QSMLX vs. VSTCX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

QSMLX (AQR Small Cap Multi-Style Fund) and VSTCX (Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, QSMLX returned 12.39%/yr vs 12.71%/yr for VSTCX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. QSMLX charges 0.72%/yr vs 0.26%/yr for VSTCX.

Performance

QSMLX vs. VSTCX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AQR Small Cap Multi-Style Fund (QSMLX) 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, QSMLX achieves a 22.03% return, which is significantly higher than VSTCX's 18.22% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with QSMLX having a 12.39% annualized return and VSTCX not far ahead at 12.71%.

QSMLX

• 1D: 0.96%
• 1M: 5.02%
• YTD: 22.03%
• 6M: 20.37%
• 1Y: 43.86%
• 3Y*: 23.64%
• 5Y*: 11.01%
• 10Y*: 12.39%

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)

QSMLX vs. VSTCX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
QSMLX AQR Small Cap Multi-Style Fund	22.03%	17.41%	11.02%	24.01%	-18.31%	26.54%	17.99%	20.42%	-14.26%	9.33%
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 QSMLX and VSTCX 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	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2014	0.98

The correlation between QSMLX and VSTCX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

QSMLX vs. VSTCX — Risk / Return Rank

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

QSMLX

QSMLX Risk / Return Rank: 70
QSMLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
QSMLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
QSMLX Omega Ratio Rank: 51
QSMLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
QSMLX Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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.

QSMLX vs. VSTCX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AQR Small Cap Multi-Style Fund (QSMLX) 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.

	QSMLX	VSTCX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.35	2.50	-0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.19	3.47	-0.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.43	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.92	5.44	-0.52
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.76	19.17	-2.41
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

QSMLX vs. VSTCX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QSMLX Sharpe Ratio is 2.35, which is comparable to the VSTCX Sharpe Ratio of 2.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QSMLX 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

	QSMLX	VSTCX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.35	2.50	-0.15
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.49	0.54	-0.05
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.54	0.54	-0.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.46	0.38	+0.08

Drawdowns

QSMLX vs. VSTCX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QSMLX drawdown since its inception was -44.38%, smaller than the maximum VSTCX drawdown of -62.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QSMLX and VSTCX.

Drawdown Indicators

	QSMLX	VSTCX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.38%	-62.50%	+18.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.33%	-8.08%	-1.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.69%	-27.47%	+3.78%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.21%	-27.47%	-2.74%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.38%	-48.08%	+3.70%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.18%	-10.65%	+2.47%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.73%	2.29%	+0.44%

Volatility

QSMLX vs. VSTCX - Volatility Comparison

AQR Small Cap Multi-Style Fund (QSMLX) has a higher volatility of 5.28% compared to Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund (VSTCX) at 4.49%. This indicates that QSMLX'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

	QSMLX	VSTCX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.28%	4.49%	+0.79%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.55%	11.97%	+1.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.52%	17.57%	+1.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.48%	21.99%	+0.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.19%	23.47%	-0.28%

QSMLX vs. VSTCX - Expense Ratio Comparison

QSMLX has a 0.72% expense ratio, which is higher than VSTCX's 0.26% expense ratio.

Dividends

QSMLX vs. VSTCX - Dividend Comparison

QSMLX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.45%, more than VSTCX's 6.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QSMLX AQR Small Cap Multi-Style Fund	8.45%	10.31%	13.88%	6.74%	0.87%	6.13%	1.77%	0.97%	13.57%	10.71%	2.53%	0.22%
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 QSMLX and VSTCX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, QSMLX 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, QSMLX or VSTCX?

QSMLX has higher volatility (5.28%) compared to VSTCX (4.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QSMLX dropped -44.38% vs VSTCX's -62.50%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSTCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.50 vs 2.35), 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.