JSML vs. VBK

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

JSML (Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF) and VBK (Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds - JSML tracks the Janus Small Cap Growth Alpha Index while VBK tracks the CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, JSML returned 12.88%/yr vs 11.74%/yr for VBK. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. JSML charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VBK.

Performance

JSML vs. VBK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF (JSML) 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, JSML achieves a 19.06% return, which is significantly higher than VBK's 17.41% return. Over the past 10 years, JSML has outperformed VBK with an annualized return of 12.88%, while VBK has yielded a comparatively lower 11.74% 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%

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)

JSML vs. VBK - 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%
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 JSML and VBK 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	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 26, 2016	0.87

The correlation between JSML and VBK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

JSML vs. VBK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	JSML	VBK
Technology	24.8%	25.9%
Industrials	23.4%	24.7%
Healthcare	20.9%	15.3%
Financial Services	9.2%	5.6%
Consumer Cyclical	5.8%	9.6%
Real Estate	3.4%	3.9%
Basic Materials	2.9%	3.2%
Consumer Defensive	2.6%	2.4%
Energy	2.2%	4.8%
Communication Services	2.1%	3.5%
Utilities	-	1.2%

Return for Risk

JSML vs. VBK — 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

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.

JSML vs. VBK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF (JSML) 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.

	JSML	VBK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.57	1.72	-0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.21	2.38	-0.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.29	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.28	2.88	-0.60
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.08	10.98	-2.89
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. VBK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JSML Sharpe Ratio is 1.57, which is comparable to the VBK Sharpe Ratio of 1.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JSML 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

	JSML	VBK	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.57	1.72	-0.15
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.25	0.24	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53	0.52	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.56	0.43	+0.13

Drawdowns

JSML vs. VBK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JSML drawdown since its inception was -39.65%, smaller than the maximum VBK drawdown of -58.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JSML and VBK.

Drawdown Indicators

	JSML	VBK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.65%	-58.68%	+19.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.84%	-11.44%	-3.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.60%	-27.54%	+1.94%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.91%	-38.39%	+0.48%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.65%	-38.70%	-0.95%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.84%	-1.06%	+0.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.86%	-10.15%	-0.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.17%	2.99%	+1.18%

Volatility

JSML vs. VBK - Volatility Comparison

Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF (JSML) has a higher volatility of 7.49% compared to Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) at 5.37%. This indicates that JSML's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VBK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JSML	VBK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.49%	5.37%	+2.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.94%	14.62%	+1.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.56%	19.21%	+2.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.34%	23.48%	+0.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.27%	22.86%	+1.41%

JSML vs. VBK - Expense Ratio Comparison

JSML has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than VBK's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

JSML vs. VBK - Dividend Comparison

JSML's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.80%, more than VBK's 0.45% 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%
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 JSML and VBK in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, JSML 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, JSML or VBK?

JSML has higher volatility (7.49%) compared to VBK (5.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JSML dropped -39.65% vs VBK's -58.68%.

Which ETF is better, JSML or VBK?

On 10-year performance, JSML leads with 12.88% vs 11.74% for VBK. On fees, VBK is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, VBK has been the lower-risk option at 5.37%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JSML or VBK?

Over the 10-year period, JSML has performed better with a 12.88% return vs 11.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JSML or VBK?

VBK is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for JSML.

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

JSML has the higher dividend yield at 0.80%, compared with 0.45% for VBK.

What is the main difference between JSML and VBK?

JSML tracks Janus Small Cap Growth Alpha Index, while VBK tracks CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Janus Henderson and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for JSML and 0.07% for VBK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.72 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.