VBK vs. CPER
VBK (Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF) and CPER (United States Copper Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - VBK is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index, while CPER is a Copper fund tracking the SummerHaven Copper Index Total Return. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VBK returned 12.03%/yr vs 11.25%/yr for CPER. At a 0.31 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VBK charges 0.05%/yr vs 1.06%/yr for CPER.
Performance
VBK vs. CPER - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VBK achieves a 18.24% return, which is significantly higher than CPER's 13.42% return. Over the past 10 years, VBK has outperformed CPER with an annualized return of 12.03%, while CPER has yielded a comparatively lower 11.25% annualized return.
VBK
- 1D
- 1.71%
- 1M
- 5.71%
- YTD
- 18.24%
- 6M
- 17.85%
- 1Y
- 34.10%
- 3Y*
- 16.97%
- 5Y*
- 5.40%
- 10Y*
- 12.03%
CPER
- 1D
- 0.25%
- 1M
- 3.96%
- YTD
- 13.42%
- 6M
- 19.61%
- 1Y
- 33.19%
- 3Y*
- 18.43%
- 5Y*
- 8.39%
- 10Y*
- 11.25%
VBK vs. CPER - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF | 18.24% | 8.50% | 16.50% | 21.45% | -28.44% | 5.66% | 35.44% | 32.75% | -5.70% | 21.87% |
CPER United States Copper Index Fund | 13.42% | 38.95% | 4.23% | 4.55% | -15.14% | 25.21% | 23.90% | 6.66% | -21.91% | 28.80% |
Correlation
The correlation between VBK and CPER is 0.43, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.43 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.34 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.33 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.33 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 15, 2011 | 0.31 |
The correlation between VBK and CPER shifts across timeframes, from 0.31 (all time) to 0.43 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
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Return for Risk
VBK vs. CPER — Risk / Return Rank
VBK
CPER
VBK vs. CPER - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) and United States Copper Index Fund (CPER). 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.
| VBK | CPER | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.76 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +1.04 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.29 | 1.22 | +0.07 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.99 | 1.35 | +1.65 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 11.23 | 2.78 | +8.45 |
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Drawdowns
VBK vs. CPER - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VBK drawdown since its inception was -58.68%, which is greater than CPER's maximum drawdown of -54.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VBK and CPER.
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Drawdown Indicators
| VBK | CPER | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -58.68% | -54.04% | -4.64% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -11.44% | -24.77% | +13.33% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -27.54% | -24.77% | -2.77% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -38.39% | -34.75% | -3.64% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -38.70% | -38.42% | -0.28% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.36% | -2.34% | +1.98% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -10.14% | -25.35% | +15.21% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.04% | 11.95% | -8.91% |
Volatility
VBK vs. CPER - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) is 7.47%, while United States Copper Index Fund (CPER) has a volatility of 10.05%. This indicates that VBK experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than CPER based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| VBK | CPER | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 7.47% | 10.05% | -2.58% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 15.66% | 23.31% | -7.65% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 19.99% | 34.88% | -14.89% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 23.60% | 27.03% | -3.43% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 22.93% | 24.09% | -1.16% |
VBK vs. CPER - Expense Ratio Comparison
VBK has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than CPER's 1.06% expense ratio.
Dividends
VBK vs. CPER - Dividend Comparison
VBK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.44%, while CPER has not paid dividends to shareholders.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CPER United States Copper Index Fund | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF | 0.44% | 0.54% | 0.54% | 0.68% | 0.55% | 0.36% | 0.44% | 0.57% | 0.79% | 0.82% | 1.08% | 0.98% |
Frequently Asked Questions
VBK and CPER have a correlation of 0.43, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
CPER has higher volatility (10.05%) compared to VBK (7.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VBK dropped -58.68% vs CPER's -54.04%.
On 10-year performance, VBK leads with 12.03% vs 11.25% for CPER. On fees, VBK is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VBK has been the lower-risk option at 7.47%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, VBK has performed better with a 12.03% return vs 11.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
VBK is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 1.06% for CPER.
VBK has the higher dividend yield at 0.44%, compared with 0.00% for CPER.
VBK is categorized as Small Cap Growth Equities, while CPER is Copper. VBK tracks CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index, while CPER tracks SummerHaven Copper Index Total Return. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and USCF. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for VBK and 1.06% for CPER.
VBK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.72 vs 0.96), 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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