VB vs. VBIL

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) and VBIL (Vanguard 0-3 Month Treasury Bill ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VB is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Index, while VBIL is a Ultrashort Bond fund tracking the Bloomberg US Treasury Bills 0-3 Months Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, VB returned 31.74% vs 3.93% for VBIL. At a correlation of -0.00, they often move in opposite directions. VB charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VBIL.

Performance

VB vs. VBIL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) and Vanguard 0-3 Month Treasury Bill ETF (VBIL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VB achieves a 16.13% return, which is significantly higher than VBIL's 1.62% return.

VB

• 1D: 0.70%
• 1M: 5.90%
• YTD: 16.13%
• 6M: 15.08%
• 1Y: 31.74%
• 3Y*: 16.53%
• 5Y*: 7.37%
• 10Y*: 11.68%

VBIL

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 0.28%
• YTD: 1.62%
• 6M: 1.80%
• 1Y: 3.93%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VB vs. VBIL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	16.13%	5.40%
VBIL Vanguard 0-3 Month Treasury Bill ETF	1.62%	3.73%

Correlation

The correlation between VB and VBIL is -0.02, 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	-0.02
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 11, 2025	-0.00

Return for Risk

VB vs. VBIL — Risk / Return Rank

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

VB

VB Risk / Return Rank: 69
VB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
VB Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
VB Omega Ratio Rank: 61
VB Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
VB Martin Ratio Rank: 76

VBIL

VBIL Risk / Return Rank: 100
VBIL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
VBIL Sortino Ratio Rank: 100
VBIL Omega Ratio Rank: 100
VBIL Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
VBIL Martin Ratio Rank: 100

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. VBIL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) and Vanguard 0-3 Month Treasury Bill ETF (VBIL). 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	VBIL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.92	15.06	-13.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.71	39.04	-36.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	21.06	-19.73
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.55	42.54	-38.98
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.04	531.57	-518.53

VB vs. VBIL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VB Sharpe Ratio is 1.92, which is lower than the VBIL Sharpe Ratio of 15.06. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VB and VBIL, 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

VB vs. VBIL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VB drawdown since its inception was -59.56%, which is greater than VBIL's maximum drawdown of -0.09%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VB and VBIL.

Drawdown Indicators

	VB	VBIL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.56%	-0.09%	-59.47%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.98%	-0.09%	-8.89%
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	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.43%	-0.00%	-8.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.44%	0.01%	+2.43%

Volatility

VB vs. VBIL - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) has a higher volatility of 5.43% compared to Vanguard 0-3 Month Treasury Bill ETF (VBIL) at 0.05%. This indicates that VB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VBIL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VB	VBIL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.43%	0.05%	+5.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.21%	0.16%	+12.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.63%	0.26%	+16.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.81%	0.30%	+20.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.45%	0.30%	+21.15%

VB vs. VBIL - Expense Ratio Comparison

VB has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than VBIL's 0.07% 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. VBIL - Dividend Comparison

VB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.17%, less than VBIL's 3.65% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	1.17%	1.33%	1.30%	1.55%	1.59%	1.24%	1.14%	1.39%	1.67%	1.35%	1.50%	1.48%
VBIL Vanguard 0-3 Month Treasury Bill ETF	3.65%	3.12%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VB and VBIL in my portfolio?

VB and VBIL have a correlation of -0.02, 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 VBIL?

VB has higher volatility (5.43%) compared to VBIL (0.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VB dropped -59.56% vs VBIL's -0.09%.

Which ETF is better, VB or VBIL?

On 1-year performance, VB leads with 31.74% vs 3.93% for VBIL. On fees, VB is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VBIL has been the lower-risk option at 0.05%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VB or VBIL?

Over the 1-year period, VB has performed better with a 31.74% return vs 3.93%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VB or VBIL?

VB is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.07% for VBIL.

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

VBIL has the higher dividend yield at 3.65%, compared with 1.17% for VB.

What is the main difference between VB and VBIL?

VB is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while VBIL is Ultrashort Bond. VB tracks CRSP US Small Cap Index, while VBIL tracks Bloomberg US Treasury Bills 0-3 Months Index. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for VB and 0.07% for VBIL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBIL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (15.06 vs 1.92), 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.