SAMIX vs. VBR

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SAMIX (Saratoga Moderately Aggressive Balanced Allocation Portfolio) and VBR (Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF) are both funds - SAMIX is a Diversified Portfolio fund managed by Saratoga, while VBR is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Value Index. Over the past 5 years, SAMIX returned 7.56%/yr vs 8.85%/yr for VBR. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SAMIX charges 0.99%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VBR.

Performance

SAMIX vs. VBR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Saratoga Moderately Aggressive Balanced Allocation Portfolio (SAMIX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SAMIX achieves a 6.56% return, which is significantly lower than VBR's 13.42% return.

SAMIX

• 1D: 1.10%
• 1M: 2.56%
• YTD: 6.56%
• 6M: 5.60%
• 1Y: 16.05%
• 3Y*: 12.89%
• 5Y*: 7.56%
• 10Y*: —

VBR

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: 2.65%
• YTD: 13.42%
• 6M: 11.41%
• 1Y: 27.72%
• 3Y*: 16.95%
• 5Y*: 8.85%
• 10Y*: 11.02%

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

SAMIX vs. VBR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SAMIX Saratoga Moderately Aggressive Balanced Allocation Portfolio	6.56%	12.60%	11.53%	13.68%	-10.56%	14.08%	9.36%	17.88%	-7.54%	0.00%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	13.42%	9.09%	12.40%	16.00%	-9.38%	28.08%	5.90%	22.78%	-12.28%	-0.59%

Correlation

The correlation between SAMIX and VBR is 0.83, 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	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 29, 2017	0.86

The correlation between SAMIX and VBR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SAMIX vs. VBR — Risk / Return Rank

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

SAMIX

SAMIX Risk / Return Rank: 38
SAMIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
SAMIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
SAMIX Omega Ratio Rank: 34
SAMIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
SAMIX Martin Ratio Rank: 49

VBR

VBR Risk / Return Rank: 59
VBR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
VBR Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
VBR Omega Ratio Rank: 52
VBR Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
VBR 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.

SAMIX vs. VBR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Saratoga Moderately Aggressive Balanced Allocation Portfolio (SAMIX) 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.

	SAMIX	VBR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.61	1.82	-0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.32	2.67	-0.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.31	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.21	3.14	-0.94
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.50	11.11	-1.61

SAMIX vs. VBR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SAMIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.61, which is comparable to the VBR Sharpe Ratio of 1.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SAMIX and VBR, 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

SAMIX vs. VBR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SAMIX drawdown since its inception was -26.06%, smaller than the maximum VBR drawdown of -61.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SAMIX and VBR.

Drawdown Indicators

	SAMIX	VBR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.06%	-61.98%	+35.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.29%	-8.85%	+1.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.90%	-24.19%	+11.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.54%	-24.19%	+8.65%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-45.28%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.08%	-1.03%	+0.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.78%	-8.25%	+4.47%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.69%	2.50%	-0.81%

Volatility

SAMIX vs. VBR - Volatility Comparison

Saratoga Moderately Aggressive Balanced Allocation Portfolio (SAMIX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) have volatilities of 3.98% and 3.97%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SAMIX	VBR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.98%	3.97%	+0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.13%	10.66%	-2.53%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.03%	15.33%	-5.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.20%	19.73%	-8.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.68%	21.75%	-9.07%

SAMIX vs. VBR - Expense Ratio Comparison

SAMIX has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is higher than VBR's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

SAMIX vs. VBR - Dividend Comparison

SAMIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.63%, more than VBR's 1.73% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SAMIX Saratoga Moderately Aggressive Balanced Allocation Portfolio	9.63%	10.26%	3.60%	2.78%	5.82%	8.13%	1.66%	2.44%	3.03%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	1.73%	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

Can I hold both SAMIX and VBR in my portfolio?

SAMIX and VBR have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SAMIX or VBR?

SAMIX has higher volatility (3.98%) compared to VBR (3.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SAMIX dropped -26.06% vs VBR's -61.98%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.82 vs 1.61), 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.