VBR vs. RAYS

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VBR (Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF) and RAYS (Global X Solar ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VBR is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Value Index, while RAYS is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Solactive Solar Index. Both are passively managed. VBR charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for RAYS.

Performance

VBR vs. RAYS - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

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%

RAYS

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.00%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VBR vs. RAYS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	7.06%
RAYS Global X Solar ETF	0.00%

VBR vs. RAYS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VBR	RAYS
Industrials	18.1%	21.4%
Financial Services	17.6%	-
Consumer Cyclical	12.4%	4.0%
Technology	10.6%	66.9%
Real Estate	10.1%	-
Healthcare	7.9%	-
Basic Materials	6.3%	0.9%
Energy	5.2%	-
Utilities	4.8%	6.8%
Consumer Defensive	4.0%	-
Communication Services	2.5%	-

Return for Risk

VBR vs. RAYS — 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

RAYS

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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. RAYS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) and Global X Solar ETF (RAYS). 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	RAYS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.83	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.67	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.17	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.22	—	—

Drawdowns

VBR vs. RAYS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VBR drawdown since its inception was -61.98%, which is greater than RAYS's maximum drawdown of 0.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VBR and RAYS.

Drawdown Indicators

	VBR	RAYS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.98%	0.00%	-61.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.85%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.19%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.19%	—	—
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%	0.00%	-8.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.50%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VBR	RAYS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.43%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.65%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.36%	0.00%	+15.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.79%	0.00%	+19.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.74%	0.00%	+21.74%

VBR vs. RAYS - Expense Ratio Comparison

VBR has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than RAYS's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

VBR vs. RAYS - Dividend Comparison

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

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RAYS Global X Solar 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	1.71%	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

Which ETF is better, VBR or RAYS?

On fees, VBR is cheaper at 0.05% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VBR or RAYS?

VBR is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for RAYS.

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

VBR has the higher dividend yield at 1.71%, compared with 0.00% for RAYS.

What is the main difference between VBR and RAYS?

VBR is categorized as Small Cap Value Equities, while RAYS is Alternative Energy Equities. VBR tracks CRSP US Small Cap Value Index, while RAYS tracks Solactive Solar Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for VBR and 0.50% for RAYS.