LSSCX vs. VSCIX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

LSSCX (Loomis Sayles Small Cap Value Fund) and VSCIX (Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, LSSCX returned 10.27%/yr vs 11.48%/yr for VSCIX. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. LSSCX charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VSCIX.

Performance

LSSCX vs. VSCIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Loomis Sayles Small Cap Value Fund (LSSCX) 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, LSSCX achieves a 19.98% return, which is significantly higher than VSCIX's 15.44% return. Over the past 10 years, LSSCX has underperformed VSCIX with an annualized return of 10.27%, while VSCIX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.48% annualized return.

LSSCX

• 1D: 1.52%
• 1M: 5.43%
• YTD: 19.98%
• 6M: 17.22%
• 1Y: 31.36%
• 3Y*: 15.61%
• 5Y*: 9.97%
• 10Y*: 10.27%

VSCIX

• 1D: 1.27%
• 1M: 2.62%
• YTD: 15.44%
• 6M: 12.71%
• 1Y: 29.90%
• 3Y*: 16.30%
• 5Y*: 7.88%
• 10Y*: 11.48%

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

LSSCX vs. VSCIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
LSSCX Loomis Sayles Small Cap Value Fund	19.98%	5.31%	10.89%	19.39%	-11.52%	29.03%	2.29%	25.06%	-16.81%	10.01%
VSCIX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	15.44%	8.85%	12.96%	19.52%	-17.60%	17.74%	19.07%	27.40%	-9.33%	16.25%

Correlation

The correlation between LSSCX and VSCIX is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 7, 1997	0.95

Over the past year, the correlation between LSSCX and VSCIX has dropped to 0.72 - well below their long-term average of 0.95, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

LSSCX vs. VSCIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

LSSCX

LSSCX Risk / Return Rank: 67
LSSCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
LSSCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
LSSCX Omega Ratio Rank: 51
LSSCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
LSSCX Martin Ratio Rank: 65

VSCIX

VSCIX Risk / Return Rank: 55
VSCIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
VSCIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
VSCIX Omega Ratio Rank: 40
VSCIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
VSCIX 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.

LSSCX vs. VSCIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Loomis Sayles Small Cap Value Fund (LSSCX) 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.

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.

	LSSCX	VSCIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.17	1.81	+0.36
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.19	2.57	+0.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.31	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.87	3.36	+0.51
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.00	12.35	-0.35

LSSCX vs. VSCIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LSSCX Sharpe Ratio is 2.17, which is comparable to the VSCIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LSSCX 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.

Drawdowns

LSSCX vs. VSCIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LSSCX drawdown since its inception was -54.28%, smaller than the maximum VSCIX drawdown of -59.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LSSCX and VSCIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	LSSCX	VSCIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.28%	-59.66%	+5.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.89%	-8.97%	-0.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.10%	-25.25%	+0.15%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.10%	-28.13%	+3.03%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.65%	-41.81%	-2.84%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.57%	+0.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.57%	-10.11%	+2.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.00%	2.43%	+0.57%

Volatility

LSSCX vs. VSCIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Loomis Sayles Small Cap Value Fund (LSSCX) is 4.61%, while Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSCIX) has a volatility of 5.30%. This indicates that LSSCX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VSCIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	LSSCX	VSCIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.61%	5.30%	-0.69%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.85%	12.24%	+0.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.61%	16.65%	+0.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.92%	20.77%	+0.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.43%	21.60%	+0.83%

LSSCX vs. VSCIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

LSSCX has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is higher than VSCIX's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

LSSCX vs. VSCIX - Dividend Comparison

LSSCX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 14.58%, more than VSCIX's 1.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
LSSCX Loomis Sayles Small Cap Value Fund	14.58%	17.50%	10.71%	20.30%	12.74%	19.01%	8.04%	8.65%	17.43%	12.58%	8.27%	11.35%
VSCIX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.19%	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 LSSCX and VSCIX in my portfolio?

LSSCX and VSCIX have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LSSCX or VSCIX?

VSCIX has higher volatility (5.30%) compared to LSSCX (4.61%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LSSCX dropped -54.28% vs VSCIX's -59.66%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LSSCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.17 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.