GMSMX vs. GMLGX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

GMSMX (GuideMark Small/Mid Cap Core Fund) and GMLGX (GuideMark Large Cap Core Fund) are both mutual funds - GMSMX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by GuideMark, while GMLGX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by GuideMark. Over the past 10 years, GMSMX returned 12.18%/yr vs 13.89%/yr for GMLGX. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GMSMX charges 1.17%/yr vs 0.89%/yr for GMLGX.

Performance

GMSMX vs. GMLGX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in GuideMark Small/Mid Cap Core Fund (GMSMX) and GuideMark Large Cap Core Fund (GMLGX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GMSMX achieves a 19.35% return, which is significantly higher than GMLGX's 6.35% return. Over the past 10 years, GMSMX has underperformed GMLGX with an annualized return of 12.18%, while GMLGX has yielded a comparatively higher 13.89% annualized return.

GMSMX

• 1D: 0.81%
• 1M: 5.60%
• YTD: 19.35%
• 6M: 16.88%
• 1Y: 31.83%
• 3Y*: 17.89%
• 5Y*: 7.48%
• 10Y*: 12.18%

GMLGX

• 1D: -0.44%
• 1M: 0.09%
• YTD: 6.35%
• 6M: 5.05%
• 1Y: 20.78%
• 3Y*: 18.76%
• 5Y*: 10.80%
• 10Y*: 13.89%

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

GMSMX vs. GMLGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GMSMX GuideMark Small/Mid Cap Core Fund	19.35%	8.76%	11.29%	17.73%	-18.23%	24.45%	21.98%	23.25%	-9.38%	14.46%
GMLGX GuideMark Large Cap Core Fund	6.35%	14.26%	22.35%	25.27%	-19.10%	26.33%	22.21%	28.12%	-5.53%	20.65%

Correlation

The correlation between GMSMX and GMLGX 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	0.88
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2002	0.89

The correlation between GMSMX and GMLGX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GMSMX vs. GMLGX — Risk / Return Rank

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

GMSMX

GMSMX Risk / Return Rank: 58
GMSMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
GMSMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
GMSMX Omega Ratio Rank: 43
GMSMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
GMSMX Martin Ratio Rank: 64

GMLGX

GMLGX Risk / Return Rank: 42
GMLGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
GMLGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
GMLGX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
GMLGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
GMLGX Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

GMSMX vs. GMLGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for GuideMark Small/Mid Cap Core Fund (GMSMX) and GuideMark Large Cap Core Fund (GMLGX). 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.

	GMSMX	GMLGX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.92	1.76	+0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.77	2.49	+0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.31	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.64	2.28	+1.36
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.88	9.67	+2.21

GMSMX vs. GMLGX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GMSMX Sharpe Ratio is 1.92, which is comparable to the GMLGX Sharpe Ratio of 1.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GMSMX and GMLGX, 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

GMSMX vs. GMLGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GMSMX drawdown since its inception was -70.55%, which is greater than GMLGX's maximum drawdown of -56.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GMSMX and GMLGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	GMSMX	GMLGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-70.55%	-56.56%	-13.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.22%	-9.59%	+0.37%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.90%	-20.36%	-4.54%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.90%	-25.54%	-3.36%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.31%	-35.15%	-6.16%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.29%	+1.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.80%	-9.43%	-5.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.82%	2.26%	+0.56%

Volatility

GMSMX vs. GMLGX - Volatility Comparison

GuideMark Small/Mid Cap Core Fund (GMSMX) has a higher volatility of 5.41% compared to GuideMark Large Cap Core Fund (GMLGX) at 3.82%. This indicates that GMSMX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GMLGX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GMSMX	GMLGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.41%	3.82%	+1.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.95%	9.49%	+3.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.51%	12.47%	+5.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.91%	17.68%	+3.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.78%	18.69%	+3.09%

GMSMX vs. GMLGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

GMSMX has a 1.17% expense ratio, which is higher than GMLGX's 0.89% expense ratio.

Dividends

GMSMX vs. GMLGX - Dividend Comparison

GMSMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.79%, less than GMLGX's 17.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GMLGX GuideMark Large Cap Core Fund	17.38%	18.49%	4.20%	0.75%	10.27%	3.03%	0.38%	1.01%	2.22%	4.25%	2.99%	3.08%
GMSMX GuideMark Small/Mid Cap Core Fund	5.79%	6.91%	9.08%	0.67%	2.29%	11.71%	2.06%	1.43%	6.72%	34.90%	0.28%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GMSMX and GMLGX in my portfolio?

GMSMX and GMLGX 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, GMSMX or GMLGX?

GMSMX has higher volatility (5.41%) compared to GMLGX (3.82%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GMSMX dropped -70.55% vs GMLGX's -56.56%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GMSMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.92 vs 1.76), 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.