PXF vs. VB

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

PXF (Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. ETF) and VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PXF is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. Index, while VB is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PXF returned 11.69%/yr vs 11.18%/yr for VB. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PXF charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VB.

Performance

PXF vs. VB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. ETF (PXF) 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, PXF achieves a 16.56% return, which is significantly higher than VB's 12.60% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with PXF having a 11.69% annualized return and VB not far behind at 11.18%.

PXF

• 1D: 0.90%
• 1M: -0.60%
• YTD: 16.56%
• 6M: 20.08%
• 1Y: 38.53%
• 3Y*: 23.53%
• 5Y*: 12.81%
• 10Y*: 11.69%

VB

• 1D: 0.40%
• 1M: 0.41%
• YTD: 12.60%
• 6M: 12.39%
• 1Y: 25.97%
• 3Y*: 15.91%
• 5Y*: 6.58%
• 10Y*: 11.18%

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

PXF vs. VB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PXF Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. ETF	16.56%	42.51%	4.54%	18.46%	-9.09%	15.93%	2.58%	17.50%	-14.84%	24.52%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	12.60%	8.87%	14.17%	18.22%	-17.51%	17.57%	19.19%	27.34%	-9.34%	16.26%

Correlation

The correlation between PXF and VB is 0.69, 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	0.69
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 26, 2007	0.74

The correlation between PXF and VB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.69 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

PXF vs. VB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PXF	VB
Financial Services	19.7%	12.6%
Industrials	15.1%	20.8%
Technology	11.4%	17.2%
Energy	10.6%	4.7%
Consumer Cyclical	10.2%	11.3%
Basic Materials	10.1%	4.8%
Healthcare	7.2%	11.1%
Consumer Defensive	6.1%	3.4%
Communication Services	4.3%	3.1%
Utilities	3.6%	3.3%
Real Estate	1.8%	7.6%

Return for Risk

PXF vs. VB — Risk / Return Rank

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

PXF

PXF Risk / Return Rank: 80
PXF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
PXF Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
PXF Omega Ratio Rank: 82
PXF Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
PXF Martin Ratio Rank: 78

VB

VB Risk / Return Rank: 56
VB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
VB Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
VB Omega Ratio Rank: 49
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.

PXF vs. VB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. ETF (PXF) 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.

	PXF	VB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.46	1.59	+0.87
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.19	2.28	+0.91
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.28	+0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.55	2.91	+0.64
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.49	10.66	+2.83
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PXF vs. VB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PXF Sharpe Ratio is 2.46, which is higher than the VB Sharpe Ratio of 1.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PXF 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

	PXF	VB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.46	1.59	+0.87
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78	0.32	+0.46
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.65	0.52	+0.13
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.23	0.44	-0.21

Drawdowns

PXF vs. VB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PXF drawdown since its inception was -64.74%, which is greater than VB's maximum drawdown of -59.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PXF and VB.

Drawdown Indicators

	PXF	VB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.74%	-59.56%	-5.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.91%	-8.98%	-1.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.06%	-25.36%	+11.30%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.82%	-28.15%	+1.33%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.59%	-42.05%	+0.46%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.88%	-2.04%	-1.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.26%	-8.43%	-6.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.86%	2.44%	+0.42%

Volatility

PXF vs. VB - Volatility Comparison

Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. ETF (PXF) has a higher volatility of 6.06% compared to Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) at 4.62%. This indicates that PXF'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

	PXF	VB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.06%	4.62%	+1.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.53%	11.97%	+1.56%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.80%	16.45%	-0.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.54%	20.77%	-4.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.07%	21.44%	-3.37%

PXF vs. VB - Expense Ratio Comparison

PXF has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than VB's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

PXF vs. VB - Dividend Comparison

PXF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.18%, more than VB's 1.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PXF Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. ETF	3.18%	3.64%	3.48%	3.55%	3.58%	3.74%	2.11%	3.50%	3.38%	2.78%	3.21%	3.10%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	1.21%	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 PXF and VB in my portfolio?

PXF and VB have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PXF or VB?

PXF has higher volatility (6.06%) compared to VB (4.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PXF dropped -64.74% vs VB's -59.56%.

Which ETF is better, PXF or VB?

On 10-year performance, PXF leads with 11.69% vs 11.18% for VB. On fees, VB is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VB has been the lower-risk option at 4.62%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PXF or VB?

Over the 10-year period, PXF has performed better with a 11.69% return vs 11.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PXF or VB?

VB is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for PXF.

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

PXF has the higher dividend yield at 3.18%, compared with 1.21% for VB.

What is the main difference between PXF and VB?

PXF is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while VB is Small Cap Blend Equities. PXF tracks FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. Index, while VB tracks CRSP US Small Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for PXF and 0.05% for VB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PXF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.46 vs 1.59), 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.