VBR vs. JAAA

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VBR (Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF) and JAAA (Janus Henderson AAA CLO ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VBR is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Value Index, while JAAA is a CLO fund actively managed by Janus Henderson. VBR is passively managed, while JAAA is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, VBR returned 8.36%/yr vs 4.76%/yr for JAAA. At a 0.11 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VBR charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for JAAA.

Performance

VBR vs. JAAA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) and Janus Henderson AAA CLO ETF (JAAA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VBR achieves a 14.60% return, which is significantly higher than JAAA's 1.99% return.

VBR

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: 4.91%
• YTD: 14.60%
• 6M: 12.92%
• 1Y: 27.94%
• 3Y*: 16.09%
• 5Y*: 8.36%
• 10Y*: 10.99%

JAAA

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 0.33%
• YTD: 1.99%
• 6M: 2.49%
• 1Y: 4.99%
• 3Y*: 6.67%
• 5Y*: 4.76%
• 10Y*: —

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

VBR vs. JAAA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	14.60%	9.09%	12.40%	16.00%	-9.38%	28.08%	19.80%
JAAA Janus Henderson AAA CLO ETF	1.99%	5.16%	7.43%	8.59%	0.49%	1.39%	0.76%

Correlation

The correlation between VBR and JAAA is 0.19, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.19
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.17
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.12
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 19, 2020	0.11

Return for Risk

VBR vs. JAAA — Risk / Return Rank

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

VBR

VBR Risk / Return Rank: 67
VBR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VBR Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VBR Omega Ratio Rank: 59
VBR Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
VBR Martin Ratio Rank: 70

JAAA

JAAA Risk / Return Rank: 98
JAAA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
JAAA Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
JAAA Omega Ratio Rank: 99
JAAA Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
JAAA 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.

VBR vs. JAAA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) and Janus Henderson AAA CLO ETF (JAAA). 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	JAAA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.83	6.03	-4.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.67	10.06	-7.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	2.72	-1.41
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.17	12.91	-9.74
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.22	69.57	-58.36

VBR vs. JAAA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VBR Sharpe Ratio is 1.83, which is lower than the JAAA Sharpe Ratio of 6.03. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VBR and JAAA, 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

VBR vs. JAAA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VBR drawdown since its inception was -61.98%, which is greater than JAAA's maximum drawdown of -2.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VBR and JAAA.

Drawdown Indicators

	VBR	JAAA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.98%	-2.64%	-59.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.85%	-0.39%	-8.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.19%	-1.46%	-22.73%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.19%	-2.64%	-21.55%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.28%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.26%	-0.25%	-8.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.50%	0.07%	+2.43%

Volatility

VBR vs. JAAA - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) has a higher volatility of 4.43% compared to Janus Henderson AAA CLO ETF (JAAA) at 0.12%. This indicates that VBR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than JAAA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VBR	JAAA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.43%	0.12%	+4.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.65%	0.63%	+10.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.36%	0.83%	+14.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.79%	1.67%	+18.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.74%	1.64%	+20.10%

VBR vs. JAAA - Expense Ratio Comparison

VBR has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than JAAA's 0.20% 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

VBR vs. JAAA - Dividend Comparison

VBR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.71%, less than JAAA's 4.99% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
JAAA Janus Henderson AAA CLO ETF	4.99%	5.30%	6.35%	6.11%	2.74%	1.21%	0.26%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	1.71%	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

Can I hold both VBR and JAAA in my portfolio?

VBR and JAAA have a correlation of 0.19, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VBR or JAAA?

VBR has higher volatility (4.43%) compared to JAAA (0.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VBR dropped -61.98% vs JAAA's -2.64%.

Which ETF is better, VBR or JAAA?

On 5-year performance, VBR leads with 8.36% vs 4.76% for JAAA. On fees, VBR is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, JAAA has been the lower-risk option at 0.12%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VBR or JAAA?

Over the 5-year period, VBR has performed better with a 8.36% return vs 4.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VBR or JAAA?

VBR is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for JAAA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VBR or JAAA?

JAAA has the higher dividend yield at 4.99%, compared with 1.71% for VBR.

What is the main difference between VBR and JAAA?

VBR is categorized as Small Cap Value Equities, while JAAA is CLO. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Janus Henderson. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for VBR and 0.20% for JAAA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

JAAA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (6.03 vs 1.83), 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.