XJR vs. VBK

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

XJR (iShares ESG Screened S&P Small-Cap ETF) and VBK (Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XJR is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the S&P SmallCap 600 Sustainability Screened Index, while VBK is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, XJR returned 5.38%/yr vs 5.68%/yr for VBK. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. XJR charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VBK.

Performance

XJR vs. VBK - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XJR achieves a 14.91% return, which is significantly lower than VBK's 17.41% return.

XJR

• 1D: -0.96%
• 1M: 2.16%
• YTD: 14.91%
• 6M: 13.91%
• 1Y: 28.36%
• 3Y*: 14.13%
• 5Y*: 5.38%
• 10Y*: —

VBK

• 1D: -1.06%
• 1M: 4.84%
• YTD: 17.41%
• 6M: 16.96%
• 1Y: 32.77%
• 3Y*: 17.73%
• 5Y*: 5.68%
• 10Y*: 11.74%

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

XJR vs. VBK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
XJR iShares ESG Screened S&P Small-Cap ETF	14.91%	4.73%	9.59%	16.39%	-17.30%	24.96%	35.61%
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF	17.41%	8.50%	16.50%	21.45%	-28.44%	5.66%	29.98%

Correlation

The correlation between XJR and VBK is 0.82, 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	0.82
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 25, 2020	0.86

The correlation between XJR and VBK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

XJR vs. VBK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XJR	VBK
Financial Services	18.2%	5.6%
Technology	16.8%	25.9%
Industrials	15.5%	24.7%
Consumer Cyclical	13.5%	9.6%
Healthcare	10.7%	15.3%
Real Estate	7.6%	3.9%
Energy	4.7%	4.8%
Basic Materials	4.5%	3.2%
Consumer Defensive	2.7%	2.4%
Communication Services	2.5%	3.5%
Utilities	2.0%	1.2%

Return for Risk

XJR vs. VBK — Risk / Return Rank

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

XJR

XJR Risk / Return Rank: 51
XJR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
XJR Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
XJR Omega Ratio Rank: 43
XJR Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
XJR Martin Ratio Rank: 56

VBK

VBK Risk / Return Rank: 51
VBK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
VBK Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
VBK Omega Ratio Rank: 44
VBK Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
VBK Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

XJR vs. VBK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares ESG Screened S&P Small-Cap ETF (XJR) and Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK). 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.

	XJR	VBK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.60	1.72	-0.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.36	2.38	-0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.29	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.02	2.88	+0.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.70	10.98	-1.27
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

XJR vs. VBK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XJR Sharpe Ratio is 1.60, which is comparable to the VBK Sharpe Ratio of 1.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XJR and VBK, 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

	XJR	VBK	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.60	1.72	-0.12
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.25	0.24	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.52	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.67	0.43	+0.24

Drawdowns

XJR vs. VBK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XJR drawdown since its inception was -27.14%, smaller than the maximum VBK drawdown of -58.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XJR and VBK.

Drawdown Indicators

	XJR	VBK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.14%	-58.68%	+31.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.43%	-11.44%	+2.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.14%	-27.54%	+0.40%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.14%	-38.39%	+11.25%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-38.70%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.96%	-1.06%	+0.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.48%	-10.15%	+0.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.93%	2.99%	-0.06%

Volatility

XJR vs. VBK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares ESG Screened S&P Small-Cap ETF (XJR) is 4.77%, while Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) has a volatility of 5.37%. This indicates that XJR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VBK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XJR	VBK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.77%	5.37%	-0.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.22%	14.62%	-2.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.85%	19.21%	-1.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.43%	23.48%	-2.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.73%	22.86%	-1.13%

XJR vs. VBK - Expense Ratio Comparison

XJR has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is higher than VBK's 0.07% 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

XJR vs. VBK - Dividend Comparison

XJR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.99%, more than VBK's 0.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF	0.45%	0.54%	0.54%	0.68%	0.55%	0.36%	0.44%	0.57%	0.79%	0.82%	1.08%	0.98%
XJR iShares ESG Screened S&P Small-Cap ETF	0.99%	1.14%	1.96%	0.92%	1.29%	2.00%	0.58%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XJR and VBK in my portfolio?

XJR and VBK have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XJR or VBK?

VBK has higher volatility (5.37%) compared to XJR (4.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XJR dropped -27.14% vs VBK's -58.68%.

Which ETF is better, XJR or VBK?

On 5-year performance, VBK leads with 5.68% vs 5.38% for XJR. On fees, VBK is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, XJR has been the lower-risk option at 4.77%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XJR or VBK?

Over the 5-year period, VBK has performed better with a 5.68% return vs 5.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XJR or VBK?

VBK is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.12% for XJR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XJR or VBK?

XJR has the higher dividend yield at 0.99%, compared with 0.45% for VBK.

What is the main difference between XJR and VBK?

XJR is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while VBK is Small Cap Growth Equities. XJR tracks S&P SmallCap 600 Sustainability Screened Index, while VBK tracks CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for XJR and 0.07% for VBK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.72 vs 1.60), 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.