Verified factor-similar pair

RFG vs VBK

These two ETFs meet the same FF6 US comparison criteria: US-listed equity ETFs, the same USD model basis, at least one material non-market factor, and 100% overlap in statistically significant material factor exposure.

SMB
Similarity score
81
Verified similar

The score combines exposure-level distance, factor-vector shape, market-beta closeness, and a small backtested relative-Sharpe term.

Quick Read

  • RFG has the higher backtested relative Sharpe (0.812 vs 0.748).
  • VBK has the lower published fee (0.05% vs 0.35%).
  • VBK is cheaper on dividend valuation (131 vs 372, where 100 is each fund's historical median).
  • VBK has the stronger regression fit (adjusted R-squared 0.965 vs 0.864).

These are screening signals, not a complete review of portfolio construction, turnover, taxes, or trading quality.

RFG

Invesco S&P Midcap 400 Pure Growth ETF
SMB
Adj. R2
0.864
Rel. Sharpe
0.812
Mkt beta
1.05
AUM
US$310M
MER
0.35%
Valuation
372

VBK

Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF
SMB
Adj. R2
0.965
Rel. Sharpe
0.748
Mkt beta
1.06
AUM
US$21.1B
MER
0.05%
Valuation
131

Factor Exposure Match

Blue bars compare raw factor beta magnitude. Green bars compare absolute t-stat strength. Dim bars indicate the t-stat is below 1.96.

SMB
RFG
+0.54
|t|
+9.1
VBK
+0.69
|t|
+23.7
diff -0.15
HML
RFG
-0.06
|t|
-1.1
VBK
-0.19
|t|
-6.8
diff +0.13
RMW
RFG
+0.13
|t|
+1.9
VBK
-0.18
|t|
-5.2
diff +0.32
CMA
RFG
-0.13
|t|
-1.5
VBK
-0.07
|t|
-1.6
diff -0.06
UMD
RFG
+0.06
|t|
+1.8
VBK
+0.04
|t|
+2.3
diff +0.03

Why This Pair Matches

Exposure level
77
Exposure shape
93
Mkt beta diff
0.01
Rel. Sharpe diff
0.065

This comparison focuses on measured factor exposure. It does not compare holdings methodology, turnover, tax handling, or issuer process. Backtested relative Sharpe is a secondary signal rather than a stand-alone forecast. See methodology.

RFG fund page VBK fund page US ETF Leaders US Universe
Important context

VerifiedBeta publishes educational ETF research, not personalized investment advice, portfolio management, or security recommendations. Funds that screen well here can still be unsuitable for your objectives, taxes, liquidity needs, or constraints. Review fund documents, methodology assumptions, and your own circumstances before acting. See the full disclaimer.