USVM vs. VBR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

USVM (VictoryShares US Small Mid Cap Value Momentum ETF) and VBR (Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - USVM is a Momentum fund tracking the Nasdaq Victory US Small Mid Cap Value Momentum Index, while VBR is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Value Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, USVM returned 10.06%/yr vs 8.59%/yr for VBR. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. USVM charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VBR.

Performance

USVM vs. VBR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VictoryShares US Small Mid Cap Value Momentum ETF (USVM) 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, USVM achieves a 18.75% return, which is significantly higher than VBR's 13.29% return.

USVM

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: 4.06%
• YTD: 18.75%
• 6M: 16.97%
• 1Y: 32.76%
• 3Y*: 20.77%
• 5Y*: 10.06%
• 10Y*: —

VBR

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: 2.54%
• YTD: 13.29%
• 6M: 11.72%
• 1Y: 26.18%
• 3Y*: 16.90%
• 5Y*: 8.59%
• 10Y*: 11.01%

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

USVM vs. VBR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
USVM VictoryShares US Small Mid Cap Value Momentum ETF	18.75%	10.56%	16.59%	18.90%	-13.23%	24.44%	11.56%	21.65%	-9.39%	2.06%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	13.29%	9.09%	12.40%	16.00%	-9.38%	28.08%	5.90%	22.78%	-12.28%	4.03%

Correlation

The correlation between USVM and VBR is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 26, 2017	0.95

The correlation between USVM and VBR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

USVM vs. VBR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	USVM	VBR
Financial Services	21.6%	17.5%
Technology	12.5%	12.1%
Industrials	12.4%	17.4%
Real Estate	12.1%	10.5%
Consumer Cyclical	11.3%	12.5%
Healthcare	11.3%	8.3%
Utilities	5.9%	4.6%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	4.0%
Energy	4.0%	4.3%
Communication Services	2.5%	2.8%
Basic Materials	1.6%	6.0%

Return for Risk

USVM vs. VBR — Risk / Return Rank

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

USVM

USVM Risk / Return Rank: 75
USVM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
USVM Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
USVM Omega Ratio Rank: 68
USVM Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
USVM Martin Ratio Rank: 80

VBR

VBR Risk / Return Rank: 55
VBR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
VBR Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
VBR Omega Ratio Rank: 48
VBR Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VBR Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

USVM vs. VBR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VictoryShares US Small Mid Cap Value Momentum ETF (USVM) 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.

	USVM	VBR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.20	1.72	+0.48
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.18	2.54	+0.64
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.30	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.94	2.97	+0.97
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.82	10.49	+4.33

USVM vs. VBR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current USVM Sharpe Ratio is 2.20, which is comparable to the VBR Sharpe Ratio of 1.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of USVM 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

USVM vs. VBR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USVM drawdown since its inception was -42.38%, smaller than the maximum VBR drawdown of -61.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USVM and VBR.

Drawdown Indicators

	USVM	VBR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.38%	-61.98%	+19.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.36%	-8.85%	+0.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.34%	-24.19%	-0.15%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.27%	-24.19%	-1.08%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-45.28%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.24%	-1.14%	+0.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.85%	-8.25%	+0.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.22%	2.50%	-0.28%

Volatility

USVM vs. VBR - Volatility Comparison

VictoryShares US Small Mid Cap Value Momentum ETF (USVM) and Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) have volatilities of 4.10% and 3.98%, 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

	USVM	VBR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.10%	3.98%	+0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.04%	10.66%	+0.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.96%	15.30%	-0.34%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.64%	19.73%	-0.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.97%	21.71%	+0.26%

USVM vs. VBR - Expense Ratio Comparison

USVM has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is higher than VBR's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

USVM vs. VBR - Dividend Comparison

USVM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.77%, more than VBR's 1.73% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
USVM VictoryShares US Small Mid Cap Value Momentum ETF	1.77%	1.84%	1.75%	1.63%	1.43%	0.70%	1.21%	1.77%	1.43%	0.65%	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 USVM and VBR in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, USVM and VBR 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, USVM or VBR?

USVM has higher volatility (4.10%) compared to VBR (3.98%). In terms of maximum drawdown, USVM dropped -42.38% vs VBR's -61.98%.

Which ETF is better, USVM or VBR?

On 5-year performance, USVM leads with 10.06% vs 8.59% for VBR. On fees, VBR is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VBR has been the lower-risk option at 3.98%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, USVM or VBR?

Over the 5-year period, USVM has performed better with a 10.06% return vs 8.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, USVM or VBR?

VBR is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.29% for USVM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, USVM or VBR?

USVM has the higher dividend yield at 1.77%, compared with 1.73% for VBR.

What is the main difference between USVM and VBR?

USVM is categorized as Momentum, while VBR is Small Cap Value Equities. USVM tracks Nasdaq Victory US Small Mid Cap Value Momentum Index, while VBR tracks CRSP US Small Cap Value Index. They also come from different issuers: Victory Capital and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.29% for USVM and 0.05% for VBR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

USVM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.20 vs 1.72), 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.