GABSX vs. VSMAX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

GABSX (Gabelli Small Cap Growth Fund) and VSMAX (Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, GABSX returned 11.24%/yr vs 11.77%/yr for VSMAX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. GABSX charges 1.38%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VSMAX.

Performance

GABSX vs. VSMAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Gabelli Small Cap Growth Fund (GABSX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSMAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GABSX achieves a 14.63% return, which is significantly lower than VSMAX's 15.61% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with GABSX having a 11.24% annualized return and VSMAX not far ahead at 11.77%.

GABSX

• 1D: 0.94%
• 1M: 4.08%
• YTD: 14.63%
• 6M: 12.27%
• 1Y: 26.04%
• 3Y*: 15.14%
• 5Y*: 9.14%
• 10Y*: 11.24%

VSMAX

• 1D: 0.70%
• 1M: 1.45%
• YTD: 15.61%
• 6M: 13.21%
• 1Y: 28.83%
• 3Y*: 17.49%
• 5Y*: 6.99%
• 10Y*: 11.77%

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

GABSX vs. VSMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GABSX Gabelli Small Cap Growth Fund	14.63%	8.65%	10.22%	21.45%	-12.63%	24.82%	13.63%	21.56%	-15.25%	19.05%
VSMAX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares	15.61%	8.83%	14.23%	18.17%	-17.61%	17.74%	19.06%	27.36%	-9.33%	16.24%

Correlation

The correlation between GABSX and VSMAX is 0.89, 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	0.89
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 13, 2000	0.96

The correlation between GABSX and VSMAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GABSX vs. VSMAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

GABSX

GABSX Risk / Return Rank: 40
GABSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
GABSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
GABSX Omega Ratio Rank: 35
GABSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
GABSX Martin Ratio Rank: 39

VSMAX

VSMAX Risk / Return Rank: 56
VSMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
VSMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
VSMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 40
VSMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
VSMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

GABSX vs. VSMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Gabelli Small Cap Growth Fund (GABSX) 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.

	GABSX	VSMAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.51	1.66	-0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.33	2.39	-0.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.29	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.20	3.08	-0.88
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.37	11.32	-3.96

GABSX vs. VSMAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GABSX Sharpe Ratio is 1.51, which is comparable to the VSMAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GABSX and VSMAX, 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

GABSX vs. VSMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GABSX drawdown since its inception was -57.24%, roughly equal to the maximum VSMAX drawdown of -59.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GABSX and VSMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	GABSX	VSMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-57.24%	-59.68%	+2.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.45%	-8.97%	-2.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.43%	-25.25%	+1.82%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.19%	-28.14%	+2.95%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.74%	-41.82%	+1.08%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.17%	-0.42%	+0.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.96%	-9.67%	+2.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.41%	2.44%	+0.97%

Volatility

GABSX vs. VSMAX - Volatility Comparison

Gabelli Small Cap Growth Fund (GABSX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSMAX) have volatilities of 4.87% and 5.01%, 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.

Volatility by Period

	GABSX	VSMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.87%	5.01%	-0.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.51%	12.23%	+0.28%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.71%	16.66%	+0.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.10%	20.75%	-1.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.98%	21.56%	-1.58%

GABSX vs. VSMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

GABSX has a 1.38% expense ratio, which is higher than VSMAX's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

GABSX vs. VSMAX - Dividend Comparison

GABSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.47%, more than VSMAX's 1.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GABSX Gabelli Small Cap Growth Fund	3.47%	3.98%	6.61%	8.68%	9.53%	13.50%	22.21%	21.36%	4.70%	5.38%	3.87%	3.78%
VSMAX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.18%	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

Can I hold both GABSX and VSMAX in my portfolio?

GABSX and VSMAX have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GABSX or VSMAX?

VSMAX has higher volatility (5.01%) compared to GABSX (4.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GABSX dropped -57.24% vs VSMAX's -59.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSMAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.66 vs 1.51), 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.