RZG vs. VBK

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

RZG (Invesco S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth ETF) and VBK (Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds - RZG tracks the S&P Small Cap 600 Pure Growth while VBK tracks the CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, RZG returned 10.92%/yr vs 12.20%/yr for VBK. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. RZG charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VBK.

Performance

RZG vs. VBK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth ETF (RZG) 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, RZG achieves a 27.72% return, which is significantly higher than VBK's 18.61% return. Over the past 10 years, RZG has underperformed VBK with an annualized return of 10.92%, while VBK has yielded a comparatively higher 12.20% annualized return.

RZG

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: 8.87%
• YTD: 27.72%
• 6M: 23.24%
• 1Y: 42.87%
• 3Y*: 20.44%
• 5Y*: 6.30%
• 10Y*: 10.92%

VBK

• 1D: 0.39%
• 1M: 3.11%
• YTD: 18.61%
• 6M: 15.14%
• 1Y: 33.39%
• 3Y*: 18.20%
• 5Y*: 5.09%
• 10Y*: 12.20%

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

RZG vs. VBK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RZG Invesco S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth ETF	27.72%	10.22%	9.84%	19.15%	-29.00%	21.01%	17.76%	14.25%	-8.70%	19.18%
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF	18.61%	8.50%	16.50%	21.45%	-28.44%	5.66%	35.44%	32.75%	-5.70%	21.87%

Correlation

The correlation between RZG 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 (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 7, 2006	0.87

The correlation between RZG and VBK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

RZG vs. VBK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RZG	VBK
Healthcare	22.7%	14.4%
Technology	18.4%	27.2%
Industrials	16.8%	24.6%
Financial Services	15.4%	5.4%
Consumer Cyclical	9.1%	7.9%
Real Estate	5.5%	3.5%
Consumer Defensive	5.4%	2.7%
Communication Services	3.5%	3.0%
Energy	2.7%	4.4%
Basic Materials	0.4%	2.7%
Utilities	0.4%	1.3%

Return for Risk

RZG vs. VBK — Risk / Return Rank

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

RZG

RZG Risk / Return Rank: 78
RZG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
RZG Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
RZG Omega Ratio Rank: 66
RZG Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
RZG Martin Ratio Rank: 85

VBK

VBK Risk / Return Rank: 53
VBK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
VBK Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
VBK Omega Ratio Rank: 45
VBK Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
VBK Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

RZG vs. VBK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth ETF (RZG) 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.

	RZG	VBK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.27	1.67	+0.60
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.28	2.30	+0.98
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.28	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.99	2.93	+2.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.87	10.98	+5.89

RZG vs. VBK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RZG Sharpe Ratio is 2.27, which is higher than the VBK Sharpe Ratio of 1.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RZG 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

RZG vs. VBK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RZG drawdown since its inception was -58.52%, roughly equal to the maximum VBK drawdown of -58.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RZG and VBK.

Drawdown Indicators

	RZG	VBK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.52%	-58.68%	+0.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.63%	-11.44%	+2.81%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.73%	-27.54%	+1.81%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.33%	-38.39%	+0.06%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-54.02%	-38.70%	-15.32%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.05%	+0.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.10%	-10.14%	-1.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.55%	3.05%	-0.50%

Volatility

RZG vs. VBK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth ETF (RZG) is 5.43%, while Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) has a volatility of 6.94%. This indicates that RZG 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

	RZG	VBK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.43%	6.94%	-1.51%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.15%	15.58%	-1.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.01%	20.07%	-1.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.04%	23.62%	-0.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.68%	22.94%	+1.74%

RZG vs. VBK - Expense Ratio Comparison

RZG has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than VBK's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

RZG vs. VBK - Dividend Comparison

RZG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.51%, more than VBK's 0.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RZG Invesco S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth ETF	0.44%	0.37%	0.95%	1.43%	1.59%	0.22%	0.49%	0.70%	0.46%	0.44%	0.65%	0.70%
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF	0.44%	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 RZG and VBK in my portfolio?

RZG 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, RZG or VBK?

VBK has higher volatility (6.94%) compared to RZG (5.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RZG dropped -58.52% vs VBK's -58.68%.

Which ETF is better, RZG or VBK?

On 10-year performance, VBK leads with 12.20% vs 10.92% for RZG. On fees, VBK is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, RZG has been the lower-risk option at 5.43%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RZG or VBK?

Over the 10-year period, VBK has performed better with a 12.20% return vs 10.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RZG or VBK?

VBK is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for RZG.

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

RZG has the higher dividend yield at 0.51%, compared with 0.44% for VBK.

What is the main difference between RZG and VBK?

RZG tracks S&P Small Cap 600 Pure Growth, while VBK tracks CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for RZG and 0.05% for VBK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RZG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.27 vs 1.67), 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.