PSSMX vs. VSTCX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PSSMX (Principal SmallCap S&P 600 Index Fund) and VSTCX (Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, PSSMX returned 10.83%/yr vs 12.71%/yr for VSTCX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. PSSMX charges 0.73%/yr vs 0.26%/yr for VSTCX.

Performance

PSSMX vs. VSTCX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal SmallCap S&P 600 Index Fund (PSSMX) 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, PSSMX achieves a 15.97% return, which is significantly lower than VSTCX's 18.22% return. Over the past 10 years, PSSMX has underperformed VSTCX with an annualized return of 10.83%, while VSTCX has yielded a comparatively higher 12.71% annualized return.

PSSMX

• 1D: 0.85%
• 1M: 2.53%
• YTD: 15.97%
• 6M: 14.78%
• 1Y: 31.83%
• 3Y*: 16.96%
• 5Y*: 6.80%
• 10Y*: 10.83%

VSTCX

• 1D: 0.58%
• 1M: 3.68%
• YTD: 18.22%
• 6M: 18.42%
• 1Y: 41.82%
• 3Y*: 22.14%
• 5Y*: 11.88%
• 10Y*: 12.71%

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

PSSMX vs. VSTCX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PSSMX Principal SmallCap S&P 600 Index Fund	15.97%	5.34%	16.60%	15.18%	-16.69%	25.39%	10.65%	21.99%	-9.42%	12.46%
VSTCX Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund	18.22%	15.20%	15.40%	21.34%	-13.00%	33.53%	8.38%	22.18%	-11.87%	9.21%

Correlation

The correlation between PSSMX 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	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 21, 2006	0.97

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

Return for Risk

PSSMX vs. VSTCX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSSMX

PSSMX Risk / Return Rank: 56
PSSMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
PSSMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
PSSMX Omega Ratio Rank: 40
PSSMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
PSSMX Martin Ratio Rank: 67

VSTCX

VSTCX Risk / Return Rank: 78
VSTCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
VSTCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
VSTCX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
VSTCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
VSTCX Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

PSSMX vs. VSTCX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal SmallCap S&P 600 Index Fund (PSSMX) 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.

	PSSMX	VSTCX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.95	2.50	-0.55
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.84	3.47	-0.63
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.43	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.89	5.44	-1.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.00	19.17	-6.17
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PSSMX vs. VSTCX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSSMX Sharpe Ratio is 1.95, which is comparable to the VSTCX Sharpe Ratio of 2.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSSMX 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PSSMX	VSTCX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.95	2.50	-0.55
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.31	0.54	-0.23
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47	0.54	-0.07
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.41	0.38	+0.03

Drawdowns

PSSMX vs. VSTCX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSSMX drawdown since its inception was -58.43%, smaller than the maximum VSTCX drawdown of -62.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSSMX and VSTCX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSSMX	VSTCX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.43%	-62.50%	+4.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.76%	-8.08%	-0.68%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.30%	-27.47%	+3.17%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.01%	-27.47%	+0.46%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.85%	-48.08%	+3.23%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.07%	0.00%	-0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.52%	-10.65%	+1.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.62%	2.29%	+0.33%

Volatility

PSSMX vs. VSTCX - Volatility Comparison

Principal SmallCap S&P 600 Index Fund (PSSMX) and Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund (VSTCX) have volatilities of 4.47% and 4.49%, 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

	PSSMX	VSTCX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.47%	4.49%	-0.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.69%	11.97%	-0.28%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.46%	17.57%	-0.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.76%	21.99%	-0.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.92%	23.47%	-0.55%

PSSMX vs. VSTCX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSSMX has a 0.73% expense ratio, which is higher than VSTCX's 0.26% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSSMX vs. VSTCX - Dividend Comparison

PSSMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.61%, more than VSTCX's 6.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PSSMX Principal SmallCap S&P 600 Index Fund	8.61%	9.98%	15.91%	3.75%	10.45%	8.23%	1.67%	6.56%	13.08%	6.03%	6.15%	8.07%
VSTCX Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund	6.38%	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 PSSMX and VSTCX in my portfolio?

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

VSTCX has higher volatility (4.49%) compared to PSSMX (4.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSSMX dropped -58.43% vs VSTCX's -62.50%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSTCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.50 vs 1.95), 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.