JSMD vs. VPLS

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

JSMD (Janus Henderson Small/Mid Cap Growth Alpha ETF) and VPLS (Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - JSMD is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Janus Small Mid Cap Growth Alpha Index, while VPLS is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by Vanguard. JSMD is passively managed, while VPLS is actively managed. Over the past year, JSMD returned 30.30% vs 5.65% for VPLS. At a 0.29 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. JSMD charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for VPLS.

Performance

JSMD vs. VPLS - 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 Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, JSMD achieves a 18.04% return, which is significantly higher than VPLS's 0.90% return.

JSMD

• 1D: 0.29%
• 1M: 4.71%
• YTD: 18.04%
• 6M: 15.17%
• 1Y: 30.30%
• 3Y*: 17.13%
• 5Y*: 7.74%
• 10Y*: 13.65%

VPLS

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 1.11%
• YTD: 0.90%
• 6M: 1.35%
• 1Y: 5.65%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

JSMD vs. VPLS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
JSMD Janus Henderson Small/Mid Cap Growth Alpha ETF	18.04%	9.25%	15.08%	9.62%
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF	0.90%	7.86%	2.72%	2.83%

Correlation

The correlation between JSMD and VPLS is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.37
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 7, 2023	0.29

Return for Risk

JSMD vs. VPLS — Risk / Return Rank

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

JSMD

JSMD Risk / Return Rank: 35
JSMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
JSMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
JSMD Omega Ratio Rank: 32
JSMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
JSMD Martin Ratio Rank: 39

VPLS

VPLS Risk / Return Rank: 46
VPLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
VPLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
VPLS Omega Ratio Rank: 46
VPLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
VPLS Martin Ratio Rank: 43

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. VPLS - 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 Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS). 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	VPLS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.07	1.46	-0.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.55	2.16	-0.61
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.26	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.60	1.94	-0.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.42	6.12	-0.70

JSMD vs. VPLS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JSMD Sharpe Ratio is 1.07, which is comparable to the VPLS Sharpe Ratio of 1.46. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JSMD and VPLS, 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. VPLS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JSMD drawdown since its inception was -38.98%, which is greater than VPLS's maximum drawdown of -4.17%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JSMD and VPLS.

Drawdown Indicators

	JSMD	VPLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.98%	-4.17%	-34.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.86%	-2.72%	-12.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.01%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.18%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.98%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.17%	-0.95%	-0.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.47%	-1.01%	-6.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.43%	0.86%	+3.57%

Volatility

JSMD vs. VPLS - Volatility Comparison

Janus Henderson Small/Mid Cap Growth Alpha ETF (JSMD) has a higher volatility of 8.22% compared to Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS) at 1.28%. This indicates that JSMD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VPLS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JSMD	VPLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.22%	1.28%	+6.94%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.21%	2.75%	+14.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.48%	3.62%	+18.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.98%	4.60%	+18.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.82%	4.60%	+18.22%

JSMD vs. VPLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

JSMD has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than VPLS's 0.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

JSMD vs. VPLS - Dividend Comparison

JSMD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.47%, less than VPLS's 4.75% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
JSMD Janus Henderson Small/Mid Cap Growth Alpha ETF	0.47%	0.54%	0.76%	0.44%	0.40%	0.28%	0.24%	0.32%	0.53%	0.30%	0.36%
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF	4.75%	4.78%	4.52%	0.18%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JSMD and VPLS in my portfolio?

JSMD and VPLS have a correlation of 0.37, 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 VPLS?

JSMD has higher volatility (8.22%) compared to VPLS (1.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JSMD dropped -38.98% vs VPLS's -4.17%.

Which ETF is better, JSMD or VPLS?

On 1-year performance, JSMD leads with 30.30% vs 5.65% for VPLS. On fees, VPLS is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, VPLS has been the lower-risk option at 1.28%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JSMD or VPLS?

Over the 1-year period, JSMD has performed better with a 30.30% return vs 5.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JSMD or VPLS?

VPLS is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for JSMD.

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

VPLS has the higher dividend yield at 4.75%, compared with 0.47% for JSMD.

What is the main difference between JSMD and VPLS?

JSMD is categorized as Mid Cap Growth Equities, while VPLS is Intermediate Core-Plus Bond. They also come from different issuers: Janus Henderson and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for JSMD and 0.20% for VPLS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VPLS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.46 vs 1.07), 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.