BSMIX vs. VSCIX
BSMIX (iShares Russell Small/Mid-Cap Index Fund) and VSCIX (Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, BSMIX returned 11.77%/yr vs 11.38%/yr for VSCIX. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. BSMIX charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VSCIX.
Performance
BSMIX vs. VSCIX - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, BSMIX achieves a 19.06% return, which is significantly higher than VSCIX's 14.94% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with BSMIX having a 11.77% annualized return and VSCIX not far behind at 11.38%.
BSMIX
- 1D
- 0.93%
- 1M
- 5.13%
- YTD
- 19.06%
- 6M
- 18.96%
- 1Y
- 36.89%
- 3Y*
- 18.79%
- 5Y*
- 7.82%
- 10Y*
- 11.77%
VSCIX
- 1D
- 0.80%
- 1M
- 4.24%
- YTD
- 14.94%
- 6M
- 14.90%
- 1Y
- 29.67%
- 3Y*
- 17.32%
- 5Y*
- 7.35%
- 10Y*
- 11.38%
BSMIX vs. VSCIX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BSMIX iShares Russell Small/Mid-Cap Index Fund | 19.06% | 11.92% | 12.04% | 17.15% | -18.39% | 18.00% | 20.28% | 27.62% | -10.22% | 16.75% |
VSCIX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares | 14.94% | 8.85% | 12.96% | 19.52% | -17.60% | 17.74% | 19.07% | 27.40% | -9.33% | 16.25% |
Correlation
The correlation between BSMIX and VSCIX is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.99 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.99 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.99 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.99 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 5, 2016 | 0.99 |
The correlation between BSMIX and VSCIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 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
BSMIX vs. VSCIX — Risk / Return Rank
BSMIX
VSCIX
BSMIX vs. VSCIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Russell Small/Mid-Cap Index Fund (BSMIX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSCIX). 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.
| BSMIX | VSCIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.32 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.39 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.38 | 1.33 | +0.05 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 4.15 | 3.51 | +0.63 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 15.76 | 12.98 | +2.79 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading charts...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| BSMIX | VSCIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 2.26 | 1.94 | +0.32 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.37 | 0.36 | +0.01 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.54 | 0.53 | +0.01 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.56 | 0.41 | +0.15 |
Drawdowns
BSMIX vs. VSCIX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum BSMIX drawdown since its inception was -41.32%, smaller than the maximum VSCIX drawdown of -59.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BSMIX and VSCIX.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| BSMIX | VSCIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -41.32% | -59.66% | +18.34% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -9.39% | -8.97% | -0.42% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -25.49% | -25.25% | -0.24% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -28.33% | -28.13% | -0.20% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -41.32% | -41.81% | +0.49% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -7.41% | -10.12% | +2.71% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.47% | 2.42% | +0.05% |
Volatility
BSMIX vs. VSCIX - Volatility Comparison
iShares Russell Small/Mid-Cap Index Fund (BSMIX) has a higher volatility of 5.13% compared to Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSCIX) at 4.40%. This indicates that BSMIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VSCIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| BSMIX | VSCIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 5.13% | 4.40% | +0.73% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 12.67% | 11.72% | +0.95% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 17.21% | 16.27% | +0.94% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 21.18% | 20.72% | +0.46% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 21.71% | 21.57% | +0.14% |
BSMIX vs. VSCIX - Expense Ratio Comparison
BSMIX has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is higher than VSCIX's 0.04% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.
Dividends
BSMIX vs. VSCIX - Dividend Comparison
BSMIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.43%, more than VSCIX's 1.19% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BSMIX iShares Russell Small/Mid-Cap Index Fund | 2.43% | 2.90% | 2.04% | 1.37% | 4.94% | 4.77% | 4.42% | 2.83% | 4.33% | 2.83% | 1.45% | 0.00% |
VSCIX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares | 1.19% | 1.34% | 1.31% | 1.55% | 1.55% | 1.25% | 1.15% | 1.40% | 1.68% | 1.36% | 1.50% | 1.49% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.99, BSMIX and VSCIX 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.
BSMIX has higher volatility (5.13%) compared to VSCIX (4.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BSMIX dropped -41.32% vs VSCIX's -59.66%.
BSMIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.26 vs 1.94), 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 BSMIX and VSCIX
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