VISVX vs. VNQ

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VISVX (Vanguard Small Cap Value Index Fund) and VNQ (Vanguard Real Estate ETF) are both funds - VISVX is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Value Index, while VNQ is a REIT fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Real Estate 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VISVX returned 10.64%/yr vs 5.65%/yr for VNQ. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VISVX charges 0.19%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for VNQ.

Performance

VISVX vs. VNQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Small Cap Value Index Fund (VISVX) and Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VISVX achieves a 13.52% return, which is significantly higher than VNQ's 12.51% return. Over the past 10 years, VISVX has outperformed VNQ with an annualized return of 10.64%, while VNQ has yielded a comparatively lower 5.65% annualized return.

VISVX

• 1D: 2.03%
• 1M: 5.23%
• YTD: 13.52%
• 6M: 11.85%
• 1Y: 28.67%
• 3Y*: 15.83%
• 5Y*: 7.91%
• 10Y*: 10.64%

VNQ

• 1D: 0.92%
• 1M: 4.90%
• YTD: 12.51%
• 6M: 12.32%
• 1Y: 14.02%
• 3Y*: 10.14%
• 5Y*: 2.55%
• 10Y*: 5.65%

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

VISVX vs. VNQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VISVX Vanguard Small Cap Value Index Fund	13.52%	8.27%	11.21%	16.92%	-9.43%	27.97%	5.68%	22.61%	-12.35%	11.67%
VNQ Vanguard Real Estate ETF	12.51%	3.24%	4.81%	11.85%	-26.25%	40.54%	-4.61%	28.91%	-6.03%	4.90%

Correlation

The correlation between VISVX and VNQ is 0.64, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 29, 2004	0.72

The correlation between VISVX and VNQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.64 to 0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VISVX vs. VNQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

VISVX

VISVX Risk / Return Rank: 63
VISVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
VISVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
VISVX Omega Ratio Rank: 49
VISVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
VISVX Martin Ratio Rank: 70

VNQ

VNQ Risk / Return Rank: 32
VNQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
VNQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
VNQ Omega Ratio Rank: 28
VNQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
VNQ Martin Ratio Rank: 36

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.

VISVX vs. VNQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small Cap Value Index Fund (VISVX) and Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ). 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.

	VISVX	VNQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.73	0.96	+0.78
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.56	1.39	+1.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.17	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.00	1.56	+1.45
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.64	4.90	+5.74

VISVX vs. VNQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VISVX Sharpe Ratio is 1.73, which is higher than the VNQ Sharpe Ratio of 0.96. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VISVX and VNQ, 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

VISVX vs. VNQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VISVX drawdown since its inception was -62.15%, smaller than the maximum VNQ drawdown of -73.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VISVX and VNQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	VISVX	VNQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.15%	-73.07%	+10.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.87%	-8.34%	-0.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.60%	-17.46%	-7.14%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.60%	-34.48%	+9.88%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.39%	-42.40%	-2.99%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.02%	-13.61%	+4.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.50%	2.65%	-0.15%

Volatility

VISVX vs. VNQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Small Cap Value Index Fund (VISVX) is 4.43%, while Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ) has a volatility of 4.72%. This indicates that VISVX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VNQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VISVX	VNQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.43%	4.72%	-0.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.76%	9.77%	+0.99%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.37%	13.54%	+1.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.80%	18.84%	+0.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.83%	20.72%	+1.11%

VISVX vs. VNQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

VISVX has a 0.19% expense ratio, which is higher than VNQ's 0.13% 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

VISVX vs. VNQ - Dividend Comparison

VISVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.62%, less than VNQ's 3.54% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VISVX Vanguard Small Cap Value Index Fund	1.62%	1.28%	1.86%	1.98%	1.90%	1.63%	1.58%	1.95%	2.20%	1.68%	1.42%	1.85%
VNQ Vanguard Real Estate ETF	3.54%	3.92%	3.85%	3.95%	3.91%	2.56%	3.93%	3.39%	4.74%	4.23%	4.82%	3.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VISVX and VNQ in my portfolio?

VISVX and VNQ have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VISVX or VNQ?

VNQ has higher volatility (4.72%) compared to VISVX (4.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VISVX dropped -62.15% vs VNQ's -73.07%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VISVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.73 vs 0.96), 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.