FTSIX vs. VFVA

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FTSIX (Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund) and VFVA (Vanguard U.S. Value Factor ETF) are both funds - FTSIX is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Fuller & Thaler Asset Mgmt, while VFVA is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Vanguard. Over the past 5 years, FTSIX returned 7.49%/yr vs 10.29%/yr for VFVA. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FTSIX charges 2.69%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for VFVA.

Performance

FTSIX vs. VFVA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund (FTSIX) and Vanguard U.S. Value Factor ETF (VFVA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTSIX achieves a 16.62% return, which is significantly higher than VFVA's 9.60% return.

FTSIX

• 1D: 0.86%
• 1M: 3.60%
• YTD: 16.62%
• 6M: 14.45%
• 1Y: 31.05%
• 3Y*: 14.86%
• 5Y*: 7.49%
• 10Y*: —

VFVA

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: 0.19%
• YTD: 9.60%
• 6M: 8.19%
• 1Y: 27.50%
• 3Y*: 17.29%
• 5Y*: 10.29%
• 10Y*: —

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

FTSIX vs. VFVA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
FTSIX Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund	16.62%	6.04%	11.86%	18.52%	-17.63%	25.29%	19.19%	26.72%	0.00%
VFVA Vanguard U.S. Value Factor ETF	9.60%	14.77%	7.67%	17.37%	-3.96%	36.94%	2.28%	25.42%	0.36%

Correlation

The correlation between FTSIX and VFVA is 0.87, 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	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 31, 2018	0.92

The correlation between FTSIX and VFVA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FTSIX vs. VFVA — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTSIX

FTSIX Risk / Return Rank: 65
FTSIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
FTSIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
FTSIX Omega Ratio Rank: 47
FTSIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
FTSIX Martin Ratio Rank: 76

VFVA

VFVA Risk / Return Rank: 58
VFVA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
VFVA Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
VFVA Omega Ratio Rank: 53
VFVA Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
VFVA Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

FTSIX vs. VFVA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund (FTSIX) and Vanguard U.S. Value Factor ETF (VFVA). 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.

	FTSIX	VFVA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.97	1.81	+0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.87	2.65	+0.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.32	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.61	3.23	+1.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.41	10.22	+3.19

FTSIX vs. VFVA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTSIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.97, which is comparable to the VFVA Sharpe Ratio of 1.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTSIX and VFVA, 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

FTSIX vs. VFVA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTSIX drawdown since its inception was -42.12%, smaller than the maximum VFVA drawdown of -48.58%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTSIX and VFVA.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTSIX	VFVA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.12%	-48.58%	+6.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.80%	-8.55%	+1.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.30%	-24.07%	+0.77%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.57%	-24.07%	-3.50%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.93%	-2.92%	+1.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.60%	-7.33%	-0.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.33%	2.70%	-0.37%

Volatility

FTSIX vs. VFVA - Volatility Comparison

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund (FTSIX) has a higher volatility of 4.40% compared to Vanguard U.S. Value Factor ETF (VFVA) at 3.68%. This indicates that FTSIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VFVA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTSIX	VFVA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.40%	3.68%	+0.72%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.43%	9.89%	+1.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.88%	15.32%	+0.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.13%	20.13%	-1.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.30%	24.30%	-1.00%

FTSIX vs. VFVA - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTSIX has a 2.69% expense ratio, which is higher than VFVA's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTSIX vs. VFVA - Dividend Comparison

FTSIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.55%, less than VFVA's 1.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
FTSIX Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund	0.55%	0.64%	0.84%	0.85%	0.95%	5.50%	0.35%	2.16%	0.00%
VFVA Vanguard U.S. Value Factor ETF	1.43%	2.13%	2.40%	2.45%	2.21%	1.68%	2.04%	2.08%	1.65%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTSIX and VFVA in my portfolio?

FTSIX and VFVA have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTSIX or VFVA?

FTSIX has higher volatility (4.40%) compared to VFVA (3.68%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTSIX dropped -42.12% vs VFVA's -48.58%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTSIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.97 vs 1.81), 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.