VB vs. VPCCX

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) and VPCCX (Vanguard PRIMECAP Core Fund) are both funds - VB is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Index, while VPCCX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Vanguard. VB is passively managed, while VPCCX is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, VB returned 11.68%/yr vs 17.45%/yr for VPCCX. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VB charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.37%/yr for VPCCX.

Performance

VB vs. VPCCX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) and Vanguard PRIMECAP Core Fund (VPCCX). 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 lower than VPCCX's 30.19% return. Over the past 10 years, VB has underperformed VPCCX with an annualized return of 11.68%, while VPCCX has yielded a comparatively higher 17.45% annualized 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%

VPCCX

• 1D: 0.73%
• 1M: 8.12%
• YTD: 30.19%
• 6M: 30.31%
• 1Y: 61.15%
• 3Y*: 28.30%
• 5Y*: 16.45%
• 10Y*: 17.45%

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

VB vs. VPCCX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	16.13%	8.87%	14.17%	18.22%	-17.51%	17.57%	19.19%	27.34%	-9.34%	16.26%
VPCCX Vanguard PRIMECAP Core Fund	30.19%	29.96%	12.72%	23.58%	-12.43%	24.30%	12.04%	27.70%	-4.89%	26.27%

Correlation

The correlation between VB and VPCCX is 0.83, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.85
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 9, 2004	0.89

The correlation between VB and VPCCX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

VB vs. VPCCX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VB	VPCCX
Industrials	20.8%	15.6%
Technology	17.2%	28.0%
Financial Services	12.6%	10.8%
Consumer Cyclical	11.3%	7.5%
Healthcare	11.1%	22.0%
Real Estate	7.6%	-
Basic Materials	4.8%	2.2%
Energy	4.7%	3.7%
Consumer Defensive	3.4%	2.1%
Utilities	3.3%	0.1%
Communication Services	3.1%	5.8%

Return for Risk

VB vs. VPCCX — 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

VPCCX

VPCCX Risk / Return Rank: 95
VPCCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
VPCCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
VPCCX Omega Ratio Rank: 91
VPCCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
VPCCX Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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. VPCCX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) and Vanguard PRIMECAP Core Fund (VPCCX). 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	VPCCX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.92	3.43	-1.51
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.71	4.57	-1.86
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.61	-0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.55	5.81	-2.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.04	26.05	-13.01

VB vs. VPCCX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VB Sharpe Ratio is 1.92, which is lower than the VPCCX Sharpe Ratio of 3.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VB and VPCCX, 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. VPCCX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VB drawdown since its inception was -59.56%, which is greater than VPCCX's maximum drawdown of -47.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VB and VPCCX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VB	VPCCX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.56%	-47.53%	-12.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.98%	-10.29%	+1.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.36%	-19.92%	-5.44%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.15%	-22.75%	-5.40%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.05%	-34.60%	-7.45%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.43%	-5.74%	-2.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.44%	2.29%	+0.15%

Volatility

VB vs. VPCCX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) is 5.43%, while Vanguard PRIMECAP Core Fund (VPCCX) has a volatility of 7.73%. This indicates that VB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VPCCX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VB	VPCCX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.43%	7.73%	-2.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.21%	14.50%	-2.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.63%	17.43%	-0.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.81%	17.84%	+2.97%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.45%	18.85%	+2.60%

VB vs. VPCCX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VB has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than VPCCX's 0.37% expense ratio.

Dividends

VB vs. VPCCX - Dividend Comparison

VB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.17%, less than VPCCX's 13.25% 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%
VPCCX Vanguard PRIMECAP Core Fund	13.25%	17.25%	7.17%	5.73%	8.40%	6.89%	7.89%	6.99%	9.45%	4.10%	5.52%	4.96%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VB and VPCCX in my portfolio?

VB and VPCCX have a correlation of 0.83, 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 VPCCX?

VPCCX has higher volatility (7.73%) compared to VB (5.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VB dropped -59.56% vs VPCCX's -47.53%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VPCCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.43 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.