VBR vs. GLTR
VBR (Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF) and GLTR (abrdn Physical Precious Metals Basket Shares ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VBR is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Value Index, while GLTR is a Precious Metals fund tracking the ETFS Physical Precious Metals Basket Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VBR returned 10.50%/yr vs 10.23%/yr for GLTR. At a 0.15 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VBR charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for GLTR.
Performance
VBR vs. GLTR - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VBR achieves a 15.52% return, which is significantly higher than GLTR's -13.15% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VBR having a 10.50% annualized return and GLTR not far behind at 10.23%.
VBR
- 1D
- -0.80%
- 1M
- 2.04%
- 6M
- 8.72%
- YTD
- 15.52%
- 1Y
- 23.17%
- 3Y*
- 14.54%
- 5Y*
- 9.61%
- 10Y*
- 10.50%
- ALL TIME*
- 9.62%
GLTR
- 1D
- 0.02%
- 1M
- -8.02%
- 6M
- -23.51%
- YTD
- -13.15%
- 1Y
- 25.28%
- 3Y*
- 25.50%
- 5Y*
- 13.25%
- 10Y*
- 10.23%
- ALL TIME*
- 5.60%
VBR vs. GLTR - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF | 15.52% | 9.09% | 12.40% | 16.00% | -9.38% | 28.08% | 5.90% | 22.78% | -12.28% | 11.81% |
GLTR abrdn Physical Precious Metals Basket Shares ETF | -13.15% | 87.25% | 20.63% | 2.01% | -0.25% | -9.60% | 29.52% | 20.96% | -2.85% | 12.94% |
Correlation
The correlation between VBR and GLTR is 0.26, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.26 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.21 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.20 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.15 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 22, 2010 | 0.15 |
The correlation between VBR and GLTR shifts across timeframes, from 0.15 (10 years) to 0.26 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
VBR vs. GLTR — Risk / Return Rank
VBR
GLTR
VBR vs. GLTR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) and abrdn Physical Precious Metals Basket Shares ETF (GLTR). 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.
| VBR | GLTR | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.91 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +1.34 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.27 | 1.15 | +0.12 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.63 | 0.67 | +1.96 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 9.32 | 1.44 | +7.88 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
VBR vs. GLTR - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VBR drawdown since its inception was -61.98%, which is greater than GLTR's maximum drawdown of -55.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VBR and GLTR.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| VBR | GLTR | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -61.98% | -55.70% | -6.28% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -8.85% | -37.87% | +29.02% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -24.19% | -37.87% | +13.68% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -24.19% | -37.87% | +13.68% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -45.28% | -37.87% | -7.41% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.45% | -37.40% | +35.95% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -8.22% | -28.86% | +20.64% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.49% | 17.58% | -15.09% |
Volatility
VBR vs. GLTR - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) is 2.90%, while abrdn Physical Precious Metals Basket Shares ETF (GLTR) has a volatility of 8.35%. This indicates that VBR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GLTR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| VBR | GLTR | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 2.90% | 8.35% | -5.45% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 10.49% | 35.21% | -24.72% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 15.00% | 39.43% | -24.43% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 19.58% | 24.10% | -4.52% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 21.66% | 20.77% | +0.89% |
VBR vs. GLTR - Expense Ratio Comparison
VBR has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than GLTR's 0.60% expense ratio.
Dividends
VBR vs. GLTR - Dividend Comparison
VBR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.78%, while GLTR has not paid dividends to shareholders.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GLTR abrdn Physical Precious Metals Basket Shares ETF | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF | 1.78% | 1.95% | 1.98% | 2.12% | 2.03% | 1.75% | 1.68% | 2.06% | 2.35% | 1.79% | 1.77% | 1.99% |
Frequently Asked Questions
VBR and GLTR have a correlation of 0.26, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
GLTR has higher volatility (8.35%) compared to VBR (2.90%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VBR dropped -61.98% vs GLTR's -55.70%.
On 10-year performance, VBR leads with 10.50% vs 10.23% for GLTR. On fees, VBR is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VBR has been the lower-risk option at 2.90%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, VBR has performed better with a 10.50% return vs 10.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
VBR is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for GLTR.
VBR has the higher dividend yield at 1.78%, compared with 0.00% for GLTR.
VBR is categorized as Small Cap Value Equities, while GLTR is Precious Metals. VBR tracks CRSP US Small Cap Value Index, while GLTR tracks ETFS Physical Precious Metals Basket Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and abrdn. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for VBR and 0.60% for GLTR.
VBR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.55 vs 0.65), 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.
Find the right allocation for VBR and GLTR
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer