VBK vs. PBW

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VBK (Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF) and PBW (Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds - VBK tracks the CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index while PBW tracks the The WilderHill Clean Energy Index (AMEX). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VBK returned 12.03%/yr vs 9.92%/yr for PBW. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VBK charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.61%/yr for PBW.

Performance

VBK vs. PBW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) and Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF (PBW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VBK achieves a 16.76% return, which is significantly lower than PBW's 28.31% return. Over the past 10 years, VBK has outperformed PBW with an annualized return of 12.03%, while PBW has yielded a comparatively lower 9.92% annualized return.

VBK

• 1D: -1.56%
• 1M: 1.50%
• YTD: 16.76%
• 6M: 13.90%
• 1Y: 30.40%
• 3Y*: 17.58%
• 5Y*: 4.59%
• 10Y*: 12.03%

PBW

• 1D: -5.58%
• 1M: -8.98%
• YTD: 28.31%
• 6M: 22.11%
• 1Y: 107.61%
• 3Y*: 3.84%
• 5Y*: -13.40%
• 10Y*: 9.92%

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

VBK vs. PBW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF	16.76%	8.50%	16.50%	21.45%	-28.44%	5.66%	35.44%	32.75%	-5.70%	21.87%
PBW Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF	28.31%	53.96%	-30.77%	-20.03%	-44.55%	-29.86%	204.82%	62.58%	-14.11%	39.92%

Correlation

The correlation between VBK and PBW is 0.77, 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	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.77
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 3, 2005	0.79

The correlation between VBK and PBW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.77 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

VBK vs. PBW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VBK	PBW
Technology	27.2%	14.4%
Industrials	24.6%	34.2%
Healthcare	14.4%	-
Consumer Cyclical	7.9%	14.9%
Financial Services	5.4%	1.5%
Energy	4.4%	11.2%
Real Estate	3.5%	-
Communication Services	3.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	2.7%	1.1%
Basic Materials	2.7%	16.2%
Utilities	1.3%	6.5%

Return for Risk

VBK vs. PBW — Risk / Return Rank

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

VBK

VBK Risk / Return Rank: 49
VBK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
VBK Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
VBK Omega Ratio Rank: 41
VBK Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VBK Martin Ratio Rank: 58

PBW

PBW Risk / Return Rank: 75
PBW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
PBW Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
PBW Omega Ratio Rank: 63
PBW Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
PBW Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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.

VBK vs. PBW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) and Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF (PBW). 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	PBW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.52	2.55	-1.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.12	2.89	-0.77
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.36	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.67	5.09	-2.43
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.99	13.07	-3.08

VBK vs. PBW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VBK Sharpe Ratio is 1.52, which is lower than the PBW Sharpe Ratio of 2.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VBK and PBW, 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

VBK vs. PBW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VBK drawdown since its inception was -58.68%, smaller than the maximum PBW drawdown of -89.02%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VBK and PBW.

Drawdown Indicators

	VBK	PBW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.68%	-89.02%	+30.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.44%	-21.24%	+9.80%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.54%	-68.04%	+40.50%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.39%	-84.50%	+46.11%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.70%	-89.02%	+50.32%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.61%	-67.66%	+66.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.13%	-62.90%	+52.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.05%	8.26%	-5.21%

Volatility

VBK vs. PBW - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) is 7.13%, while Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF (PBW) has a volatility of 17.93%. This indicates that VBK experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PBW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VBK	PBW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.13%	17.93%	-10.80%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.65%	31.32%	-15.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.10%	42.50%	-22.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.63%	43.39%	-19.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.91%	39.02%	-16.11%

VBK vs. PBW - Expense Ratio Comparison

VBK has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than PBW's 0.61% expense ratio.

Dividends

VBK vs. PBW - Dividend Comparison

VBK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.45%, less than PBW's 1.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PBW Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF	1.21%	0.79%	2.84%	3.68%	4.21%	1.71%	0.44%	1.45%	2.04%	1.28%	2.68%	1.53%
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF	0.45%	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

Can I hold both VBK and PBW in my portfolio?

VBK and PBW have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VBK or PBW?

PBW has higher volatility (17.93%) compared to VBK (7.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VBK dropped -58.68% vs PBW's -89.02%.

Which ETF is better, VBK or PBW?

On 10-year performance, VBK leads with 12.03% vs 9.92% for PBW. On fees, VBK is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VBK has been the lower-risk option at 7.13%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VBK or PBW?

Over the 10-year period, VBK has performed better with a 12.03% return vs 9.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VBK or PBW?

VBK is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.61% for PBW.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VBK or PBW?

PBW has the higher dividend yield at 1.21%, compared with 0.45% for VBK.

What is the main difference between VBK and PBW?

VBK tracks CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index, while PBW tracks The WilderHill Clean Energy Index (AMEX). They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for VBK and 0.61% for PBW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PBW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.55 vs 1.52), 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.