QSML vs. VBK

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

QSML (Wisdomtree U.S. Smallcap Quality Growth Fund) and VBK (Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds - QSML tracks the WisdomTree US SmallCap Quality Growth Index - Benchmark TR Gross while VBK tracks the CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, QSML returned 21.62% vs 32.77% for VBK. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QSML charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VBK.

Performance

QSML vs. VBK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Wisdomtree U.S. Smallcap Quality Growth Fund (QSML) 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, QSML achieves a 8.06% return, which is significantly lower than VBK's 17.41% return.

QSML

• 1D: -0.96%
• 1M: 2.05%
• YTD: 8.06%
• 6M: 7.79%
• 1Y: 21.62%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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)

QSML vs. VBK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
QSML Wisdomtree U.S. Smallcap Quality Growth Fund	8.06%	5.49%	10.38%
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF	17.41%	8.50%	18.84%

Correlation

The correlation between QSML and VBK is 0.86, 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	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 26, 2024	0.90

The correlation between QSML and VBK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

QSML vs. VBK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QSML	VBK
Technology	18.4%	25.9%
Industrials	17.9%	24.7%
Consumer Cyclical	16.2%	9.6%
Financial Services	13.2%	5.6%
Healthcare	10.4%	15.3%
Energy	9.5%	4.8%
Consumer Defensive	7.4%	2.4%
Communication Services	3.3%	3.5%
Basic Materials	3.2%	3.2%
Real Estate	0.3%	3.9%
Utilities	0.2%	1.2%

Return for Risk

QSML vs. VBK — Risk / Return Rank

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

QSML

QSML Risk / Return Rank: 37
QSML Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
QSML Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
QSML Omega Ratio Rank: 32
QSML Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
QSML Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

QSML vs. VBK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Wisdomtree U.S. Smallcap Quality Growth Fund (QSML) 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.

	QSML	VBK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.25	1.72	-0.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.92	2.38	-0.46
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.29	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.03	2.88	-0.85
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.71	10.98	-4.27
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

QSML vs. VBK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QSML Sharpe Ratio is 1.25, which is comparable to the VBK Sharpe Ratio of 1.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QSML 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

	QSML	VBK	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.25	1.72	-0.47
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.24	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.52	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.49	0.43	+0.07

Drawdowns

QSML vs. VBK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QSML drawdown since its inception was -28.54%, smaller than the maximum VBK drawdown of -58.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QSML and VBK.

Drawdown Indicators

	QSML	VBK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.54%	-58.68%	+30.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.72%	-11.44%	+0.72%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-27.54%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-38.39%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-38.70%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.10%	-1.06%	-0.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.98%	-10.15%	+4.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.23%	2.99%	+0.24%

Volatility

QSML vs. VBK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Wisdomtree U.S. Smallcap Quality Growth Fund (QSML) is 4.35%, while Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) has a volatility of 5.37%. This indicates that QSML 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

	QSML	VBK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.35%	5.37%	-1.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.86%	14.62%	-2.76%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.46%	19.21%	-1.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.86%	23.48%	-2.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.86%	22.86%	-2.00%

QSML vs. VBK - Expense Ratio Comparison

QSML has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is higher than VBK's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

QSML vs. VBK - Dividend Comparison

QSML's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.58%, more than VBK's 0.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QSML Wisdomtree U.S. Smallcap Quality Growth Fund	0.58%	0.62%	0.32%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	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 QSML and VBK in my portfolio?

QSML and VBK have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QSML or VBK?

VBK has higher volatility (5.37%) compared to QSML (4.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QSML dropped -28.54% vs VBK's -58.68%.

Which ETF is better, QSML or VBK?

On 1-year performance, VBK leads with 32.77% vs 21.62% for QSML. On fees, VBK is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, QSML has been the lower-risk option at 4.35%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QSML or VBK?

Over the 1-year period, VBK has performed better with a 32.77% return vs 21.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QSML or VBK?

VBK is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for QSML.

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

QSML has the higher dividend yield at 0.58%, compared with 0.45% for VBK.

What is the main difference between QSML and VBK?

QSML tracks WisdomTree US SmallCap Quality Growth Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while VBK tracks CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for QSML and 0.07% for VBK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.72 vs 1.25), 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.