RAYS vs. VBR

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

RAYS (Global X Solar ETF) and VBR (Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - RAYS is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Solactive Solar Index, while VBR is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Value Index. Both are passively managed. RAYS charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VBR.

Performance

RAYS vs. VBR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Solar ETF (RAYS) and Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

RAYS

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.00%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VBR

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: 4.91%
• YTD: 14.60%
• 6M: 12.92%
• 1Y: 27.94%
• 3Y*: 16.09%
• 5Y*: 8.36%
• 10Y*: 10.99%

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

RAYS vs. VBR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
RAYS Global X Solar ETF	0.00%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	7.06%

RAYS vs. VBR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RAYS	VBR
Technology	66.9%	10.6%
Industrials	21.4%	18.1%
Utilities	6.8%	4.8%
Consumer Cyclical	4.0%	12.4%
Basic Materials	0.9%	6.3%
Communication Services	-	2.5%
Consumer Defensive	-	4.0%
Energy	-	5.2%
Financial Services	-	17.6%
Healthcare	-	7.9%
Real Estate	-	10.1%

Return for Risk

RAYS vs. VBR — Risk / Return Rank

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

RAYS

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

VBR

VBR Risk / Return Rank: 67
VBR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VBR Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VBR Omega Ratio Rank: 59
VBR Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
VBR Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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.

RAYS vs. VBR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Solar ETF (RAYS) and Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR). 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.

	RAYS	VBR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.83	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.67	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.31	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	3.17	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	11.22	—

Drawdowns

RAYS vs. VBR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RAYS drawdown since its inception was 0.00%, smaller than the maximum VBR drawdown of -61.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RAYS and VBR.

Drawdown Indicators

	RAYS	VBR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	0.00%	-61.98%	+61.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-8.85%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-24.19%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.19%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-45.28%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	0.00%	-8.26%	+8.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.50%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	RAYS	VBR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.43%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	10.65%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.00%	15.36%	-15.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	0.00%	19.79%	-19.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	0.00%	21.74%	-21.74%

RAYS vs. VBR - Expense Ratio Comparison

RAYS has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than VBR's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

RAYS vs. VBR - Dividend Comparison

RAYS has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VBR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.71%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RAYS Global X Solar ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	1.71%	1.95%	1.98%	2.12%	2.03%	1.75%	1.68%	2.06%	2.35%	1.79%	1.77%	1.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which ETF is better, RAYS or VBR?

On fees, VBR is cheaper at 0.05% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, RAYS or VBR?

VBR is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for RAYS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RAYS or VBR?

VBR has the higher dividend yield at 1.71%, compared with 0.00% for RAYS.

What is the main difference between RAYS and VBR?

RAYS is categorized as Alternative Energy Equities, while VBR is Small Cap Value Equities. RAYS tracks Solactive Solar Index, while VBR tracks CRSP US Small Cap Value Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for RAYS and 0.05% for VBR.