QISCX vs. VSTCX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

QISCX (Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Core Fund) and VSTCX (Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, QISCX returned 12.40%/yr vs 12.71%/yr for VSTCX. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QISCX charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.26%/yr for VSTCX.

Performance

QISCX vs. VSTCX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Core Fund (QISCX) 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, QISCX achieves a 15.16% return, which is significantly lower than VSTCX's 18.22% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with QISCX having a 12.40% annualized return and VSTCX not far ahead at 12.71%.

QISCX

• 1D: 0.55%
• 1M: 3.49%
• YTD: 15.16%
• 6M: 16.74%
• 1Y: 41.00%
• 3Y*: 21.33%
• 5Y*: 9.31%
• 10Y*: 12.40%

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)

QISCX vs. VSTCX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
QISCX Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Core Fund	15.16%	14.95%	14.82%	20.58%	-23.14%	30.60%	17.00%	18.06%	-11.63%	15.67%
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 QISCX and VSTCX is 0.23, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.23
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.64
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 21, 2006	0.93

Over the past year, the correlation between QISCX and VSTCX has dropped to 0.23 - well below their long-term average of 0.93, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

QISCX vs. VSTCX — Risk / Return Rank

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

QISCX

QISCX Risk / Return Rank: 51
QISCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
QISCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
QISCX Omega Ratio Rank: 56
QISCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
QISCX Martin Ratio Rank: 45

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.

QISCX vs. VSTCX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Core Fund (QISCX) 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.

	QISCX	VSTCX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.96	2.50	-0.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.87	3.47	-0.59
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.43	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.06	5.44	-2.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.47	19.17	-9.70
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

QISCX vs. VSTCX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QISCX Sharpe Ratio is 1.96, which is comparable to the VSTCX Sharpe Ratio of 2.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QISCX 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

	QISCX	VSTCX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.96	2.50	-0.54
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.40	0.54	-0.14
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.51	0.54	-0.03
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.34	0.38	-0.04

Drawdowns

QISCX vs. VSTCX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QISCX drawdown since its inception was -68.05%, which is greater than VSTCX's maximum drawdown of -62.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QISCX and VSTCX.

Drawdown Indicators

	QISCX	VSTCX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-68.05%	-62.50%	-5.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.48%	-8.08%	-5.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.51%	-27.47%	+0.96%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.89%	-27.47%	-5.42%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-49.02%	-48.08%	-0.94%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.60%	0.00%	-0.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.67%	-10.65%	-5.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.34%	2.29%	+2.05%

Volatility

QISCX vs. VSTCX - Volatility Comparison

Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Core Fund (QISCX) has a higher volatility of 5.08% compared to Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund (VSTCX) at 4.49%. This indicates that QISCX'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

	QISCX	VSTCX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.08%	4.49%	+0.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.83%	11.97%	+4.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.02%	17.57%	+3.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.24%	21.99%	+1.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.17%	23.47%	+0.70%

QISCX vs. VSTCX - Expense Ratio Comparison

QISCX has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than VSTCX's 0.26% expense ratio.

Dividends

QISCX vs. VSTCX - Dividend Comparison

QISCX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.92%, more than VSTCX's 6.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QISCX Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Core Fund	6.92%	7.97%	0.35%	0.31%	3.77%	15.41%	0.44%	0.36%	3.81%	4.49%	0.85%	12.05%
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 QISCX and VSTCX in my portfolio?

QISCX and VSTCX have a correlation of 0.23, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QISCX or VSTCX?

QISCX has higher volatility (5.08%) compared to VSTCX (4.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QISCX dropped -68.05% vs VSTCX's -62.50%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSTCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.50 vs 1.96), 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.