NAESX vs. VBK

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

NAESX (Vanguard Small Cap Index Fund) and VBK (Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF) are both funds - NAESX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while VBK is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index. Over the past 10 years, NAESX returned 11.23%/yr vs 11.74%/yr for VBK. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. NAESX charges 0.17%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VBK.

Performance

NAESX vs. VBK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Small Cap Index Fund (NAESX) 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, NAESX achieves a 14.87% return, which is significantly lower than VBK's 17.41% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with NAESX having a 11.23% annualized return and VBK not far ahead at 11.74%.

NAESX

• 1D: 0.79%
• 1M: 4.22%
• YTD: 14.87%
• 6M: 14.82%
• 1Y: 29.50%
• 3Y*: 17.17%
• 5Y*: 7.21%
• 10Y*: 11.23%

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)

NAESX vs. VBK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NAESX Vanguard Small Cap Index Fund	14.87%	8.71%	12.83%	19.35%	-17.71%	17.60%	18.92%	27.22%	-9.44%	16.10%
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 NAESX and VBK is 0.95, 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2004	0.96

The correlation between NAESX and VBK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NAESX vs. VBK — Risk / Return Rank

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

NAESX

NAESX Risk / Return Rank: 54
NAESX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
NAESX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
NAESX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
NAESX Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
NAESX Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

NAESX vs. VBK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small Cap Index Fund (NAESX) 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.

	NAESX	VBK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.93	1.72	+0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.73	2.38	+0.35
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.29	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.49	2.88	+0.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.88	10.98	+1.91
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

NAESX vs. VBK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NAESX Sharpe Ratio is 1.93, which is comparable to the VBK Sharpe Ratio of 1.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NAESX 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

	NAESX	VBK	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.93	1.72	+0.21
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.35	0.24	+0.11
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.52	0.52	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.43	0.43	0.00

Drawdowns

NAESX vs. VBK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NAESX drawdown since its inception was -59.77%, roughly equal to the maximum VBK drawdown of -58.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NAESX and VBK.

Drawdown Indicators

	NAESX	VBK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.77%	-58.68%	-1.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.98%	-11.44%	+2.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.28%	-27.54%	+2.26%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.19%	-38.39%	+10.20%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.82%	-38.70%	-3.12%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.06%	+1.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.82%	-10.15%	-1.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.43%	2.99%	-0.56%

Volatility

NAESX vs. VBK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Small Cap Index Fund (NAESX) is 4.41%, while Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) has a volatility of 5.37%. This indicates that NAESX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VBK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NAESX	VBK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.41%	5.37%	-0.96%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.72%	14.62%	-2.90%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.27%	19.21%	-2.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.72%	23.48%	-2.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.60%	22.86%	-1.26%

NAESX vs. VBK - Expense Ratio Comparison

NAESX has a 0.17% expense ratio, which is higher than VBK's 0.07% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

NAESX vs. VBK - Dividend Comparison

NAESX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.08%, more than VBK's 0.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NAESX Vanguard Small Cap Index Fund	1.08%	1.22%	1.19%	1.43%	1.41%	1.12%	1.05%	1.27%	1.53%	1.24%	1.39%	1.35%
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 NAESX and VBK in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, NAESX 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, NAESX or VBK?

VBK has higher volatility (5.37%) compared to NAESX (4.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NAESX dropped -59.77% vs VBK's -58.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NAESX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.93 vs 1.72), 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.