AASMX vs. VSTCX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

AASMX (Thrivent Small Cap Stock Fund) and VSTCX (Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, AASMX returned 11.83%/yr vs 13.43%/yr for VSTCX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. AASMX charges 1.07%/yr vs 0.26%/yr for VSTCX.

Performance

AASMX vs. VSTCX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AASMX achieves a 17.26% return, which is significantly lower than VSTCX's 21.48% return. Over the past 10 years, AASMX has underperformed VSTCX with an annualized return of 11.83%, while VSTCX has yielded a comparatively higher 13.43% annualized return.

AASMX

• 1D: 0.15%
• 1M: 6.55%
• YTD: 17.26%
• 6M: 14.76%
• 1Y: 27.96%
• 3Y*: 14.64%
• 5Y*: 6.89%
• 10Y*: 11.83%

VSTCX

• 1D: 0.53%
• 1M: 5.17%
• YTD: 21.48%
• 6M: 19.28%
• 1Y: 44.51%
• 3Y*: 23.26%
• 5Y*: 12.58%
• 10Y*: 13.43%

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

AASMX vs. VSTCX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AASMX Thrivent Small Cap Stock Fund	17.26%	2.13%	13.02%	12.20%	-11.24%	23.82%	22.48%	27.55%	-10.77%	11.70%
VSTCX Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund	21.48%	15.20%	15.40%	21.34%	-13.00%	33.53%	8.38%	22.18%	-11.87%	9.21%

Correlation

The correlation between AASMX and VSTCX is 0.94, 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	0.94
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 Apr 20, 2006	0.96

The correlation between AASMX and VSTCX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AASMX vs. VSTCX — Risk / Return Rank

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

AASMX

AASMX Risk / Return Rank: 43
AASMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
AASMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
AASMX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
AASMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
AASMX Martin Ratio Rank: 43

VSTCX

VSTCX Risk / Return Rank: 87
VSTCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
VSTCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
VSTCX Omega Ratio Rank: 74
VSTCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
VSTCX Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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. VSTCX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Thrivent Small Cap Stock Fund (AASMX) and Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund (VSTCX). 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	VSTCX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.72	2.60	-0.88
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.53	3.57	-1.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.44	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.59	5.74	-3.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.70	20.24	-11.54

AASMX vs. VSTCX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AASMX Sharpe Ratio is 1.72, which is lower than the VSTCX Sharpe Ratio of 2.60. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AASMX and VSTCX, 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. VSTCX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AASMX drawdown since its inception was -57.13%, smaller than the maximum VSTCX drawdown of -62.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AASMX and VSTCX.

Drawdown Indicators

	AASMX	VSTCX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-57.13%	-62.50%	+5.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.55%	-8.08%	-3.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.56%	-27.47%	+0.91%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.43%	-27.47%	-1.96%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.66%	-48.08%	+6.42%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.79%	-10.62%	-0.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.44%	2.29%	+1.15%

Volatility

AASMX vs. VSTCX - Volatility Comparison

Thrivent Small Cap Stock Fund (AASMX) and Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund (VSTCX) have volatilities of 4.94% and 5.06%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AASMX	VSTCX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.94%	5.06%	-0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.63%	12.50%	+0.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.43%	17.89%	-0.46%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.36%	22.01%	+0.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.67%	23.50%	-0.83%

AASMX vs. VSTCX - Expense Ratio Comparison

AASMX has a 1.07% expense ratio, which is higher than VSTCX's 0.26% expense ratio.

Dividends

AASMX vs. VSTCX - Dividend Comparison

AASMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.68%, less than VSTCX's 6.21% 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%
VSTCX Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund	6.21%	7.55%	9.66%	2.50%	7.44%	19.92%	1.24%	4.14%	11.74%	5.76%	1.35%	2.33%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AASMX and VSTCX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, AASMX and VSTCX 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 VSTCX?

VSTCX has higher volatility (5.06%) compared to AASMX (4.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AASMX dropped -57.13% vs VSTCX's -62.50%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSTCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.60 vs 1.72), 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.