HFCVX vs. VSMAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

HFCVX (Hennessy Cornerstone Value Fund) and VSMAX (Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - HFCVX is a Large Cap Value Equities fund managed by Hennessy, while VSMAX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Index. Over the past 10 years, HFCVX returned 10.89%/yr vs 11.47%/yr for VSMAX. Their correlation of 0.80 suggests significant overlap in exposure. HFCVX charges 1.23%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VSMAX.

Performance

HFCVX vs. VSMAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Hennessy Cornerstone Value Fund (HFCVX) 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, HFCVX achieves a 11.18% return, which is significantly lower than VSMAX's 15.43% return. Over the past 10 years, HFCVX has underperformed VSMAX with an annualized return of 10.89%, while VSMAX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.47% annualized return.

HFCVX

• 1D: -0.64%
• 1M: -3.47%
• YTD: 11.18%
• 6M: 11.47%
• 1Y: 21.36%
• 3Y*: 14.63%
• 5Y*: 12.08%
• 10Y*: 10.89%

VSMAX

• 1D: 1.27%
• 1M: 2.62%
• YTD: 15.43%
• 6M: 12.70%
• 1Y: 29.88%
• 3Y*: 16.29%
• 5Y*: 7.86%
• 10Y*: 11.47%

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

HFCVX vs. VSMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HFCVX Hennessy Cornerstone Value Fund	11.18%	18.27%	9.59%	5.81%	6.12%	29.94%	-6.39%	20.84%	-9.50%	19.21%
VSMAX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares	15.43%	8.83%	14.23%	18.17%	-17.61%	17.74%	19.06%	27.36%	-9.33%	16.24%

Correlation

The correlation between HFCVX and VSMAX is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.69
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 13, 2000	0.80

Over the past year, the correlation between HFCVX and VSMAX has dropped to 0.49 - well below their long-term average of 0.80, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

HFCVX vs. VSMAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

HFCVX

HFCVX Risk / Return Rank: 81
HFCVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
HFCVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
HFCVX Omega Ratio Rank: 63
HFCVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
HFCVX Martin Ratio Rank: 91

VSMAX

VSMAX Risk / Return Rank: 55
VSMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
VSMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
VSMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 40
VSMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
VSMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

HFCVX vs. VSMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hennessy Cornerstone Value Fund (HFCVX) 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.

	HFCVX	VSMAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.35	1.81	+0.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.36	2.57	+0.79
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.31	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.83	3.36	+2.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.07	12.34	+4.73

HFCVX vs. VSMAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HFCVX Sharpe Ratio is 2.35, which is comparable to the VSMAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HFCVX 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

HFCVX vs. VSMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HFCVX drawdown since its inception was -65.75%, which is greater than VSMAX's maximum drawdown of -59.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HFCVX and VSMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	HFCVX	VSMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.75%	-59.68%	-6.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.77%	-8.97%	+5.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.32%	-25.25%	+13.93%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.81%	-28.14%	+11.33%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.39%	-41.82%	+2.43%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.47%	-0.57%	-2.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.23%	-9.68%	+1.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.28%	2.43%	-1.15%

Volatility

HFCVX vs. VSMAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Hennessy Cornerstone Value Fund (HFCVX) is 3.13%, while Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSMAX) has a volatility of 5.30%. This indicates that HFCVX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VSMAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HFCVX	VSMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.13%	5.30%	-2.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.98%	12.24%	-5.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.37%	16.65%	-7.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.26%	20.77%	-7.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.45%	21.59%	-5.14%

HFCVX vs. VSMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

HFCVX has a 1.23% expense ratio, which is higher than VSMAX's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

HFCVX vs. VSMAX - Dividend Comparison

HFCVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.65%, more than VSMAX's 1.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HFCVX Hennessy Cornerstone Value Fund	6.65%	7.39%	4.56%	3.57%	10.33%	4.81%	2.58%	6.58%	17.16%	14.97%	2.26%	2.57%
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 HFCVX and VSMAX in my portfolio?

HFCVX and VSMAX have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HFCVX or VSMAX?

VSMAX has higher volatility (5.30%) compared to HFCVX (3.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HFCVX dropped -65.75% vs VSMAX's -59.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HFCVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.35 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.