MSSCX vs. VSGAX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

MSSCX (AMG Frontier Small Cap Growth Fund) and VSGAX (Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, MSSCX returned 16.27%/yr vs 11.73%/yr for VSGAX. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. MSSCX charges 0.94%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VSGAX.

Performance

MSSCX vs. VSGAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AMG Frontier Small Cap Growth Fund (MSSCX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSGAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MSSCX achieves a 19.79% return, which is significantly higher than VSGAX's 17.46% return. Over the past 10 years, MSSCX has outperformed VSGAX with an annualized return of 16.27%, while VSGAX has yielded a comparatively lower 11.73% annualized return.

MSSCX

• 1D: -1.82%
• 1M: 3.19%
• YTD: 19.79%
• 6M: 13.20%
• 1Y: 38.39%
• 3Y*: 15.23%
• 5Y*: 6.78%
• 10Y*: 16.27%

VSGAX

• 1D: -1.07%
• 1M: 3.64%
• YTD: 17.46%
• 6M: 15.68%
• 1Y: 32.13%
• 3Y*: 17.71%
• 5Y*: 5.69%
• 10Y*: 11.73%

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

MSSCX vs. VSGAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MSSCX AMG Frontier Small Cap Growth Fund	19.79%	7.63%	10.88%	23.41%	-21.47%	16.33%	39.13%	46.03%	2.22%	21.23%
VSGAX Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares	17.46%	8.44%	14.94%	23.04%	-28.39%	5.70%	35.26%	32.76%	-5.69%	21.92%

Correlation

The correlation between MSSCX and VSGAX is 0.95, 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 28, 2011	0.95

The correlation between MSSCX and VSGAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MSSCX vs. VSGAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MSSCX

MSSCX Risk / Return Rank: 45
MSSCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
MSSCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
MSSCX Omega Ratio Rank: 28
MSSCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
MSSCX Martin Ratio Rank: 57

VSGAX

VSGAX Risk / Return Rank: 41
VSGAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
VSGAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
VSGAX Omega Ratio Rank: 29
VSGAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VSGAX Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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.

MSSCX vs. VSGAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AMG Frontier Small Cap Growth Fund (MSSCX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSGAX). 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.

	MSSCX	VSGAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.59	1.69	-0.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.14	2.36	-0.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.29	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.68	2.89	+0.80
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.21	10.99	+0.22
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MSSCX vs. VSGAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MSSCX Sharpe Ratio is 1.59, which is comparable to the VSGAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MSSCX and VSGAX, 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

	MSSCX	VSGAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.59	1.69	-0.10
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.26	0.24	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.62	0.51	+0.11
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.36	0.57	-0.21

Drawdowns

MSSCX vs. VSGAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSSCX drawdown since its inception was -78.46%, which is greater than VSGAX's maximum drawdown of -38.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSSCX and VSGAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSSCX	VSGAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-78.46%	-38.70%	-39.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.80%	-11.37%	+0.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-33.02%	-27.47%	-5.55%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.02%	-38.36%	+5.34%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.70%	-38.70%	-8.00%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.16%	-1.07%	-1.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-28.21%	-8.55%	-19.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.53%	2.98%	+0.55%

Volatility

MSSCX vs. VSGAX - Volatility Comparison

AMG Frontier Small Cap Growth Fund (MSSCX) has a higher volatility of 7.74% compared to Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSGAX) at 5.45%. This indicates that MSSCX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VSGAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MSSCX	VSGAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.74%	5.45%	+2.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.76%	14.84%	+3.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.10%	19.48%	+5.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.31%	23.56%	+2.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.46%	23.00%	+3.46%

MSSCX vs. VSGAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MSSCX has a 0.94% expense ratio, which is higher than VSGAX's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

MSSCX vs. VSGAX - Dividend Comparison

MSSCX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VSGAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.44%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MSSCX AMG Frontier Small Cap Growth Fund	0.00%	0.00%	9.23%	1.14%	0.00%	43.52%	3.34%	17.24%	59.21%	27.92%	0.43%	28.21%
VSGAX Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares	0.44%	0.54%	0.54%	0.67%	0.55%	0.36%	0.44%	0.57%	0.79%	0.81%	1.08%	0.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MSSCX and VSGAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, MSSCX and VSGAX 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, MSSCX or VSGAX?

MSSCX has higher volatility (7.74%) compared to VSGAX (5.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MSSCX dropped -78.46% vs VSGAX's -38.70%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSGAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.69 vs 1.59), 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.