LMASX vs. VSCIX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

LMASX (ClearBridge Small Cap Fund) and VSCIX (Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, LMASX returned 7.66%/yr vs 11.29%/yr for VSCIX. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. LMASX charges 1.85%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VSCIX.

Performance

LMASX vs. VSCIX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, LMASX achieves a 10.81% return, which is significantly lower than VSCIX's 14.03% return. Over the past 10 years, LMASX has underperformed VSCIX with an annualized return of 7.66%, while VSCIX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.29% annualized return.

LMASX

• 1D: 0.27%
• 1M: 0.05%
• YTD: 10.81%
• 6M: 11.33%
• 1Y: 28.40%
• 3Y*: 10.13%
• 5Y*: 2.20%
• 10Y*: 7.66%

VSCIX

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 2.89%
• YTD: 14.03%
• 6M: 15.16%
• 1Y: 30.34%
• 3Y*: 17.01%
• 5Y*: 7.02%
• 10Y*: 11.29%

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

LMASX vs. VSCIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
LMASX ClearBridge Small Cap Fund	10.81%	5.38%	6.61%	16.09%	-21.19%	17.67%	2.44%	29.75%	-9.81%	10.94%
VSCIX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	14.03%	8.85%	12.96%	19.52%	-17.60%	17.74%	19.07%	27.40%	-9.33%	16.25%

Correlation

The correlation between LMASX and VSCIX is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 8, 1997	0.91

The correlation between LMASX and VSCIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

LMASX vs. VSCIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

LMASX

LMASX Risk / Return Rank: 38
LMASX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
LMASX Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
LMASX Omega Ratio Rank: 29
LMASX Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
LMASX Martin Ratio Rank: 41

VSCIX

VSCIX Risk / Return Rank: 50
VSCIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
VSCIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
VSCIX Omega Ratio Rank: 37
VSCIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
VSCIX Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

LMASX vs. VSCIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ClearBridge Small Cap Fund (LMASX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSCIX). 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.

	LMASX	VSCIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.64	1.87	-0.22
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.42	2.66	-0.24
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.32	-0.04
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.77	3.32	-0.54
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	8.79	12.27	-3.48
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

LMASX vs. VSCIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LMASX Sharpe Ratio is 1.64, which is comparable to the VSCIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.87. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LMASX and VSCIX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	LMASX	VSCIX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.64	1.87	-0.22
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.11	0.34	-0.24
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.34	0.53	-0.18
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.44	0.40	+0.04

Drawdowns

LMASX vs. VSCIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LMASX drawdown since its inception was -69.22%, which is greater than VSCIX's maximum drawdown of -59.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LMASX and VSCIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	LMASX	VSCIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-69.22%	-59.66%	-9.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.05%	-8.97%	-1.08%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.38%	-25.25%	-1.13%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.07%	-28.13%	-1.94%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.13%	-41.81%	-5.32%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.70%	-0.31%	-0.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.45%	-10.13%	-0.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.17%	2.42%	+0.75%

Volatility

LMASX vs. VSCIX - Volatility Comparison

ClearBridge Small Cap Fund (LMASX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSCIX) have volatilities of 4.31% and 4.35%, 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

	LMASX	VSCIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.31%	4.35%	-0.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.77%	11.71%	+0.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.21%	16.29%	+0.92%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.98%	20.71%	+0.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.56%	21.57%	+0.99%

LMASX vs. VSCIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

LMASX has a 1.85% expense ratio, which is higher than VSCIX's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

LMASX vs. VSCIX - Dividend Comparison

LMASX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.70%, more than VSCIX's 1.20% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
LMASX ClearBridge Small Cap Fund	10.70%	11.86%	6.98%	1.81%	0.00%	18.14%	0.05%	4.15%	13.81%	6.78%	3.35%	5.67%
VSCIX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.20%	1.34%	1.31%	1.55%	1.55%	1.25%	1.15%	1.40%	1.68%	1.36%	1.50%	1.49%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LMASX and VSCIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, LMASX and VSCIX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, LMASX or VSCIX?

VSCIX has higher volatility (4.35%) compared to LMASX (4.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LMASX dropped -69.22% vs VSCIX's -59.66%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSCIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.87 vs 1.64), 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.