ARSTX vs. VSTCX
ARSTX (Nuveen Small Cap Select Fund) and VSTCX (Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, ARSTX returned 12.97%/yr vs 13.43%/yr for VSTCX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. ARSTX charges 0.99%/yr vs 0.26%/yr for VSTCX.
Performance
ARSTX vs. VSTCX - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, ARSTX achieves a 15.43% return, which is significantly lower than VSTCX's 21.48% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with ARSTX having a 12.97% annualized return and VSTCX not far ahead at 13.43%.
ARSTX
- 1D
- 0.71%
- 1M
- 5.76%
- YTD
- 15.43%
- 6M
- 12.91%
- 1Y
- 32.85%
- 3Y*
- 18.30%
- 5Y*
- 9.02%
- 10Y*
- 12.97%
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%
ARSTX vs. VSTCX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ARSTX Nuveen Small Cap Select Fund | 15.43% | 7.78% | 16.94% | 17.69% | -19.84% | 35.98% | 18.68% | 29.05% | -11.48% | 10.13% |
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 ARSTX 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 | 0.96 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.97 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.96 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 20, 2006 | 0.97 |
The correlation between ARSTX and VSTCX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
ARSTX vs. VSTCX — Risk / Return Rank
ARSTX
VSTCX
ARSTX vs. VSTCX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen Small Cap Select Fund (ARSTX) 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.
| ARSTX | VSTCX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.64 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.75 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.33 | 1.44 | -0.11 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 3.34 | 5.74 | -2.39 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 12.14 | 20.24 | -8.09 |
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Drawdowns
ARSTX vs. VSTCX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum ARSTX drawdown since its inception was -56.51%, smaller than the maximum VSTCX drawdown of -62.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ARSTX and VSTCX.
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Drawdown Indicators
| ARSTX | VSTCX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -56.51% | -62.50% | +5.99% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -10.39% | -8.08% | -2.31% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -27.97% | -27.47% | -0.50% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -27.97% | -27.47% | -0.50% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -43.11% | -48.08% | +4.97% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -8.86% | -10.62% | +1.76% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.85% | 2.29% | +0.56% |
Volatility
ARSTX vs. VSTCX - Volatility Comparison
Nuveen Small Cap Select Fund (ARSTX) and Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund (VSTCX) have volatilities of 5.24% 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.
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Volatility by Period
| ARSTX | VSTCX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 5.24% | 5.06% | +0.18% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 12.96% | 12.50% | +0.46% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 17.81% | 17.89% | -0.08% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 22.57% | 22.01% | +0.56% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 23.24% | 23.50% | -0.26% |
ARSTX vs. VSTCX - Expense Ratio Comparison
ARSTX has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is higher than VSTCX's 0.26% expense ratio.
Dividends
ARSTX vs. VSTCX - Dividend Comparison
ARSTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.19%, less than VSTCX's 6.21% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ARSTX Nuveen Small Cap Select Fund | 2.19% | 2.53% | 2.42% | 0.00% | 0.40% | 21.05% | 1.25% | 0.37% | 21.67% | 10.31% | 8.92% | 20.02% |
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
With a correlation of 0.94, ARSTX 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.
ARSTX has higher volatility (5.24%) compared to VSTCX (5.06%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ARSTX dropped -56.51% vs VSTCX's -62.50%.
VSTCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.60 vs 1.96), 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.
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