UG vs. VBK
UG (United-Guardian, Inc.) is a stock, while VBK (Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF) is Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index. Over the past 10 years, UG returned -3.26%/yr vs 12.09%/yr for VBK. At a 0.09 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.
Performance
UG vs. VBK - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, UG achieves a 20.95% return, which is significantly higher than VBK's 17.44% return. Over the past 10 years, UG has underperformed VBK with an annualized return of -3.26%, while VBK has yielded a comparatively higher 12.09% annualized return.
UG
- 1D
- -0.14%
- 1M
- 0.28%
- YTD
- 20.95%
- 6M
- 21.74%
- 1Y
- -5.74%
- 3Y*
- 0.05%
- 5Y*
- -9.71%
- 10Y*
- -3.26%
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%
UG vs. VBK - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
UG United-Guardian, Inc. | 20.95% | -31.67% | 40.56% | -30.22% | -33.44% | 22.24% | -23.31% | 13.20% | 4.98% | 25.28% |
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF | 17.44% | 8.50% | 16.50% | 21.45% | -28.44% | 5.66% | 35.44% | 32.75% | -5.70% | 21.87% |
Correlation
The correlation between UG and VBK is 0.04, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.04 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.06 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.07 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.08 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004 | 0.09 |
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Return for Risk
UG vs. VBK — Risk / Return Rank
UG
VBK
UG vs. VBK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for United-Guardian, Inc. (UG) 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.
| UG | VBK | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -1.63 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -2.04 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.00 | 1.25 | -0.25 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | -0.15 | 2.57 | -2.72 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | -0.24 | 9.63 | -9.87 |
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Drawdowns
UG vs. VBK - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum UG drawdown since its inception was -83.33%, which is greater than VBK's maximum drawdown of -58.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for UG and VBK.
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Drawdown Indicators
| UG | VBK | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -83.33% | -58.68% | -24.65% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -39.73% | -11.44% | -28.29% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -62.47% | -27.54% | -34.93% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -76.06% | -38.39% | -37.67% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -76.06% | -38.70% | -37.36% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -65.41% | -1.04% | -64.37% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -36.59% | -10.13% | -26.46% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 24.13% | 3.05% | +21.08% |
Volatility
UG vs. VBK - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for United-Guardian, Inc. (UG) is 4.69%, while Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) has a volatility of 7.08%. This indicates that UG 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.
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Volatility by Period
| UG | VBK | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.69% | 7.08% | -2.39% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 23.66% | 15.55% | +8.11% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 35.97% | 20.10% | +15.87% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 46.19% | 23.63% | +22.56% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 41.47% | 22.91% | +18.56% |
Dividends
UG vs. VBK - Dividend Comparison
UG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.95%, more than VBK's 0.45% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
UG United-Guardian, Inc. | 6.95% | 9.74% | 6.28% | 1.39% | 6.51% | 6.87% | 5.42% | 5.60% | 5.73% | 4.97% | 4.84% | 5.22% |
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
UG and VBK have a correlation of 0.04, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
VBK has higher volatility (7.08%) compared to UG (4.69%). In terms of maximum drawdown, UG dropped -83.33% vs VBK's -58.68%.
VBK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.47 vs -0.16), 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.
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