AASMX vs. VB

Last updated Jul 11, 2026

AASMX (Thrivent Small Cap Stock Fund) and VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, AASMX returned 11.26%/yr vs 11.16%/yr for VB. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. AASMX charges 1.07%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VB.

Performance

AASMX vs. VB - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with AASMX having a 17.08% return and VB slightly lower at 16.37%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with AASMX having a 11.26% annualized return and VB not far behind at 11.16%.

AASMX

• 1D: 1.34%
• 1M: 1.34%
• 6M: 11.69%
• YTD: 17.08%
• 1Y: 22.19%
• 3Y*: 13.00%
• 5Y*: 6.69%
• 10Y*: 11.26%

VB

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: 0.90%
• 6M: 10.44%
• YTD: 16.37%
• 1Y: 24.72%
• 3Y*: 15.44%
• 5Y*: 7.41%
• 10Y*: 11.16%

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

AASMX vs. VB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AASMX Thrivent Small Cap Stock Fund	17.08%	2.13%	13.02%	12.20%	-11.24%	23.82%	22.48%	27.55%	-10.77%	11.70%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	16.37%	8.87%	14.17%	18.22%	-17.51%	17.57%	19.19%	27.34%	-9.34%	16.26%

Correlation

The correlation between AASMX and VB is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
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 Jan 30, 2004	0.96

The correlation between AASMX and VB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AASMX vs. VB — Risk / Return Rank

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

AASMX

AASMX Risk / Return Rank: 35
AASMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
AASMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
AASMX Omega Ratio Rank: 31
AASMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
AASMX Martin Ratio Rank: 36

VB

VB Risk / Return Rank: 57
VB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
VB Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
VB Omega Ratio Rank: 48
VB Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
VB Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

AASMX vs. VB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Thrivent Small Cap Stock Fund (AASMX) 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.

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.

	AASMX	VB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.25	1.42	-0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.91	2.08	-0.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.25	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.90	2.62	-0.72
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.33	9.60	-3.27

AASMX vs. VB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AASMX Sharpe Ratio is 1.25, which is comparable to the VB Sharpe Ratio of 1.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AASMX 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.

Drawdowns

AASMX vs. VB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AASMX drawdown since its inception was -57.13%, roughly equal to the maximum VB drawdown of -59.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AASMX and VB.

Drawdown Indicators

	AASMX	VB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-57.13%	-59.56%	+2.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.55%	-8.98%	-2.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.56%	-25.36%	-1.20%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.43%	-28.15%	-1.28%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.66%	-42.05%	+0.39%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.55%	-1.64%	-0.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.77%	-8.40%	-2.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.45%	2.45%	+1.00%

Volatility

AASMX vs. VB - Volatility Comparison

Thrivent Small Cap Stock Fund (AASMX) has a higher volatility of 5.27% compared to Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) at 4.49%. This indicates that AASMX'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

	AASMX	VB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.27%	4.49%	+0.78%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.79%	12.08%	+0.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.48%	16.59%	+0.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.37%	20.76%	+1.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.59%	21.37%	+1.22%

AASMX vs. VB - Expense Ratio Comparison

AASMX has a 1.07% expense ratio, which is higher than VB's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

AASMX vs. VB - Dividend Comparison

AASMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.68%, more than VB's 1.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AASMX Thrivent Small Cap Stock Fund	2.68%	3.14%	4.21%	0.42%	12.87%	14.74%	1.83%	10.84%	18.67%	0.00%	0.17%	0.00%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	1.21%	1.33%	1.30%	1.55%	1.59%	1.24%	1.14%	1.39%	1.67%	1.35%	1.50%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AASMX and VB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, AASMX 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, AASMX or VB?

AASMX has higher volatility (5.27%) compared to VB (4.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AASMX dropped -57.13% vs VB's -59.56%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.42 vs 1.25), 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.