VB vs. ISCB
VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) and ISCB (iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds - VB tracks the CRSP US Small Cap Index while ISCB tracks the Morningstar US Small Cap Extended Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VB returned 11.04%/yr vs 9.19%/yr for ISCB. Their 0.96 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. VB charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for ISCB.
Performance
VB vs. ISCB - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with VB having a 16.95% return and ISCB slightly lower at 16.70%. Over the past 10 years, VB has outperformed ISCB with an annualized return of 11.04%, while ISCB has yielded a comparatively lower 9.19% annualized return.
VB
- 1D
- 1.52%
- 1M
- -0.23%
- 6M
- 11.01%
- YTD
- 16.95%
- 1Y
- 27.83%
- 3Y*
- 15.29%
- 5Y*
- 7.95%
- 10Y*
- 11.04%
- ALL TIME*
- 9.95%
ISCB
- 1D
- 1.49%
- 1M
- 0.56%
- 6M
- 11.41%
- YTD
- 16.70%
- 1Y
- 30.98%
- 3Y*
- 15.37%
- 5Y*
- 7.74%
- 10Y*
- 9.19%
- ALL TIME*
- 8.96%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $524.82K | $428.40K | $304.44K | |
| $124.44M | $120.08M | $165.69M |
VB vs. ISCB - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF | 16.95% | 8.87% | 14.17% | 18.22% | -17.51% | 17.57% | 19.19% | 27.34% | -9.34% | 16.26% |
ISCB iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF | 16.70% | 12.46% | 10.90% | 19.51% | -19.04% | 17.46% | 6.29% | 29.42% | -13.92% | 12.95% |
Correlation
The correlation between VB and ISCB is 0.98 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most. | 0.98 |
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history. | 0.99 |
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period. | 0.99 |
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions. | 0.97 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 2, 2004 | 0.96 |
The correlation between VB and ISCB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.
VB vs. ISCB - Sectors Allocation Comparison
Sectors
VB
ISCB
Industrials
Technology
Healthcare
Financial Services
Consumer Cyclical
Real Estate
Basic Materials
Energy
Consumer Defensive
Utilities
Communication Services
Industrials
VB
ISCB
Technology
VB
ISCB
Healthcare
VB
ISCB
Financial Services
VB
ISCB
Consumer Cyclical
VB
ISCB
Real Estate
VB
ISCB
Basic Materials
VB
ISCB
Energy
VB
ISCB
Consumer Defensive
VB
ISCB
Utilities
VB
ISCB
Communication Services
VB
ISCB
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Return for Risk
VB vs. ISCB — Risk / Return Rank
VB
ISCB
VB vs. ISCB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) and iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF (ISCB). 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.
| VB | ISCB | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.20 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.28 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.30 | 1.33 | -0.03 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 3.11 | 3.31 | -0.20 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 11.36 | 11.98 | -0.62 |
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Drawdowns
VB vs. ISCB - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VB drawdown since its inception was -59.56%, roughly equal to the maximum ISCB drawdown of -61.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VB and ISCB.
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Drawdown Indicators
| VB | ISCB | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -59.56% | -61.25% | +1.69% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -8.98% | -9.39% | +0.41% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -25.36% | -26.22% | +0.86% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -28.15% | -29.94% | +1.79% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -42.05% | -44.18% | +2.13% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.15% | -0.10% | -1.05% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -8.39% | -9.74% | +1.35% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.46% | 2.59% | -0.13% |
Volatility
VB vs. ISCB - Volatility Comparison
Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) and iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF (ISCB) have volatilities of 3.71% and 3.64%, 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.
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Volatility by Period
| VB | ISCB | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 3.71% | 3.64% | +0.07% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 12.04% | 11.53% | +0.51% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 16.44% | 16.42% | +0.02% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 20.71% | 21.29% | -0.58% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 21.38% | 22.62% | -1.24% |
VB vs. ISCB - Expense Ratio Comparison
VB has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than ISCB's 0.04% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.
Dividends
VB vs. ISCB - Dividend Comparison
VB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.20%, less than ISCB's 1.26% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ISCB iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF | 1.26% | 1.38% | 1.31% | 1.49% | 1.63% | 1.26% | 1.26% | 1.25% | 1.60% | 1.24% | 1.58% | 1.40% |
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF | 1.20% | 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
With a correlation of 0.98, VB and ISCB 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.
VB has higher volatility (3.71%) compared to ISCB (3.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VB dropped -59.56% vs ISCB's -61.25%.
On 10-year performance, VB leads with 11.04% vs 9.19% for ISCB. On fees, VB is cheaper at 0.03% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, VB has performed better with a 11.04% return vs 9.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
VB is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.04% for ISCB.
ISCB has the higher dividend yield at 1.26%, compared with 1.20% for VB.
VB tracks CRSP US Small Cap Index, while ISCB tracks Morningstar US Small Cap Extended Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VB and 0.04% for ISCB.
ISCB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.90 vs 1.70), 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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