HSFNX vs. VSMAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

HSFNX (Hennessy Small Cap Financial Fund) and VSMAX (Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - HSFNX is a Financials Equities fund managed by BlackRock, while VSMAX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Index. Over the past 10 years, HSFNX returned 9.87%/yr vs 11.47%/yr for VSMAX. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HSFNX charges 1.58%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VSMAX.

Performance

HSFNX vs. VSMAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Hennessy Small Cap Financial Fund (HSFNX) 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, HSFNX achieves a 10.50% return, which is significantly lower than VSMAX's 15.43% return. Over the past 10 years, HSFNX has underperformed VSMAX with an annualized return of 9.87%, while VSMAX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.47% annualized return.

HSFNX

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: 3.70%
• YTD: 10.50%
• 6M: 6.36%
• 1Y: 36.20%
• 3Y*: 20.18%
• 5Y*: 7.22%
• 10Y*: 9.87%

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)

HSFNX vs. VSMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HSFNX Hennessy Small Cap Financial Fund	10.50%	12.79%	10.76%	4.64%	-11.14%	42.76%	2.56%	19.91%	-15.88%	-0.20%
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 HSFNX and VSMAX is 0.67, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.67
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.72
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75
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	0.77

The correlation between HSFNX and VSMAX shifts across timeframes, from 0.67 (1 year) to 0.77 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

HSFNX vs. VSMAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

HSFNX

HSFNX Risk / Return Rank: 37
HSFNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
HSFNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
HSFNX Omega Ratio Rank: 33
HSFNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
HSFNX Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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.

HSFNX vs. VSMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hennessy Small Cap Financial Fund (HSFNX) 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.

	HSFNX	VSMAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.55	1.81	-0.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.17	2.57	-0.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.31	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.74	3.36	-0.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.17	12.34	-5.17

HSFNX vs. VSMAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HSFNX Sharpe Ratio is 1.55, which is comparable to the VSMAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HSFNX 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

HSFNX vs. VSMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HSFNX drawdown since its inception was -70.18%, which is greater than VSMAX's maximum drawdown of -59.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HSFNX and VSMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	HSFNX	VSMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-70.18%	-59.68%	-10.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.61%	-8.97%	-4.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.33%	-25.25%	-2.08%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.00%	-28.14%	-14.86%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-50.68%	-41.82%	-8.86%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.10%	-0.57%	-1.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-25.98%	-9.68%	-16.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.18%	2.43%	+2.75%

Volatility

HSFNX vs. VSMAX - Volatility Comparison

Hennessy Small Cap Financial Fund (HSFNX) has a higher volatility of 6.55% compared to Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSMAX) at 5.30%. This indicates that HSFNX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VSMAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HSFNX	VSMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.55%	5.30%	+1.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.99%	12.24%	+3.75%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.12%	16.65%	+7.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.39%	20.77%	+6.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.35%	21.59%	+7.76%

HSFNX vs. VSMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

HSFNX has a 1.58% expense ratio, which is higher than VSMAX's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

HSFNX vs. VSMAX - Dividend Comparison

HSFNX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.94%, more than VSMAX's 1.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HSFNX Hennessy Small Cap Financial Fund	9.94%	10.99%	5.97%	4.63%	9.14%	0.97%	0.91%	3.43%	7.34%	8.19%	12.46%	7.38%
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 HSFNX and VSMAX in my portfolio?

HSFNX and VSMAX have a correlation of 0.67, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HSFNX or VSMAX?

HSFNX has higher volatility (6.55%) compared to VSMAX (5.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HSFNX dropped -70.18% vs VSMAX's -59.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSMAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 vs 1.55), 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.