VBR vs. PHYS

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VBR (Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF) is Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Value Index, while PHYS (Sprott Physical Gold Trust) is a stock. Over the past 10 years, VBR returned 10.99%/yr vs 11.42%/yr for PHYS. At a 0.04 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

VBR vs. PHYS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) and Sprott Physical Gold Trust (PHYS). 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 PHYS's -3.85% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VBR having a 10.99% annualized return and PHYS not far ahead at 11.42%.

VBR

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: 4.49%
• YTD: 14.60%
• 6M: 12.92%
• 1Y: 29.93%
• 3Y*: 16.09%
• 5Y*: 8.36%
• 10Y*: 10.99%

PHYS

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: -9.95%
• YTD: -3.85%
• 6M: -3.47%
• 1Y: 20.77%
• 3Y*: 28.00%
• 5Y*: 16.26%
• 10Y*: 11.42%

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

VBR vs. PHYS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	14.60%	9.09%	12.40%	16.00%	-9.38%	28.08%	5.90%	22.78%	-12.28%	11.81%
PHYS Sprott Physical Gold Trust	-3.85%	63.95%	26.43%	12.98%	-1.81%	-4.84%	23.89%	18.14%	-2.64%	12.78%

Correlation

The correlation between VBR and PHYS is 0.21, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.21
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.18
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.14
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.05
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 26, 2010	0.04

The correlation between VBR and PHYS shifts across timeframes, from 0.04 (all time) to 0.21 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VBR vs. PHYS — 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

PHYS

PHYS Risk / Return Rank: 64
PHYS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
PHYS Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
PHYS Omega Ratio Rank: 64
PHYS Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
PHYS Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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. PHYS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) and Sprott Physical Gold Trust (PHYS). 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	PHYS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.83	0.81	+1.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.67	1.15	+1.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.17	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.17	0.92	+2.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.22	2.64	+8.58

VBR vs. PHYS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VBR Sharpe Ratio is 1.83, which is higher than the PHYS Sharpe Ratio of 0.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VBR and PHYS, 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. PHYS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VBR drawdown since its inception was -61.98%, which is greater than PHYS's maximum drawdown of -48.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VBR and PHYS.

Drawdown Indicators

	VBR	PHYS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.98%	-48.16%	-13.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.85%	-24.80%	+15.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.19%	-24.80%	+0.61%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.19%	-24.80%	+0.61%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.28%	-24.80%	-20.48%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-22.43%	+22.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.26%	-20.99%	+12.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.50%	8.60%	-6.10%

Volatility

VBR vs. PHYS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) is 4.43%, while Sprott Physical Gold Trust (PHYS) has a volatility of 7.80%. This indicates that VBR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PHYS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VBR	PHYS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.43%	7.80%	-3.37%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.65%	24.75%	-14.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.36%	28.17%	-12.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.79%	18.53%	+1.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.74%	16.41%	+5.33%

Dividends

VBR vs. PHYS - Dividend Comparison

VBR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.71%, while PHYS has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PHYS Sprott Physical Gold Trust	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	1.71%	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 PHYS in my portfolio?

VBR and PHYS have a correlation of 0.21, 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 PHYS?

PHYS has higher volatility (7.80%) compared to VBR (4.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VBR dropped -61.98% vs PHYS's -48.16%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.83 vs 0.81), 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.