ORSIX vs. VSTCX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

ORSIX (North Square Dynamic Small Cap Fund) and VSTCX (Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, ORSIX returned 15.01%/yr vs 13.37%/yr for VSTCX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. ORSIX charges 1.36%/yr vs 0.26%/yr for VSTCX.

Performance

ORSIX vs. VSTCX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in North Square Dynamic Small Cap Fund (ORSIX) and Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund (VSTCX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with ORSIX having a 20.62% return and VSTCX slightly higher at 20.89%. Over the past 10 years, ORSIX has outperformed VSTCX with an annualized return of 15.01%, while VSTCX has yielded a comparatively lower 13.37% annualized return.

ORSIX

• 1D: -0.56%
• 1M: 3.22%
• YTD: 20.62%
• 6M: 18.14%
• 1Y: 39.41%
• 3Y*: 22.06%
• 5Y*: 10.99%
• 10Y*: 15.01%

VSTCX

• 1D: -0.49%
• 1M: 4.66%
• YTD: 20.89%
• 6M: 18.35%
• 1Y: 41.63%
• 3Y*: 23.06%
• 5Y*: 12.18%
• 10Y*: 13.37%

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

ORSIX vs. VSTCX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ORSIX North Square Dynamic Small Cap Fund	20.62%	10.44%	14.94%	29.16%	-18.46%	24.36%	19.34%	27.72%	-9.57%	15.63%
VSTCX Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund	20.89%	15.20%	15.40%	21.34%	-13.00%	33.53%	8.38%	22.18%	-11.87%	9.21%

Correlation

The correlation between ORSIX and VSTCX is 0.95 - 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 2, 2015	0.96

The correlation between ORSIX and VSTCX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ORSIX vs. VSTCX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ORSIX

ORSIX Risk / Return Rank: 76
ORSIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
ORSIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
ORSIX Omega Ratio Rank: 58
ORSIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
ORSIX Martin Ratio Rank: 89

VSTCX

VSTCX Risk / Return Rank: 84
VSTCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
VSTCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
VSTCX Omega Ratio Rank: 69
VSTCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
VSTCX Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

ORSIX vs. VSTCX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for North Square Dynamic Small Cap Fund (ORSIX) and Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund (VSTCX). 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.

	ORSIX	VSTCX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.19	2.47	-0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.03	3.42	-0.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.42	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.62	5.45	-0.83
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.66	19.21	-3.54

ORSIX vs. VSTCX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ORSIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.19, which is comparable to the VSTCX Sharpe Ratio of 2.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ORSIX and VSTCX, 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

ORSIX vs. VSTCX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ORSIX drawdown since its inception was -42.58%, smaller than the maximum VSTCX drawdown of -62.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ORSIX and VSTCX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ORSIX	VSTCX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.58%	-62.50%	+19.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.00%	-8.08%	-0.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.57%	-27.47%	+0.90%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.32%	-27.47%	-3.85%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.58%	-48.08%	+5.50%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.56%	-0.49%	-0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.23%	-10.62%	+2.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.65%	2.29%	+0.36%

Volatility

ORSIX vs. VSTCX - Volatility Comparison

North Square Dynamic Small Cap Fund (ORSIX) has a higher volatility of 5.81% compared to Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund (VSTCX) at 5.11%. This indicates that ORSIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VSTCX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ORSIX	VSTCX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.81%	5.11%	+0.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.01%	12.51%	+1.50%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.99%	17.86%	+1.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.59%	22.01%	+0.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.36%	23.46%	-0.10%

ORSIX vs. VSTCX - Expense Ratio Comparison

ORSIX has a 1.36% expense ratio, which is higher than VSTCX's 0.26% expense ratio.

Dividends

ORSIX vs. VSTCX - Dividend Comparison

ORSIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.34%, less than VSTCX's 6.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ORSIX North Square Dynamic Small Cap Fund	2.34%	2.82%	5.56%	0.16%	0.21%	46.91%	1.85%	0.26%	21.64%	0.31%	0.29%	0.37%
VSTCX Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund	6.24%	7.55%	9.66%	2.50%	7.44%	19.92%	1.24%	4.14%	11.74%	5.76%	1.35%	2.33%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ORSIX and VSTCX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, ORSIX and VSTCX 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, ORSIX or VSTCX?

ORSIX has higher volatility (5.81%) compared to VSTCX (5.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ORSIX dropped -42.58% vs VSTCX's -62.50%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSTCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.47 vs 2.19), 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.