BSMAX vs. VSTCX
BSMAX (iShares Russell Small/Mid-Cap Index Fund Investor A Shares) and VSTCX (Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, BSMAX returned 11.09%/yr vs 12.61%/yr for VSTCX. Their 0.98 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. BSMAX charges 0.37%/yr vs 0.26%/yr for VSTCX.
Performance
BSMAX vs. VSTCX - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, BSMAX achieves a 19.75% return, which is significantly lower than VSTCX's 22.70% return. Over the past 10 years, BSMAX has underperformed VSTCX with an annualized return of 11.09%, while VSTCX has yielded a comparatively higher 12.61% annualized return.
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%
VSTCX
- 1D
- 0.54%
- 1M
- -0.99%
- 6M
- 16.67%
- YTD
- 22.70%
- 1Y
- 38.07%
- 3Y*
- 20.46%
- 5Y*
- 13.22%
- 10Y*
- 12.61%
- ALL TIME*
- 9.51%
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. VSTCX - 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% |
VSTCX Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund | 22.70% | 15.20% | 15.40% | 21.34% | -13.00% | 33.53% | 8.38% | 22.18% | -11.87% | 9.21% |
Correlation
The correlation between BSMAX and VSTCX is 0.95 - 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. | 0.95 |
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history. | 0.97 |
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period. | 0.98 |
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions. | 0.98 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 13, 2015 | 0.98 |
The correlation between BSMAX and VSTCX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
BSMAX vs. VSTCX — Risk / Return Rank
BSMAX
VSTCX
BSMAX vs. VSTCX - 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 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.
| BSMAX | VSTCX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.59 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.81 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.28 | 1.38 | -0.10 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.98 | 4.73 | -1.75 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 11.22 | 16.62 | -5.40 |
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Drawdowns
BSMAX vs. VSTCX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum BSMAX drawdown since its inception was -41.38%, smaller than the maximum VSTCX drawdown of -62.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BSMAX and VSTCX.
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Drawdown Indicators
| BSMAX | VSTCX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -41.38% | -62.50% | +21.12% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -9.46% | -8.08% | -1.38% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -25.54% | -27.47% | +1.93% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -28.48% | -27.47% | -1.01% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -41.38% | -48.08% | +6.70% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -2.28% | -2.13% | -0.15% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -7.63% | -10.58% | +2.95% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.52% | 2.30% | +0.22% |
Volatility
BSMAX vs. VSTCX - Volatility Comparison
iShares Russell Small/Mid-Cap Index Fund Investor A Shares (BSMAX) and Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund (VSTCX) have volatilities of 3.46% and 3.43%, 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
| BSMAX | VSTCX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 3.46% | 3.43% | +0.03% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 13.41% | 12.28% | +1.13% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 17.77% | 17.54% | +0.23% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 20.98% | 21.87% | -0.89% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 21.58% | 23.41% | -1.83% |
BSMAX vs. VSTCX - Expense Ratio Comparison
BSMAX has a 0.37% expense ratio, which is higher than VSTCX's 0.26% expense ratio.
Dividends
BSMAX vs. VSTCX - Dividend Comparison
BSMAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.99%, less than VSTCX's 6.15% 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% |
VSTCX Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund | 6.15% | 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 0.95, BSMAX 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.
BSMAX has higher volatility (3.46%) compared to VSTCX (3.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BSMAX dropped -41.38% vs VSTCX's -62.50%.
VSTCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.19 vs 1.59), 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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