VBR vs. SMLF

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VBR (Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF) and SMLF (iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Multifactor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VBR is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Value Index, while SMLF is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA Small Cap Diversified Multi-Factor. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VBR returned 11.02%/yr vs 12.77%/yr for SMLF. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VBR charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for SMLF.

Performance

VBR vs. SMLF - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VBR achieves a 13.42% return, which is significantly lower than SMLF's 17.27% return. Over the past 10 years, VBR has underperformed SMLF with an annualized return of 11.02%, while SMLF has yielded a comparatively higher 12.77% annualized return.

VBR

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: 2.65%
• YTD: 13.42%
• 6M: 11.41%
• 1Y: 27.72%
• 3Y*: 16.95%
• 5Y*: 8.85%
• 10Y*: 11.02%

SMLF

• 1D: 0.39%
• 1M: 4.30%
• YTD: 17.27%
• 6M: 14.40%
• 1Y: 34.32%
• 3Y*: 20.78%
• 5Y*: 11.57%
• 10Y*: 12.77%

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

VBR vs. SMLF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	13.42%	9.09%	12.40%	16.00%	-9.38%	28.08%	5.90%	22.78%	-12.28%	11.81%
SMLF iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Multifactor ETF	17.27%	12.30%	16.33%	19.99%	-12.19%	26.53%	8.38%	21.56%	-8.42%	12.70%

Correlation

The correlation between VBR and SMLF is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 30, 2015	0.89

The correlation between VBR and SMLF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

VBR vs. SMLF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VBR	SMLF
Financial Services	17.5%	14.3%
Industrials	17.4%	19.5%
Consumer Cyclical	12.5%	11.4%
Technology	12.1%	19.1%
Real Estate	10.5%	5.6%
Healthcare	8.3%	12.9%
Basic Materials	6.0%	4.5%
Utilities	4.6%	2.0%
Energy	4.3%	4.3%
Consumer Defensive	4.0%	3.3%
Communication Services	2.8%	3.2%

Return for Risk

VBR vs. SMLF — Risk / Return Rank

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

VBR

VBR Risk / Return Rank: 59
VBR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
VBR Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
VBR Omega Ratio Rank: 52
VBR Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
VBR Martin Ratio Rank: 63

SMLF

SMLF Risk / Return Rank: 66
SMLF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
SMLF Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
SMLF Omega Ratio Rank: 55
SMLF Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
SMLF Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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. SMLF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) and iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Multifactor ETF (SMLF). 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	SMLF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.82	1.96	-0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.67	2.72	-0.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.33	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.14	3.96	-0.81
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.11	13.58	-2.47

VBR vs. SMLF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VBR Sharpe Ratio is 1.82, which is comparable to the SMLF Sharpe Ratio of 1.96. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VBR and SMLF, 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. SMLF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VBR drawdown since its inception was -61.98%, which is greater than SMLF's maximum drawdown of -41.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VBR and SMLF.

Drawdown Indicators

	VBR	SMLF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.98%	-41.89%	-20.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.85%	-8.71%	-0.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.19%	-26.28%	+2.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.19%	-26.28%	+2.09%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.28%	-41.89%	-3.39%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.03%	0.00%	-1.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.25%	-6.58%	-1.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.50%	2.53%	-0.03%

Volatility

VBR vs. SMLF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) is 3.97%, while iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Multifactor ETF (SMLF) has a volatility of 5.25%. This indicates that VBR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SMLF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VBR	SMLF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.97%	5.25%	-1.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.66%	12.90%	-2.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.33%	17.62%	-2.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.73%	21.12%	-1.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.75%	21.82%	-0.07%

VBR vs. SMLF - Expense Ratio Comparison

VBR has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than SMLF's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

VBR vs. SMLF - Dividend Comparison

VBR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.73%, more than SMLF's 1.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SMLF iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Multifactor ETF	1.01%	1.14%	1.33%	1.13%	1.23%	1.07%	1.33%	1.39%	1.17%	0.93%	0.78%	0.79%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	1.73%	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 SMLF in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, VBR and SMLF move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, VBR or SMLF?

SMLF has higher volatility (5.25%) compared to VBR (3.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VBR dropped -61.98% vs SMLF's -41.89%.

Which ETF is better, VBR or SMLF?

On 10-year performance, SMLF leads with 12.77% vs 11.02% for VBR. On fees, VBR is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VBR has been the lower-risk option at 3.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VBR or SMLF?

Over the 10-year period, SMLF has performed better with a 12.77% return vs 11.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VBR or SMLF?

VBR is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for SMLF.

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

VBR has the higher dividend yield at 1.73%, compared with 1.01% for SMLF.

What is the main difference between VBR and SMLF?

VBR is categorized as Small Cap Value Equities, while SMLF is Small Cap Blend Equities. VBR tracks CRSP US Small Cap Value Index, while SMLF tracks MSCI USA Small Cap Diversified Multi-Factor. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for VBR and 0.30% for SMLF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMLF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.96 vs 1.82), 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.