PSGIX vs. MASKX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

PSGIX (BlackRock Advantage Small Cap Growth Fund) and MASKX (iShares Russell 2000 Small-Cap Index Fund) are both mutual funds - PSGIX is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund managed by BlackRock, while MASKX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by BlackRock. Over the past 10 years, PSGIX returned 12.28%/yr vs 11.02%/yr for MASKX. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PSGIX charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.12%/yr for MASKX.

Performance

PSGIX vs. MASKX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in BlackRock Advantage Small Cap Growth Fund (PSGIX) and iShares Russell 2000 Small-Cap Index Fund (MASKX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PSGIX achieves a 19.25% return, which is significantly higher than MASKX's 17.57% return. Over the past 10 years, PSGIX has outperformed MASKX with an annualized return of 12.28%, while MASKX has yielded a comparatively lower 11.02% annualized return.

PSGIX

• 1D: -0.41%
• 1M: 4.14%
• YTD: 19.25%
• 6M: 19.71%
• 1Y: 43.79%
• 3Y*: 20.30%
• 5Y*: 6.60%
• 10Y*: 12.28%

MASKX

• 1D: -0.44%
• 1M: 3.43%
• YTD: 17.57%
• 6M: 18.51%
• 1Y: 42.01%
• 3Y*: 18.17%
• 5Y*: 6.18%
• 10Y*: 11.02%

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

PSGIX vs. MASKX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PSGIX BlackRock Advantage Small Cap Growth Fund	19.25%	15.24%	14.07%	18.73%	-24.93%	2.95%	33.47%	33.92%	-5.01%	14.19%
MASKX iShares Russell 2000 Small-Cap Index Fund	17.57%	12.76%	11.35%	16.99%	-20.39%	14.54%	19.99%	25.54%	-11.03%	14.61%

Correlation

The correlation between PSGIX and MASKX is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 9, 1997	0.93

The correlation between PSGIX and MASKX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PSGIX vs. MASKX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSGIX

PSGIX Risk / Return Rank: 54
PSGIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
PSGIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
PSGIX Omega Ratio Rank: 42
PSGIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
PSGIX Martin Ratio Rank: 61

MASKX

MASKX Risk / Return Rank: 61
MASKX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
MASKX Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
MASKX Omega Ratio Rank: 45
MASKX Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
MASKX Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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.

PSGIX vs. MASKX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for BlackRock Advantage Small Cap Growth Fund (PSGIX) and iShares Russell 2000 Small-Cap Index Fund (MASKX). 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.

	PSGIX	MASKX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.11	2.23	-0.12
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.83	3.07	-0.23
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.37	-0.02
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.23	3.79	-0.56
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	12.17	13.50	-1.34
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PSGIX vs. MASKX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSGIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.11, which is comparable to the MASKX Sharpe Ratio of 2.23. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSGIX and MASKX, 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

	PSGIX	MASKX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.11	2.23	-0.12
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.27	0.27	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.51	0.47	+0.04
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.41	0.36	+0.05

Drawdowns

PSGIX vs. MASKX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSGIX drawdown since its inception was -77.50%, which is greater than MASKX's maximum drawdown of -59.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSGIX and MASKX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSGIX	MASKX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-77.50%	-59.06%	-18.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.74%	-11.01%	-2.73%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.77%	-27.53%	-0.24%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.55%	-31.98%	-8.57%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.59%	-41.68%	+0.09%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.78%	-1.01%	+0.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-25.26%	-11.63%	-13.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.65%	3.09%	+0.56%

Volatility

PSGIX vs. MASKX - Volatility Comparison

BlackRock Advantage Small Cap Growth Fund (PSGIX) has a higher volatility of 6.35% compared to iShares Russell 2000 Small-Cap Index Fund (MASKX) at 5.56%. This indicates that PSGIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MASKX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSGIX	MASKX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.35%	5.56%	+0.79%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.98%	13.56%	+2.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.42%	19.13%	+2.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.45%	23.16%	+1.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.39%	23.70%	+0.69%

PSGIX vs. MASKX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSGIX has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than MASKX's 0.12% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSGIX vs. MASKX - Dividend Comparison

PSGIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.09%, less than MASKX's 2.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MASKX iShares Russell 2000 Small-Cap Index Fund	2.67%	3.13%	4.81%	2.92%	1.70%	7.64%	1.42%	3.43%	4.26%	3.15%	4.60%	3.63%
PSGIX BlackRock Advantage Small Cap Growth Fund	0.09%	0.11%	0.25%	0.25%	0.47%	18.37%	5.36%	5.37%	24.24%	11.12%	0.05%	6.08%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSGIX and MASKX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, PSGIX and MASKX 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, PSGIX or MASKX?

PSGIX has higher volatility (6.35%) compared to MASKX (5.56%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSGIX dropped -77.50% vs MASKX's -59.06%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MASKX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.23 vs 2.11), 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.