

Return for Risk

JSMD vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

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

JSMD

JSMD Risk / Return Rank: 45
JSMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
JSMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
JSMD Omega Ratio Rank: 43
JSMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
JSMD Martin Ratio Rank: 47

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 67
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 69
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

JSMD vs. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Janus Henderson Small/Mid Cap Growth Alpha ETF (JSMD) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). 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.

	JSMD	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.48	2.00	-0.53
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.08	2.74	-0.66
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.36	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.16	2.85	-0.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.31	10.96	-3.66

JSMD vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JSMD Sharpe Ratio is 1.48, which is comparable to the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 2.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JSMD and VEA, 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

JSMD vs. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JSMD drawdown since its inception was -38.98%, smaller than the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JSMD and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	JSMD	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.98%	-60.68%	+21.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.86%	-11.63%	-3.23%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.01%	-13.45%	-10.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.18%	-29.71%	-2.47%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.98%	-35.73%	-3.25%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.46%	-13.27%	+5.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.38%	3.01%	+1.37%

Volatility

JSMD vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

Janus Henderson Small/Mid Cap Growth Alpha ETF (JSMD) has a higher volatility of 8.24% compared to Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) at 6.92%. This indicates that JSMD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VEA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JSMD	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.24%	6.92%	+1.32%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.21%	14.42%	+2.79%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.80%	16.58%	+5.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.99%	16.73%	+6.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.83%	17.41%	+5.42%

JSMD vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

JSMD has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

JSMD vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

JSMD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.46%, less than VEA's 2.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
JSMD Janus Henderson Small/Mid Cap Growth Alpha ETF	0.46%	0.54%	0.76%	0.44%	0.40%	0.28%	0.24%	0.32%	0.53%	0.30%	0.36%	0.00%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.59%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JSMD and VEA in my portfolio?

JSMD and VEA have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, JSMD or VEA?

JSMD has higher volatility (8.24%) compared to VEA (6.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JSMD dropped -38.98% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which ETF is better, JSMD or VEA?

On 10-year performance, JSMD leads with 13.87% vs 10.67% for VEA. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VEA has been the lower-risk option at 6.92%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JSMD or VEA?

Over the 10-year period, JSMD has performed better with a 13.87% return vs 10.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JSMD or VEA?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for JSMD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, JSMD or VEA?

VEA has the higher dividend yield at 2.59%, compared with 0.46% for JSMD.

What is the main difference between JSMD and VEA?

JSMD is categorized as Mid Cap Growth Equities, while VEA is Foreign Large Cap Equities. JSMD tracks Janus Small Mid Cap Growth Alpha Index, while VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: Janus Henderson and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for JSMD and 0.03% for VEA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.00 vs 1.48), 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.