MASKX vs. VRTIX
MASKX (iShares Russell 2000 Small-Cap Index Fund) and VRTIX (Vanguard Russell 2000 Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, MASKX returned 11.36%/yr vs 11.48%/yr for VRTIX. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. MASKX charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VRTIX.
Performance
MASKX vs. VRTIX - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with MASKX having a 20.64% return and VRTIX slightly higher at 20.75%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with MASKX having a 11.36% annualized return and VRTIX not far ahead at 11.48%.
MASKX
- 1D
- 2.09%
- 1M
- 3.97%
- YTD
- 20.64%
- 6M
- 17.09%
- 1Y
- 42.89%
- 3Y*
- 18.21%
- 5Y*
- 7.29%
- 10Y*
- 11.36%
VRTIX
- 1D
- 2.13%
- 1M
- 3.98%
- YTD
- 20.75%
- 6M
- 17.19%
- 1Y
- 43.17%
- 3Y*
- 18.25%
- 5Y*
- 7.33%
- 10Y*
- 11.48%
MASKX vs. VRTIX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MASKX iShares Russell 2000 Small-Cap Index Fund | 20.64% | 12.76% | 11.35% | 16.99% | -20.39% | 14.54% | 19.99% | 25.54% | -11.03% | 14.61% |
VRTIX Vanguard Russell 2000 Index Fund Institutional Shares | 20.75% | 12.55% | 11.59% | 17.01% | -20.40% | 14.71% | 20.46% | 25.60% | -10.92% | 14.77% |
Correlation
The correlation between MASKX and VRTIX is 1.00 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.00 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.99 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.99 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.99 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2010 | 0.99 |
The correlation between MASKX and VRTIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
MASKX vs. VRTIX — Risk / Return Rank
MASKX
VRTIX
MASKX vs. VRTIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Russell 2000 Small-Cap Index Fund (MASKX) and Vanguard Russell 2000 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTIX). 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.
| MASKX | VRTIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.01 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.02 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.36 | 1.36 | 0.00 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 3.89 | 3.92 | -0.03 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 13.78 | 13.88 | -0.10 |
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Drawdowns
MASKX vs. VRTIX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum MASKX drawdown since its inception was -59.06%, which is greater than VRTIX's maximum drawdown of -41.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MASKX and VRTIX.
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Drawdown Indicators
| MASKX | VRTIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -59.06% | -41.69% | -17.37% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -11.01% | -10.99% | -0.02% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -27.53% | -27.72% | +0.19% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -31.98% | -31.98% | 0.00% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -41.68% | -41.69% | +0.01% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -11.61% | -8.38% | -3.23% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.10% | 3.10% | 0.00% |
Volatility
MASKX vs. VRTIX - Volatility Comparison
iShares Russell 2000 Small-Cap Index Fund (MASKX) and Vanguard Russell 2000 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTIX) have volatilities of 6.76% and 6.77%, 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.
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Volatility by Period
| MASKX | VRTIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 6.76% | 6.77% | -0.01% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 14.35% | 14.36% | -0.01% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 19.67% | 19.70% | -0.03% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 23.25% | 22.69% | +0.56% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 23.75% | 23.51% | +0.24% |
MASKX vs. VRTIX - Expense Ratio Comparison
MASKX has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is higher than VRTIX's 0.08% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.
Dividends
MASKX vs. VRTIX - Dividend Comparison
MASKX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.60%, more than VRTIX's 1.10% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MASKX iShares Russell 2000 Small-Cap Index Fund | 2.60% | 3.13% | 4.81% | 2.92% | 1.70% | 7.64% | 1.42% | 3.43% | 4.26% | 3.15% | 4.60% | 3.63% |
VRTIX Vanguard Russell 2000 Index Fund Institutional Shares | 1.10% | 1.00% | 1.23% | 1.46% | 1.50% | 1.05% | 1.14% | 1.36% | 1.49% | 1.24% | 1.33% | 1.31% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 1.00, MASKX and VRTIX 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.
VRTIX has higher volatility (6.77%) compared to MASKX (6.76%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MASKX dropped -59.06% vs VRTIX's -41.69%.
VRTIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.19 vs 2.18), 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.
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