BSMAX vs. VSMAX
BSMAX (iShares Russell Small/Mid-Cap Index Fund Investor A Shares) and VSMAX (Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds - BSMAX tracks the Russell 2500 Index while VSMAX tracks the CRSP US Small Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, BSMAX returned 11.09%/yr vs 10.96%/yr for VSMAX. Their 0.99 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. BSMAX charges 0.37%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VSMAX.
Performance
BSMAX vs. VSMAX - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, BSMAX achieves a 19.75% return, which is significantly higher than VSMAX's 15.91% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with BSMAX having a 11.09% annualized return and VSMAX not far behind at 10.96%.
BSMAX
- 1D
- 0.69%
- 1M
- -1.62%
- 6M
- 12.24%
- YTD
- 19.75%
- 1Y
- 28.41%
- 3Y*
- 15.56%
- 5Y*
- 7.90%
- 10Y*
- 11.09%
- ALL TIME*
- 10.40%
VSMAX
- 1D
- 0.59%
- 1M
- -1.06%
- 6M
- 9.10%
- YTD
- 15.91%
- 1Y
- 22.50%
- 3Y*
- 14.41%
- 5Y*
- 7.66%
- 10Y*
- 10.96%
- ALL TIME*
- 8.94%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
BSMAX vs. VSMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BSMAX iShares Russell Small/Mid-Cap Index Fund Investor A Shares | 19.75% | 11.59% | 11.78% | 16.81% | -18.58% | 17.69% | 20.06% | 27.38% | -10.45% | 16.40% |
VSMAX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares | 15.91% | 8.83% | 14.23% | 18.17% | -17.61% | 17.74% | 19.06% | 27.36% | -9.33% | 16.24% |
Correlation
The correlation between BSMAX and VSMAX is 0.98 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most. | 0.98 |
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history. | 0.99 |
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period. | 0.99 |
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions. | 0.99 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 13, 2015 | 0.99 |
The correlation between BSMAX and VSMAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
BSMAX vs. VSMAX — Risk / Return Rank
BSMAX
VSMAX
BSMAX vs. VSMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Russell Small/Mid-Cap Index Fund Investor A Shares (BSMAX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSMAX). 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.
| BSMAX | VSMAX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.24 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.32 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.28 | 1.24 | +0.04 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.98 | 2.46 | +0.52 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 11.22 | 8.99 | +2.23 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
BSMAX vs. VSMAX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum BSMAX drawdown since its inception was -41.38%, smaller than the maximum VSMAX drawdown of -59.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BSMAX and VSMAX.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| BSMAX | VSMAX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -41.38% | -59.68% | +18.30% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -9.46% | -8.97% | -0.49% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -25.54% | -25.25% | -0.29% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -28.48% | -28.14% | -0.34% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -41.38% | -41.82% | +0.44% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -2.28% | -1.96% | -0.32% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -7.63% | -9.65% | +2.02% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.52% | 2.47% | +0.05% |
Volatility
BSMAX vs. VSMAX - Volatility Comparison
iShares Russell Small/Mid-Cap Index Fund Investor A Shares (BSMAX) has a higher volatility of 3.46% compared to Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSMAX) at 2.85%. This indicates that BSMAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VSMAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| BSMAX | VSMAX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 3.46% | 2.85% | +0.61% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 13.41% | 11.83% | +1.58% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 17.77% | 16.40% | +1.37% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 20.98% | 20.65% | +0.33% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 21.58% | 21.51% | +0.07% |
BSMAX vs. VSMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison
BSMAX has a 0.37% expense ratio, which is higher than VSMAX's 0.05% expense ratio.
Dividends
BSMAX vs. VSMAX - Dividend Comparison
BSMAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.99%, more than VSMAX's 1.21% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BSMAX iShares Russell Small/Mid-Cap Index Fund Investor A Shares | 1.99% | 2.67% | 1.79% | 1.14% | 4.67% | 4.55% | 4.26% | 2.62% | 4.07% | 2.61% | 1.34% | 0.59% |
VSMAX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares | 1.21% | 1.33% | 1.30% | 1.56% | 1.54% | 1.24% | 1.14% | 1.39% | 1.67% | 1.35% | 1.49% | 1.48% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.98, BSMAX and VSMAX 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.
BSMAX has higher volatility (3.46%) compared to VSMAX (2.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BSMAX dropped -41.38% vs VSMAX's -59.68%.
BSMAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.59 vs 1.35), 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.
Find the right allocation for BSMAX and VSMAX
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer