PRSVX vs. VSMAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PRSVX (T. Rowe Price Small-Cap Value Fund) and VSMAX (Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, PRSVX returned 11.16%/yr vs 11.78%/yr for VSMAX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. PRSVX charges 0.78%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VSMAX.

Performance

PRSVX vs. VSMAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in T. Rowe Price Small-Cap Value Fund (PRSVX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSMAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PRSVX achieves a 20.14% return, which is significantly higher than VSMAX's 15.72% return. Over the past 10 years, PRSVX has underperformed VSMAX with an annualized return of 11.16%, while VSMAX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.78% annualized return.

PRSVX

• 1D: 0.51%
• 1M: 4.62%
• YTD: 20.14%
• 6M: 18.20%
• 1Y: 34.42%
• 3Y*: 17.29%
• 5Y*: 7.05%
• 10Y*: 11.16%

VSMAX

• 1D: 0.25%
• 1M: 2.87%
• YTD: 15.72%
• 6M: 13.57%
• 1Y: 29.05%
• 3Y*: 17.53%
• 5Y*: 7.37%
• 10Y*: 11.78%

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

PRSVX vs. VSMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PRSVX T. Rowe Price Small-Cap Value Fund	20.14%	8.31%	10.84%	12.34%	-18.53%	25.47%	12.49%	25.82%	-11.58%	12.84%
VSMAX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares	15.72%	8.83%	14.23%	18.17%	-17.61%	17.74%	19.06%	27.36%	-9.33%	16.24%

Correlation

The correlation between PRSVX and VSMAX is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 13, 2000	0.97

The correlation between PRSVX and VSMAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PRSVX vs. VSMAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PRSVX

PRSVX Risk / Return Rank: 73
PRSVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
PRSVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
PRSVX Omega Ratio Rank: 55
PRSVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
PRSVX Martin Ratio Rank: 87

VSMAX

VSMAX Risk / Return Rank: 55
VSMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
VSMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
VSMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 40
VSMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
VSMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

PRSVX vs. VSMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for T. Rowe Price Small-Cap Value Fund (PRSVX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSMAX). 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.

	PRSVX	VSMAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.17	1.82	+0.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.09	2.59	+0.51
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.31	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.15	3.38	+0.77
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.51	12.44	+3.07

PRSVX vs. VSMAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PRSVX Sharpe Ratio is 2.17, which is comparable to the VSMAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PRSVX and VSMAX, 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

PRSVX vs. VSMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PRSVX drawdown since its inception was -55.37%, smaller than the maximum VSMAX drawdown of -59.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PRSVX and VSMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PRSVX	VSMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.37%	-59.68%	+4.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.93%	-8.97%	+0.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.60%	-25.25%	+0.65%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.17%	-28.14%	-0.03%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.97%	-41.82%	+0.85%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.33%	+0.33%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.48%	-9.68%	+2.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.37%	2.43%	-0.06%

Volatility

PRSVX vs. VSMAX - Volatility Comparison

T. Rowe Price Small-Cap Value Fund (PRSVX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSMAX) have volatilities of 5.19% and 4.96%, 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

	PRSVX	VSMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.19%	4.96%	+0.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.48%	12.22%	+0.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.13%	16.68%	+0.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.83%	20.75%	-0.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.07%	21.59%	-0.52%

PRSVX vs. VSMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PRSVX has a 0.78% expense ratio, which is higher than VSMAX's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

PRSVX vs. VSMAX - Dividend Comparison

PRSVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.85%, more than VSMAX's 1.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PRSVX T. Rowe Price Small-Cap Value Fund	9.85%	11.83%	9.77%	3.27%	5.28%	6.98%	2.03%	4.59%	9.46%	3.79%	3.77%	22.55%
VSMAX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.17%	1.33%	1.30%	1.56%	1.54%	1.24%	1.14%	1.39%	1.67%	1.35%	1.49%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PRSVX and VSMAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, PRSVX and VSMAX 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, PRSVX or VSMAX?

PRSVX has higher volatility (5.19%) compared to VSMAX (4.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PRSVX dropped -55.37% vs VSMAX's -59.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PRSVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.17 vs 1.82), 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.