JSML vs. PBW

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

JSML (Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF) and PBW (Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds - JSML tracks the Janus Small Cap Growth Alpha Index while PBW tracks the The WilderHill Clean Energy Index (AMEX). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, JSML returned 12.88%/yr vs 11.06%/yr for PBW. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. JSML charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.61%/yr for PBW.

Performance

JSML vs. PBW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF (JSML) and Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF (PBW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, JSML achieves a 19.06% return, which is significantly lower than PBW's 48.64% return. Over the past 10 years, JSML has outperformed PBW with an annualized return of 12.88%, while PBW has yielded a comparatively lower 11.06% annualized return.

JSML

• 1D: -0.84%
• 1M: 7.59%
• YTD: 19.06%
• 6M: 17.83%
• 1Y: 33.64%
• 3Y*: 18.71%
• 5Y*: 6.09%
• 10Y*: 12.88%

PBW

• 1D: -3.49%
• 1M: 18.16%
• YTD: 48.64%
• 6M: 46.91%
• 1Y: 151.19%
• 3Y*: 8.19%
• 5Y*: -10.05%
• 10Y*: 11.06%

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

JSML vs. PBW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
JSML Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF	19.06%	13.41%	12.45%	30.09%	-29.40%	3.08%	35.38%	32.50%	-2.53%	20.93%
PBW Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF	48.64%	53.96%	-30.77%	-20.03%	-44.55%	-29.86%	204.82%	62.58%	-14.11%	39.92%

Correlation

The correlation between JSML and PBW is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.72
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 26, 2016	0.71

The correlation between JSML and PBW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

JSML vs. PBW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	JSML	PBW
Technology	24.8%	14.3%
Industrials	23.4%	34.3%
Healthcare	20.9%	-
Financial Services	9.2%	1.4%
Consumer Cyclical	5.8%	13.9%
Real Estate	3.4%	-
Basic Materials	2.9%	16.4%
Consumer Defensive	2.6%	1.1%
Energy	2.2%	12.3%
Communication Services	2.1%	-
Utilities	-	6.3%

Return for Risk

JSML vs. PBW — Risk / Return Rank

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

JSML

JSML Risk / Return Rank: 45
JSML Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
JSML Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
JSML Omega Ratio Rank: 42
JSML Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
JSML Martin Ratio Rank: 48

PBW

PBW Risk / Return Rank: 88
PBW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
PBW Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
PBW Omega Ratio Rank: 79
PBW Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
PBW Martin Ratio Rank: 88

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.

JSML vs. PBW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF (JSML) and Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF (PBW). 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.

	JSML	PBW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.57	3.77	-2.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.21	3.92	-1.72
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.48	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.28	7.16	-4.88
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.08	19.88	-11.79
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

JSML vs. PBW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JSML Sharpe Ratio is 1.57, which is lower than the PBW Sharpe Ratio of 3.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JSML and PBW, 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

	JSML	PBW	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.57	3.77	-2.20
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.25	-0.24	+0.49
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53	0.29	+0.25
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.56	-0.03	+0.59

Drawdowns

JSML vs. PBW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JSML drawdown since its inception was -39.65%, smaller than the maximum PBW drawdown of -89.02%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JSML and PBW.

Drawdown Indicators

	JSML	PBW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.65%	-89.02%	+49.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.84%	-21.24%	+6.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.60%	-68.04%	+42.44%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.91%	-84.50%	+46.59%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.65%	-89.02%	+49.37%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.84%	-62.54%	+61.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.86%	-62.91%	+52.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.17%	7.64%	-3.47%

Volatility

JSML vs. PBW - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF (JSML) is 7.49%, while Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF (PBW) has a volatility of 13.35%. This indicates that JSML experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PBW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JSML	PBW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.49%	13.35%	-5.86%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.94%	28.20%	-12.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.56%	40.48%	-18.92%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.34%	42.91%	-18.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.27%	38.76%	-14.49%

JSML vs. PBW - Expense Ratio Comparison

JSML has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than PBW's 0.61% expense ratio.

Dividends

JSML vs. PBW - Dividend Comparison

JSML's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.80%, more than PBW's 0.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
JSML Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF	0.80%	0.94%	1.19%	0.49%	0.67%	0.46%	0.30%	0.27%	0.76%	0.42%	0.52%	0.00%
PBW Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF	0.60%	0.79%	2.84%	3.68%	4.21%	1.71%	0.44%	1.45%	2.04%	1.28%	2.68%	1.53%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JSML and PBW in my portfolio?

JSML and PBW have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, JSML or PBW?

PBW has higher volatility (13.35%) compared to JSML (7.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JSML dropped -39.65% vs PBW's -89.02%.

Which ETF is better, JSML or PBW?

On 10-year performance, JSML leads with 12.88% vs 11.06% for PBW. On fees, JSML is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, JSML has been the lower-risk option at 7.49%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JSML or PBW?

Over the 10-year period, JSML has performed better with a 12.88% return vs 11.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JSML or PBW?

JSML is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.61% for PBW.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, JSML or PBW?

JSML has the higher dividend yield at 0.80%, compared with 0.60% for PBW.

What is the main difference between JSML and PBW?

JSML tracks Janus Small Cap Growth Alpha Index, while PBW tracks The WilderHill Clean Energy Index (AMEX). They also come from different issuers: Janus Henderson and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for JSML and 0.61% for PBW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PBW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.77 vs 1.57), 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.