PSCSX vs. VSTCX

Last updated Jul 2, 2026

PSCSX (PIMCO StocksPLUS Small Fund) and VSTCX (Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, PSCSX returned 11.92%/yr vs 13.46%/yr for VSTCX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. PSCSX charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.26%/yr for VSTCX.

Performance

PSCSX vs. VSTCX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PSCSX achieves a 22.31% return, which is significantly lower than VSTCX's 25.37% return. Over the past 10 years, PSCSX has underperformed VSTCX with an annualized return of 11.92%, while VSTCX has yielded a comparatively higher 13.46% annualized return.

PSCSX

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: 4.68%
• 6M: 22.31%
• YTD: 22.31%
• 1Y: 38.57%
• 3Y*: 18.98%
• 5Y*: 5.82%
• 10Y*: 11.92%

VSTCX

• 1D: 0.68%
• 1M: 6.67%
• 6M: 25.37%
• YTD: 25.37%
• 1Y: 43.45%
• 3Y*: 23.03%
• 5Y*: 12.91%
• 10Y*: 13.46%

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

PSCSX vs. VSTCX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PSCSX PIMCO StocksPLUS Small Fund	22.31%	12.57%	12.60%	17.09%	-23.95%	14.15%	19.50%	30.55%	-12.05%	17.64%
VSTCX Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund	25.37%	15.20%	15.40%	21.34%	-13.00%	33.53%	8.38%	22.18%	-11.87%	9.21%

Correlation

The correlation between PSCSX 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	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 20, 2006	0.96

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

Return for Risk

PSCSX vs. VSTCX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSCSX

PSCSX Risk / Return Rank: 70
PSCSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
PSCSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
PSCSX Omega Ratio Rank: 55
PSCSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
PSCSX Martin Ratio Rank: 79

VSTCX

VSTCX Risk / Return Rank: 90
VSTCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
VSTCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
VSTCX Omega Ratio Rank: 81
VSTCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
VSTCX Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

PSCSX vs. VSTCX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PIMCO StocksPLUS Small Fund (PSCSX) 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.

	PSCSX	VSTCX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.93	2.56	-0.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.66	3.52	-0.86
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.43	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.30	5.62	-2.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.84	19.84	-8.00

PSCSX vs. VSTCX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSCSX Sharpe Ratio is 1.93, which is comparable to the VSTCX Sharpe Ratio of 2.56. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSCSX 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

PSCSX vs. VSTCX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSCSX drawdown since its inception was -58.02%, smaller than the maximum VSTCX drawdown of -62.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSCSX and VSTCX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSCSX	VSTCX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.02%	-62.50%	+4.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.21%	-8.08%	-4.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.03%	-27.47%	-0.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.03%	-27.47%	-7.56%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.15%	-48.08%	+1.93%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.18%	-10.61%	+0.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.39%	2.29%	+1.10%

Volatility

PSCSX vs. VSTCX - Volatility Comparison

PIMCO StocksPLUS Small Fund (PSCSX) has a higher volatility of 6.56% compared to Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund (VSTCX) at 4.92%. This indicates that PSCSX'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

	PSCSX	VSTCX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.56%	4.92%	+1.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.57%	12.53%	+3.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.80%	17.74%	+3.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.55%	22.01%	+1.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.21%	23.42%	+0.79%

PSCSX vs. VSTCX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSCSX has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than VSTCX's 0.26% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSCSX vs. VSTCX - Dividend Comparison

PSCSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.50%, less than VSTCX's 6.02% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PSCSX PIMCO StocksPLUS Small Fund	3.50%	5.63%	4.34%	2.36%	26.32%	19.21%	5.69%	8.77%	12.86%	5.84%	3.41%	8.45%
VSTCX Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund	6.02%	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 PSCSX and VSTCX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, PSCSX 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, PSCSX or VSTCX?

PSCSX has higher volatility (6.56%) compared to VSTCX (4.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSCSX dropped -58.02% vs VSTCX's -62.50%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSTCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.56 vs 1.93), 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.