VIOG vs. SLYG

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VIOG (Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF) and SLYG (SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds tracking the S&P SmallCap 600 Growth Index, from Vanguard and State Street respectively. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VIOG returned 11.72%/yr vs 11.75%/yr for SLYG. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.15% expense ratio.

Performance

VIOG vs. SLYG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF (VIOG) and SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF (SLYG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with VIOG having a 21.75% return and SLYG slightly higher at 21.87%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VIOG having a 11.72% annualized return and SLYG not far ahead at 11.75%.

VIOG

• 1D: 0.24%
• 1M: 5.94%
• YTD: 21.75%
• 6M: 17.76%
• 1Y: 34.28%
• 3Y*: 16.88%
• 5Y*: 6.57%
• 10Y*: 11.72%

SLYG

• 1D: 0.35%
• 1M: 6.00%
• YTD: 21.87%
• 6M: 17.87%
• 1Y: 34.08%
• 3Y*: 16.89%
• 5Y*: 6.59%
• 10Y*: 11.75%

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

VIOG vs. SLYG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VIOG Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF	21.75%	5.40%	9.23%	16.92%	-21.14%	22.49%	19.68%	21.16%	-4.57%	14.70%
SLYG SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF	21.87%	5.20%	9.38%	17.27%	-21.26%	22.42%	19.48%	20.97%	-4.20%	14.62%

Correlation

The correlation between VIOG and SLYG is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 9, 2010	0.96

The correlation between VIOG and SLYG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

VIOG vs. SLYG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VIOG	SLYG
Technology	19.7%	19.9%
Industrials	19.5%	18.9%
Healthcare	14.6%	15.1%
Financial Services	13.7%	13.6%
Consumer Cyclical	10.9%	11.0%
Real Estate	6.6%	6.3%
Energy	4.1%	4.6%
Consumer Defensive	3.3%	3.0%
Basic Materials	3.1%	2.8%
Communication Services	2.7%	2.9%
Utilities	1.7%	1.8%

Return for Risk

VIOG vs. SLYG — Risk / Return Rank

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

VIOG

VIOG Risk / Return Rank: 65
VIOG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
VIOG Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
VIOG Omega Ratio Rank: 55
VIOG Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
VIOG Martin Ratio Rank: 72

SLYG

SLYG Risk / Return Rank: 65
SLYG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
SLYG Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
SLYG Omega Ratio Rank: 54
SLYG Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
SLYG Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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.

VIOG vs. SLYG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF (VIOG) and SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF (SLYG). 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.

	VIOG	SLYG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.92	1.91	+0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.80	2.78	+0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.33	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.81	3.76	+0.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.14	13.24	-0.11

VIOG vs. SLYG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VIOG Sharpe Ratio is 1.92, which is comparable to the SLYG Sharpe Ratio of 1.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VIOG and SLYG, 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

VIOG vs. SLYG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VIOG drawdown since its inception was -41.73%, smaller than the maximum SLYG drawdown of -62.92%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VIOG and SLYG.

Drawdown Indicators

	VIOG	SLYG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.73%	-62.92%	+21.19%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.03%	-9.10%	+0.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.35%	-27.39%	+0.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.15%	-29.18%	+0.03%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.73%	-41.86%	+0.13%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.60%	-14.88%	+7.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.62%	2.58%	+0.04%

Volatility

VIOG vs. SLYG - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF (VIOG) and SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF (SLYG) have volatilities of 5.42% and 5.21%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VIOG	SLYG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.42%	5.21%	+0.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.01%	12.96%	+0.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.95%	17.96%	-0.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.53%	21.56%	-0.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.88%	22.77%	+0.11%

VIOG vs. SLYG - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VIOG and SLYG have an expense ratio of 0.15%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VIOG vs. SLYG - Dividend Comparison

VIOG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.79%, less than SLYG's 0.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SLYG SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF	0.88%	0.86%	1.22%	1.18%	1.18%	0.68%	0.71%	1.08%	1.06%	4.74%	1.13%	5.75%
VIOG Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF	0.79%	1.04%	1.03%	1.15%	1.17%	0.69%	0.68%	1.09%	0.76%	0.87%	0.92%	1.04%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VIOG and SLYG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, VIOG and SLYG 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, VIOG or SLYG?

VIOG has higher volatility (5.42%) compared to SLYG (5.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VIOG dropped -41.73% vs SLYG's -62.92%.

Which ETF is better, VIOG or SLYG?

On 10-year performance, SLYG leads with 11.75% vs 11.72% for VIOG. Both ETFs have the same 0.15% expense ratio. On volatility, SLYG has been the lower-risk option at 5.21%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VIOG or SLYG?

Over the 10-year period, SLYG has performed better with a 11.75% return vs 11.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VIOG or SLYG?

VIOG and SLYG have the same expense ratio: 0.15% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VIOG or SLYG?

SLYG has the higher dividend yield at 0.88%, compared with 0.79% for VIOG.

What is the main difference between VIOG and SLYG?

Both ETFs track S&P SmallCap 600 Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and State Street.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VIOG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.92 vs 1.91), 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.