PVFAX vs. VSTCX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PVFAX (Paradigm Value Fund) and VSTCX (Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, PVFAX returned 12.53%/yr vs 12.71%/yr for VSTCX. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PVFAX charges 1.50%/yr vs 0.26%/yr for VSTCX.

Performance

PVFAX vs. VSTCX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Paradigm Value Fund (PVFAX) 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, PVFAX achieves a 22.24% return, which is significantly higher than VSTCX's 18.22% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with PVFAX having a 12.53% annualized return and VSTCX not far ahead at 12.71%.

PVFAX

• 1D: 2.33%
• 1M: 6.62%
• YTD: 22.24%
• 6M: 20.30%
• 1Y: 42.50%
• 3Y*: 17.93%
• 5Y*: 6.87%
• 10Y*: 12.53%

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)

PVFAX vs. VSTCX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PVFAX Paradigm Value Fund	22.24%	5.60%	12.51%	13.31%	-20.25%	30.28%	17.69%	22.27%	-2.02%	14.09%
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 PVFAX and VSTCX is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 21, 2006	0.94

The correlation between PVFAX and VSTCX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PVFAX vs. VSTCX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PVFAX

PVFAX Risk / Return Rank: 59
PVFAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
PVFAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
PVFAX Omega Ratio Rank: 48
PVFAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
PVFAX Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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.

PVFAX vs. VSTCX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Paradigm Value Fund (PVFAX) 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.

	PVFAX	VSTCX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.21	2.50	-0.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.08	3.47	-0.38
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.43	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.55	5.44	-1.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.54	19.17	-7.63
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PVFAX vs. VSTCX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PVFAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.21, which is comparable to the VSTCX Sharpe Ratio of 2.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PVFAX 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

	PVFAX	VSTCX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.21	2.50	-0.29
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.31	0.54	-0.24
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.55	0.54	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.53	0.38	+0.15

Drawdowns

PVFAX vs. VSTCX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PVFAX drawdown since its inception was -54.40%, smaller than the maximum VSTCX drawdown of -62.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PVFAX and VSTCX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PVFAX	VSTCX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.40%	-62.50%	+8.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.81%	-8.08%	-4.73%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.00%	-27.47%	-0.53%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.71%	-27.47%	-3.24%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.64%	-48.08%	+5.44%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.29%	-10.65%	+1.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.94%	2.29%	+1.65%

Volatility

PVFAX vs. VSTCX - Volatility Comparison

Paradigm Value Fund (PVFAX) has a higher volatility of 5.09% compared to Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund (VSTCX) at 4.49%. This indicates that PVFAX'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

	PVFAX	VSTCX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.09%	4.49%	+0.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.31%	11.97%	+2.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.56%	17.57%	+2.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.53%	21.99%	+0.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.99%	23.47%	-0.48%

PVFAX vs. VSTCX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PVFAX has a 1.50% expense ratio, which is higher than VSTCX's 0.26% expense ratio.

Dividends

PVFAX vs. VSTCX - Dividend Comparison

PVFAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 16.90%, more than VSTCX's 6.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PVFAX Paradigm Value Fund	16.90%	20.66%	13.65%	6.48%	8.70%	2.67%	2.08%	5.01%	14.18%	12.17%	4.92%	14.01%
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 PVFAX and VSTCX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, PVFAX 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, PVFAX or VSTCX?

PVFAX has higher volatility (5.09%) compared to VSTCX (4.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PVFAX dropped -54.40% vs VSTCX's -62.50%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSTCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.50 vs 2.21), 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.