VB vs. EFV

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) and EFV (iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VB is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Index, while EFV is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Value Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VB returned 11.30%/yr vs 9.75%/yr for EFV. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VB charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for EFV.

Performance

VB vs. EFV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) and iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (EFV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VB achieves a 14.16% return, which is significantly higher than EFV's 9.13% return. Over the past 10 years, VB has outperformed EFV with an annualized return of 11.30%, while EFV has yielded a comparatively lower 9.75% annualized return.

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%

EFV

• 1D: -0.78%
• 1M: 2.26%
• YTD: 9.13%
• 6M: 12.94%
• 1Y: 27.83%
• 3Y*: 21.99%
• 5Y*: 12.07%
• 10Y*: 9.75%

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

VB vs. EFV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	14.16%	8.87%	14.17%	18.22%	-17.51%	17.57%	19.19%	27.34%	-9.34%	16.26%
EFV iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF	9.13%	42.22%	5.35%	18.85%	-5.22%	11.08%	-2.97%	15.80%	-14.67%	21.22%

Correlation

The correlation between VB and EFV 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	0.64
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.70
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 8, 2005	0.74

The correlation between VB and EFV shifts across timeframes, from 0.64 (1 year) to 0.74 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VB vs. EFV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VB	EFV
Industrials	20.8%	10.2%
Technology	17.2%	4.3%
Financial Services	12.6%	36.9%
Consumer Cyclical	11.3%	4.8%
Healthcare	11.1%	7.2%
Real Estate	7.6%	2.5%
Basic Materials	4.8%	7.5%
Energy	4.7%	7.0%
Consumer Defensive	3.4%	8.3%
Utilities	3.3%	5.9%
Communication Services	3.1%	4.4%

Return for Risk

VB vs. EFV — 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

EFV

EFV Risk / Return Rank: 55
EFV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
EFV Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
EFV Omega Ratio Rank: 57
EFV Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
EFV Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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.

VB vs. EFV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) and iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (EFV). 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.

	VB	EFV	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.78	1.97	-0.19
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.56	2.73	-0.17
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.36	-0.04
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.22	2.57	+0.66
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	11.87	9.57	+2.30
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VB vs. EFV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VB Sharpe Ratio is 1.78, which is comparable to the EFV Sharpe Ratio of 1.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VB and EFV, 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

	VB	EFV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.78	1.97	-0.19
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.34	0.76	-0.42
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53	0.55	-0.02
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.44	0.27	+0.17

Drawdowns

VB vs. EFV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VB drawdown since its inception was -59.56%, smaller than the maximum EFV drawdown of -63.94%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VB and EFV.

Drawdown Indicators

	VB	EFV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.56%	-63.94%	+4.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.98%	-10.90%	+1.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.36%	-13.72%	-11.64%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.15%	-25.84%	-2.31%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.05%	-43.16%	+1.11%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.65%	-2.51%	+1.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.44%	-14.83%	+6.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.43%	2.91%	-0.48%

Volatility

VB vs. EFV - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) and iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (EFV) have volatilities of 4.42% and 4.52%, 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

	VB	EFV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.42%	4.52%	-0.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.72%	11.56%	+0.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.28%	14.21%	+2.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.74%	15.96%	+4.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.42%	17.86%	+3.56%

VB vs. EFV - Expense Ratio Comparison

VB has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than EFV's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

VB vs. EFV - Dividend Comparison

VB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.19%, less than EFV's 3.81% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EFV iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF	3.81%	4.16%	4.66%	4.36%	4.17%	4.07%	2.42%	4.62%	4.56%	3.56%	3.28%	3.59%
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 VB and EFV in my portfolio?

VB and EFV 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, VB or EFV?

EFV has higher volatility (4.52%) compared to VB (4.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VB dropped -59.56% vs EFV's -63.94%.

Which ETF is better, VB or EFV?

On 10-year performance, VB leads with 11.30% vs 9.75% for EFV. On fees, VB is cheaper at 0.05% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VB or EFV?

Over the 10-year period, VB has performed better with a 11.30% return vs 9.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VB or EFV?

VB is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for EFV.

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

EFV has the higher dividend yield at 3.81%, compared with 1.19% for VB.

What is the main difference between VB and EFV?

VB is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while EFV is Foreign Large Cap Equities. VB tracks CRSP US Small Cap Index, while EFV tracks MSCI EAFE Value Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for VB and 0.39% for EFV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EFV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.97 vs 1.78), 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.