SYZ vs. VB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SYZ (Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF) and VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. SYZ is actively managed, while VB is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SYZ charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VB.

Performance

SYZ vs. VB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF (SYZ) and Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SYZ achieves a 17.30% return, which is significantly higher than VB's 14.16% return.

SYZ

• 1D: -1.04%
• 1M: 2.63%
• YTD: 17.30%
• 6M: 17.99%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VB

• 1D: -0.65%
• 1M: 3.52%
• YTD: 14.16%
• 6M: 14.12%
• 1Y: 28.82%
• 3Y*: 17.05%
• 5Y*: 7.11%
• 10Y*: 11.30%

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

SYZ vs. VB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SYZ Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF	17.30%	0.89%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	14.16%	1.51%

Correlation

The correlation between SYZ and VB is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 16, 2025	0.92

Return for Risk

SYZ vs. VB — Risk / Return Rank

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

VB

VB Risk / Return Rank: 56
VB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
VB Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
VB Omega Ratio Rank: 48
VB Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VB Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

SYZ vs. VB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF (SYZ) and Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB). 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SYZ	VB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.78	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.34	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.53	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.60	0.44	+1.16

Drawdowns

SYZ vs. VB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SYZ drawdown since its inception was -8.00%, smaller than the maximum VB drawdown of -59.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SYZ and VB.

Drawdown Indicators

	SYZ	VB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.00%	-59.56%	+51.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-8.98%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-25.36%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-28.15%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.05%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.04%	-0.65%	-0.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.09%	-8.44%	+6.35%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.43%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SYZ	VB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.42%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	11.72%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.65%	16.28%	+0.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.65%	20.74%	-4.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.65%	21.42%	-4.77%

SYZ vs. VB - Expense Ratio Comparison

SYZ has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than VB's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

SYZ vs. VB - Dividend Comparison

SYZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.14%, less than VB's 1.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SYZ Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF	0.14%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	1.19%	1.33%	1.30%	1.55%	1.59%	1.24%	1.14%	1.39%	1.67%	1.35%	1.50%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SYZ and VB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, SYZ and VB 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 ETF is better, SYZ or VB?

On fees, VB 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, SYZ or VB?

VB is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for SYZ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SYZ or VB?

VB has the higher dividend yield at 1.19%, compared with 0.14% for SYZ.

What is the main difference between SYZ and VB?

They also come from different issuers: Lazard and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for SYZ and 0.05% for VB.