VISGX vs. VB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VISGX (Vanguard Small Cap Growth Index Fund) and VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) are both funds - VISGX is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while VB is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Index. Over the past 10 years, VISGX returned 11.70%/yr vs 11.30%/yr for VB. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VISGX charges 0.19%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VB.

Performance

VISGX vs. VB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Small Cap Growth Index Fund (VISGX) and Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VISGX achieves a 18.67% return, which is significantly higher than VB's 14.16% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VISGX having a 11.70% annualized return and VB not far behind at 11.30%.

VISGX

• 1D: 0.72%
• 1M: 6.05%
• YTD: 18.67%
• 6M: 18.08%
• 1Y: 33.96%
• 3Y*: 17.94%
• 5Y*: 5.96%
• 10Y*: 11.70%

VB

• 1D: -0.65%
• 1M: 3.52%
• YTD: 14.16%
• 6M: 14.12%
• 1Y: 28.82%
• 3Y*: 17.05%
• 5Y*: 7.11%
• 10Y*: 11.30%

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

VISGX vs. VB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VISGX Vanguard Small Cap Growth Index Fund	18.67%	8.18%	14.80%	22.91%	-28.50%	5.58%	35.11%	32.60%	-5.81%	21.78%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	14.16%	8.87%	14.17%	18.22%	-17.51%	17.57%	19.19%	27.34%	-9.34%	16.26%

Correlation

The correlation between VISGX and VB is 0.95, 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2004	0.96

The correlation between VISGX and VB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VISGX vs. VB — Risk / Return Rank

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

VISGX

VISGX Risk / Return Rank: 48
VISGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
VISGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
VISGX Omega Ratio Rank: 35
VISGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
VISGX Martin Ratio Rank: 61

VB

VB Risk / Return Rank: 56
VB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
VB Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
VB Omega Ratio Rank: 48
VB Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VB Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

VISGX vs. VB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small Cap Growth Index Fund (VISGX) and Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB). 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.

	VISGX	VB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.85	1.78	+0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.55	2.56	-0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.31	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.16	3.22	-0.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.03	11.87	+0.15
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VISGX vs. VB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VISGX Sharpe Ratio is 1.85, which is comparable to the VB Sharpe Ratio of 1.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VISGX and VB, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VISGX	VB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.85	1.78	+0.07
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.25	0.34	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.51	0.53	-0.02
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.39	0.44	-0.05

Drawdowns

VISGX vs. VB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VISGX drawdown since its inception was -58.74%, roughly equal to the maximum VB drawdown of -59.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VISGX and VB.

Drawdown Indicators

	VISGX	VB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.74%	-59.56%	+0.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.39%	-8.98%	-2.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.58%	-25.36%	-2.22%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.41%	-28.15%	-10.26%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.70%	-42.05%	+3.35%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.65%	+0.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.61%	-8.44%	-3.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.98%	2.43%	+0.55%

Volatility

VISGX vs. VB - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Small Cap Growth Index Fund (VISGX) has a higher volatility of 5.28% compared to Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) at 4.42%. This indicates that VISGX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VISGX	VB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.28%	4.42%	+0.86%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.84%	11.72%	+3.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.45%	16.28%	+3.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.56%	20.74%	+2.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.99%	21.42%	+1.57%

VISGX vs. VB - Expense Ratio Comparison

VISGX has a 0.19% expense ratio, which is higher than VB's 0.05% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VISGX vs. VB - Dividend Comparison

VISGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.34%, less than VB's 1.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	1.19%	1.33%	1.30%	1.55%	1.59%	1.24%	1.14%	1.39%	1.67%	1.35%	1.50%	1.48%
VISGX Vanguard Small Cap Growth Index Fund	0.34%	0.33%	0.42%	0.56%	0.46%	0.23%	0.35%	0.47%	0.65%	0.71%	0.97%	0.84%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VISGX and VB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, VISGX and VB 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, VISGX or VB?

VISGX has higher volatility (5.28%) compared to VB (4.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VISGX dropped -58.74% vs VB's -59.56%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VISGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.85 vs 1.78), 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.