SMMD vs. VBK

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

SMMD (iShares Russell 2500 ETF) and VBK (Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds - SMMD tracks the Russell 2500 Index while VBK tracks the CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SMMD returned 7.64%/yr vs 4.61%/yr for VBK. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SMMD charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VBK.

Performance

SMMD vs. VBK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Russell 2500 ETF (SMMD) 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, SMMD achieves a 20.43% return, which is significantly higher than VBK's 17.44% return.

SMMD

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: 3.50%
• YTD: 20.43%
• 6M: 17.74%
• 1Y: 35.27%
• 3Y*: 19.14%
• 5Y*: 7.64%
• 10Y*: —

VBK

• 1D: 0.58%
• 1M: 2.09%
• YTD: 17.44%
• 6M: 14.49%
• 1Y: 29.30%
• 3Y*: 17.81%
• 5Y*: 4.61%
• 10Y*: 12.09%

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

SMMD vs. VBK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SMMD iShares Russell 2500 ETF	20.43%	11.72%	11.87%	17.71%	-18.53%	18.30%	19.98%	28.01%	-10.58%	11.27%
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF	17.44%	8.50%	16.50%	21.45%	-28.44%	5.66%	35.44%	32.75%	-5.70%	12.22%

Correlation

The correlation between SMMD and VBK is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 7, 2017	0.91

The correlation between SMMD and VBK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

SMMD vs. VBK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SMMD	VBK
Technology	22.7%	27.2%
Industrials	21.5%	24.6%
Financial Services	12.8%	5.4%
Healthcare	10.9%	14.4%
Consumer Cyclical	9.9%	7.9%
Real Estate	6.1%	3.5%
Energy	4.4%	4.4%
Basic Materials	4.0%	2.7%
Consumer Defensive	2.7%	2.7%
Utilities	2.6%	1.3%
Communication Services	1.9%	3.0%

Return for Risk

SMMD vs. VBK — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMMD

SMMD Risk / Return Rank: 72
SMMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
SMMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
SMMD Omega Ratio Rank: 63
SMMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
SMMD Martin Ratio Rank: 79

VBK

VBK Risk / Return Rank: 50
VBK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
VBK Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
VBK Omega Ratio Rank: 42
VBK Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
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.

SMMD vs. VBK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Russell 2500 ETF (SMMD) 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.

	SMMD	VBK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.00	1.47	+0.53
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.80	2.06	+0.74
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.25	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.67	2.57	+1.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.89	9.63	+4.26

SMMD vs. VBK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMMD Sharpe Ratio is 2.00, which is higher than the VBK Sharpe Ratio of 1.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMMD 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

SMMD vs. VBK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMMD drawdown since its inception was -41.06%, smaller than the maximum VBK drawdown of -58.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMMD and VBK.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMMD	VBK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.06%	-58.68%	+17.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.66%	-11.44%	+1.78%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.50%	-27.54%	+2.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.26%	-38.39%	+10.13%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-38.70%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.13%	-1.04%	-0.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.32%	-10.13%	+1.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.55%	3.05%	-0.50%

Volatility

SMMD vs. VBK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Russell 2500 ETF (SMMD) is 5.93%, while Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) has a volatility of 7.08%. This indicates that SMMD 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

	SMMD	VBK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.93%	7.08%	-1.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.36%	15.55%	-2.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.75%	20.10%	-2.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.91%	23.63%	-2.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.37%	22.91%	-0.54%

SMMD vs. VBK - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMMD has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is higher than VBK's 0.05% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

SMMD vs. VBK - Dividend Comparison

SMMD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.07%, more than VBK's 0.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SMMD iShares Russell 2500 ETF	1.07%	1.28%	1.27%	1.44%	1.79%	1.12%	1.31%	1.50%	2.45%	0.68%	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 SMMD and VBK in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, SMMD and VBK move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, SMMD or VBK?

VBK has higher volatility (7.08%) compared to SMMD (5.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMMD dropped -41.06% vs VBK's -58.68%.

Which ETF is better, SMMD or VBK?

On 5-year performance, SMMD leads with 7.64% vs 4.61% for VBK. On fees, VBK is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, SMMD has been the lower-risk option at 5.93%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMMD or VBK?

Over the 5-year period, SMMD has performed better with a 7.64% return vs 4.61%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMMD or VBK?

VBK is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.15% for SMMD.

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

SMMD has the higher dividend yield at 1.07%, compared with 0.45% for VBK.

What is the main difference between SMMD and VBK?

SMMD tracks Russell 2500 Index, while VBK tracks CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for SMMD and 0.05% for VBK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMMD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.00 vs 1.47), 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.