PSC vs. VBK

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PSC (Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF) and VBK (Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PSC is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq US Small Cap Select Leaders TR Index, while VBK is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, PSC returned 8.77%/yr vs 4.59%/yr for VBK. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PSC charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VBK.

Performance

PSC vs. VBK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF (PSC) 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, PSC achieves a 17.73% return, which is significantly higher than VBK's 16.76% return.

PSC

• 1D: -0.58%
• 1M: 5.16%
• YTD: 17.73%
• 6M: 15.20%
• 1Y: 31.66%
• 3Y*: 19.46%
• 5Y*: 8.77%
• 10Y*: —

VBK

• 1D: -1.56%
• 1M: 1.50%
• YTD: 16.76%
• 6M: 13.90%
• 1Y: 30.40%
• 3Y*: 17.58%
• 5Y*: 4.59%
• 10Y*: 12.03%

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

PSC vs. VBK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PSC Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF	17.73%	13.41%	12.38%	18.51%	-15.91%	32.56%	13.30%	18.99%	-11.35%	15.93%
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF	16.76%	8.50%	16.50%	21.45%	-28.44%	5.66%	35.44%	32.75%	-5.70%	21.87%

Correlation

The correlation between PSC 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	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2016	0.79

The correlation between PSC and VBK shifts across timeframes, from 0.79 (all time) to 0.92 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

PSC vs. VBK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PSC	VBK
Technology	20.3%	27.2%
Financial Services	17.2%	5.4%
Industrials	16.9%	24.6%
Healthcare	15.8%	14.4%
Consumer Cyclical	8.2%	7.9%
Energy	5.6%	4.4%
Real Estate	4.5%	3.5%
Basic Materials	4.2%	2.7%
Utilities	2.7%	1.3%
Communication Services	2.3%	3.0%
Consumer Defensive	2.2%	2.7%

Return for Risk

PSC vs. VBK — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSC

PSC Risk / Return Rank: 57
PSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
PSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
PSC Omega Ratio Rank: 47
PSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
PSC Martin Ratio Rank: 65

VBK

VBK Risk / Return Rank: 49
VBK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
VBK Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
VBK Omega Ratio Rank: 41
VBK Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VBK Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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.

PSC vs. VBK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF (PSC) 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.

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.

	PSC	VBK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.68	1.52	+0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.40	2.12	+0.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.26	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.20	2.67	+0.53
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.15	9.99	+1.16

PSC vs. VBK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSC Sharpe Ratio is 1.68, which is comparable to the VBK Sharpe Ratio of 1.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSC 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.

Drawdowns

PSC vs. VBK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSC drawdown since its inception was -46.69%, smaller than the maximum VBK drawdown of -58.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSC and VBK.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSC	VBK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.69%	-58.68%	+11.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.95%	-11.44%	+1.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.49%	-27.54%	+4.05%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.86%	-38.39%	+12.53%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-38.70%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.58%	-1.61%	+1.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.23%	-10.13%	+1.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.85%	3.05%	-0.20%

Volatility

PSC vs. VBK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF (PSC) is 5.38%, while Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) has a volatility of 7.13%. This indicates that PSC 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

	PSC	VBK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.38%	7.13%	-1.75%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.32%	15.65%	-2.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.96%	20.10%	-1.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.02%	23.63%	-2.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.28%	22.91%	+0.37%

PSC vs. VBK - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSC has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is higher than VBK's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSC vs. VBK - Dividend Comparison

PSC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.57%, more than VBK's 0.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PSC Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF	0.57%	0.67%	0.75%	0.73%	1.92%	1.45%	1.25%	1.47%	1.30%	0.95%	0.35%	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 PSC and VBK in my portfolio?

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

VBK has higher volatility (7.13%) compared to PSC (5.38%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSC dropped -46.69% vs VBK's -58.68%.

Which ETF is better, PSC or VBK?

On 5-year performance, PSC leads with 8.77% vs 4.59% for VBK. On fees, VBK is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, PSC has been the lower-risk option at 5.38%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSC or VBK?

Over the 5-year period, PSC has performed better with a 8.77% return vs 4.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSC or VBK?

VBK is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for PSC.

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

PSC has the higher dividend yield at 0.57%, compared with 0.45% for VBK.

What is the main difference between PSC and VBK?

PSC is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while VBK is Small Cap Growth Equities. PSC tracks Nasdaq US Small Cap Select Leaders TR Index, while VBK tracks CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Principal and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for PSC and 0.05% for VBK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PSC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.68 vs 1.52), 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.