SVAL vs. VGK

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SVAL (iShares US Small Cap Value Factor ETF) and VGK (Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SVAL is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Focused Value Select Index, while VGK is a Europe Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed Europe All Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SVAL returned 6.47%/yr vs 8.24%/yr for VGK. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SVAL charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for VGK.

Performance

SVAL vs. VGK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares US Small Cap Value Factor ETF (SVAL) and Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SVAL achieves a 15.99% return, which is significantly higher than VGK's 5.62% return.

SVAL

• 1D: -1.51%
• 1M: 2.08%
• YTD: 15.99%
• 6M: 15.39%
• 1Y: 34.88%
• 3Y*: 17.30%
• 5Y*: 6.47%
• 10Y*: —

VGK

• 1D: -1.19%
• 1M: 2.79%
• YTD: 5.62%
• 6M: 8.66%
• 1Y: 18.01%
• 3Y*: 16.32%
• 5Y*: 8.24%
• 10Y*: 9.26%

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

SVAL vs. VGK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
SVAL iShares US Small Cap Value Factor ETF	15.99%	8.23%	7.54%	12.27%	-10.15%	33.18%	27.93%
VGK Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF	5.62%	35.83%	1.88%	20.19%	-15.98%	16.89%	21.84%

Correlation

The correlation between SVAL and VGK is 0.64, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.58
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.63
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 30, 2020	0.62

The correlation between SVAL and VGK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.58 to 0.64 - a consistent structural relationship.

SVAL vs. VGK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SVAL	VGK
Financial Services	23.7%	23.9%
Industrials	15.8%	19.5%
Consumer Cyclical	13.7%	6.8%
Technology	10.7%	8.3%
Healthcare	10.3%	12.1%
Energy	7.7%	5.3%
Basic Materials	6.1%	5.4%
Consumer Defensive	4.1%	8.5%
Utilities	3.3%	4.8%
Real Estate	2.7%	1.5%
Communication Services	1.8%	3.3%

Return for Risk

SVAL vs. VGK — Risk / Return Rank

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

SVAL

SVAL Risk / Return Rank: 64
SVAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
SVAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
SVAL Omega Ratio Rank: 56
SVAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
SVAL Martin Ratio Rank: 67

VGK

VGK Risk / Return Rank: 31
VGK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
VGK Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
VGK Omega Ratio Rank: 30
VGK Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
VGK Martin Ratio Rank: 35

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.

SVAL vs. VGK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares US Small Cap Value Factor ETF (SVAL) and Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK). 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.

	SVAL	VGK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.97	1.18	+0.79
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.88	1.72	+1.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.21	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.92	1.50	+2.42
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.29	5.56	+6.73
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SVAL vs. VGK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SVAL Sharpe Ratio is 1.97, which is higher than the VGK Sharpe Ratio of 1.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SVAL and VGK, 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

	SVAL	VGK	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.97	1.18	+0.79
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.29	0.46	-0.17
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.49	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.70	0.28	+0.42

Drawdowns

SVAL vs. VGK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SVAL drawdown since its inception was -27.44%, smaller than the maximum VGK drawdown of -63.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SVAL and VGK.

Drawdown Indicators

	SVAL	VGK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.44%	-63.61%	+36.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.94%	-12.09%	+3.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.44%	-14.31%	-13.13%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.44%	-32.74%	+5.30%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-37.24%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.51%	-2.41%	+0.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.51%	-13.34%	+4.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.85%	3.25%	-0.40%

Volatility

SVAL vs. VGK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares US Small Cap Value Factor ETF (SVAL) is 4.31%, while Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK) has a volatility of 5.73%. This indicates that SVAL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VGK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SVAL	VGK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.31%	5.73%	-1.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.62%	12.78%	-1.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.87%	15.40%	+2.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.33%	17.90%	+4.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.27%	18.96%	+4.31%

SVAL vs. VGK - Expense Ratio Comparison

SVAL has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is higher than VGK's 0.06% 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

SVAL vs. VGK - Dividend Comparison

SVAL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.27%, less than VGK's 2.82% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SVAL iShares US Small Cap Value Factor ETF	2.27%	2.33%	1.82%	2.25%	2.09%	2.33%	0.28%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VGK Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF	2.82%	2.86%	3.61%	3.15%	3.25%	3.05%	2.11%	3.27%	3.95%	2.70%	3.52%	3.25%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SVAL and VGK in my portfolio?

SVAL and VGK have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SVAL or VGK?

VGK has higher volatility (5.73%) compared to SVAL (4.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SVAL dropped -27.44% vs VGK's -63.61%.

Which ETF is better, SVAL or VGK?

On 5-year performance, VGK leads with 8.24% vs 6.47% for SVAL. On fees, VGK is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, SVAL has been the lower-risk option at 4.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SVAL or VGK?

Over the 5-year period, VGK has performed better with a 8.24% return vs 6.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SVAL or VGK?

VGK is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for SVAL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SVAL or VGK?

VGK has the higher dividend yield at 2.82%, compared with 2.27% for SVAL.

What is the main difference between SVAL and VGK?

SVAL is categorized as Small Cap Value Equities, while VGK is Europe Equities. SVAL tracks Russell 2000 Focused Value Select Index, while VGK tracks FTSE Developed Europe All Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for SVAL and 0.06% for VGK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SVAL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.97 vs 1.18), 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.