MSOS vs. VB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MSOS (AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF) and VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. MSOS is actively managed, while VB is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, MSOS returned -35.03%/yr vs 7.11%/yr for VB. At a 0.35 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MSOS charges 0.74%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VB.

Performance

MSOS vs. VB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF (MSOS) and Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MSOS achieves a 0.42% return, which is significantly lower than VB's 14.16% return.

MSOS

• 1D: -6.14%
• 1M: -2.07%
• YTD: 0.42%
• 6M: 28.46%
• 1Y: 99.16%
• 3Y*: -4.01%
• 5Y*: -35.03%
• 10Y*: —

VB

• 1D: -0.65%
• 1M: 3.52%
• YTD: 14.16%
• 6M: 14.12%
• 1Y: 28.82%
• 3Y*: 17.05%
• 5Y*: 7.11%
• 10Y*: 11.30%

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

MSOS vs. VB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
MSOS AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF	0.42%	23.88%	-45.65%	0.29%	-72.68%	-29.69%	47.95%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	14.16%	8.87%	14.17%	18.22%	-17.51%	17.57%	21.13%

Correlation

The correlation between MSOS and VB is 0.30, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.30
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.26
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.33
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 3, 2020	0.35

MSOS vs. VB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MSOS	VB
Real Estate	50.2%	7.6%
Industrials	29.6%	20.8%
Consumer Cyclical	17.8%	11.3%
Healthcare	2.5%	11.1%
Basic Materials	-	4.8%
Communication Services	-	3.1%
Consumer Defensive	-	3.4%
Energy	-	4.7%
Financial Services	-	12.6%
Technology	-	17.2%
Utilities	-	3.3%

Return for Risk

MSOS vs. VB — Risk / Return Rank

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

MSOS

MSOS Risk / Return Rank: 32
MSOS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
MSOS Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
MSOS Omega Ratio Rank: 35
MSOS Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
MSOS Martin Ratio Rank: 26

VB

VB Risk / Return Rank: 56
VB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
VB Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
VB Omega Ratio Rank: 48
VB Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VB Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

MSOS vs. VB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF (MSOS) and Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB). 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.

	MSOS	VB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.89	1.78	-0.89
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.04	2.56	-0.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.31	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.88	3.22	-1.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.58	11.87	-8.29
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MSOS vs. VB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MSOS Sharpe Ratio is 0.89, which is lower than the VB Sharpe Ratio of 1.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MSOS and VB, 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

	MSOS	VB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.89	1.78	-0.89
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.45	0.34	-0.80
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.53	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.34	0.44	-0.78

Drawdowns

MSOS vs. VB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSOS drawdown since its inception was -96.25%, which is greater than VB's maximum drawdown of -59.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSOS and VB.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSOS	VB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-96.25%	-59.56%	-36.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-52.91%	-8.98%	-43.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-81.71%	-25.36%	-56.35%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-94.99%	-28.15%	-66.84%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.05%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-91.37%	-0.65%	-90.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-71.71%	-8.44%	-63.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	27.78%	2.43%	+25.35%

Volatility

MSOS vs. VB - Volatility Comparison

AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF (MSOS) has a higher volatility of 20.45% compared to Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) at 4.42%. This indicates that MSOS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MSOS	VB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	20.45%	4.42%	+16.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	80.61%	11.72%	+68.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	112.00%	16.28%	+95.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	77.81%	20.74%	+57.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	74.04%	21.42%	+52.62%

MSOS vs. VB - Expense Ratio Comparison

MSOS has a 0.74% expense ratio, which is higher than VB's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

MSOS vs. VB - Dividend Comparison

MSOS has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.19%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MSOS AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.27%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	1.19%	1.33%	1.30%	1.55%	1.59%	1.24%	1.14%	1.39%	1.67%	1.35%	1.50%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MSOS and VB in my portfolio?

MSOS and VB have a correlation of 0.30, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MSOS or VB?

MSOS has higher volatility (20.45%) compared to VB (4.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MSOS dropped -96.25% vs VB's -59.56%.

Which ETF is better, MSOS or VB?

On 5-year performance, VB leads with 7.11% vs -35.03% for MSOS. On fees, VB is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VB has been the lower-risk option at 4.42%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MSOS or VB?

Over the 5-year period, VB has performed better with a 7.11% return vs -35.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MSOS or VB?

VB is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.74% for MSOS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MSOS or VB?

VB has the higher dividend yield at 1.19%, compared with 0.00% for MSOS.

What is the main difference between MSOS and VB?

They also come from different issuers: AdvisorShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.74% for MSOS and 0.05% for VB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.78 vs 0.89), 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.