PSLAX vs. VSMVX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PSLAX (Putnam Small Cap Value Fund) and VSMVX (Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Small Cap Value Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, PSLAX returned 10.01%/yr vs 10.38%/yr for VSMVX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. PSLAX charges 1.15%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VSMVX.

Performance

PSLAX vs. VSMVX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Putnam Small Cap Value Fund (PSLAX) and Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSMVX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PSLAX achieves a 14.44% return, which is significantly lower than VSMVX's 16.60% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with PSLAX having a 10.01% annualized return and VSMVX not far ahead at 10.38%.

PSLAX

• 1D: 0.68%
• 1M: 2.73%
• YTD: 14.44%
• 6M: 14.26%
• 1Y: 26.11%
• 3Y*: 16.42%
• 5Y*: 6.87%
• 10Y*: 10.01%

VSMVX

• 1D: 1.11%
• 1M: 3.59%
• YTD: 16.60%
• 6M: 16.14%
• 1Y: 38.88%
• 3Y*: 14.55%
• 5Y*: 5.95%
• 10Y*: 10.38%

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

PSLAX vs. VSMVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PSLAX Putnam Small Cap Value Fund	14.44%	5.26%	6.19%	23.54%	-13.42%	39.51%	3.60%	24.33%	-20.19%	7.55%
VSMVX Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares	16.60%	6.38%	7.53%	14.85%	-11.12%	30.85%	2.79%	24.47%	-12.67%	11.64%

Correlation

The correlation between PSLAX and VSMVX 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	0.95
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 Dec 18, 2012	0.96

The correlation between PSLAX and VSMVX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PSLAX vs. VSMVX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSLAX

PSLAX Risk / Return Rank: 34
PSLAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
PSLAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
PSLAX Omega Ratio Rank: 27
PSLAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
PSLAX Martin Ratio Rank: 34

VSMVX

VSMVX Risk / Return Rank: 67
VSMVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
VSMVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
VSMVX Omega Ratio Rank: 50
VSMVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
VSMVX Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

PSLAX vs. VSMVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Putnam Small Cap Value Fund (PSLAX) and Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSMVX). 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.

	PSLAX	VSMVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.55	2.28	-0.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.29	3.22	-0.94
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.39	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.71	4.47	-1.77
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.63	14.73	-7.11
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PSLAX vs. VSMVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSLAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.55, which is lower than the VSMVX Sharpe Ratio of 2.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSLAX and VSMVX, 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

	PSLAX	VSMVX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.55	2.28	-0.73
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.32	0.27	+0.05
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.43	0.43	-0.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.40	0.50	-0.11

Drawdowns

PSLAX vs. VSMVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSLAX drawdown since its inception was -69.37%, which is greater than VSMVX's maximum drawdown of -47.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSLAX and VSMVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSLAX	VSMVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-69.37%	-47.61%	-21.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.52%	-9.33%	-1.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.63%	-28.81%	+3.18%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.63%	-28.81%	+3.18%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-52.81%	-47.61%	-5.20%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.15%	-7.64%	-4.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.73%	2.83%	+0.90%

Volatility

PSLAX vs. VSMVX - Volatility Comparison

Putnam Small Cap Value Fund (PSLAX) has a higher volatility of 5.02% compared to Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSMVX) at 4.48%. This indicates that PSLAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VSMVX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSLAX	VSMVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.02%	4.48%	+0.54%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.00%	11.51%	+0.49%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.34%	18.32%	+0.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.75%	22.02%	-0.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.61%	24.13%	-0.52%

PSLAX vs. VSMVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSLAX has a 1.15% expense ratio, which is higher than VSMVX's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSLAX vs. VSMVX - Dividend Comparison

PSLAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.95%, more than VSMVX's 1.63% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PSLAX Putnam Small Cap Value Fund	5.95%	6.81%	5.67%	1.21%	8.40%	0.20%	0.90%	1.33%	21.52%	38.15%	0.66%	5.38%
VSMVX Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.63%	1.45%	1.85%	1.92%	1.88%	1.66%	1.46%	1.65%	1.89%	1.55%	1.26%	1.42%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSLAX and VSMVX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, PSLAX and VSMVX 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, PSLAX or VSMVX?

PSLAX has higher volatility (5.02%) compared to VSMVX (4.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSLAX dropped -69.37% vs VSMVX's -47.61%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSMVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 vs 1.55), 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.