RYTRX vs. VSMAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

RYTRX (Royce Total Return Fund) and VSMAX (Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - RYTRX is a Small Cap Value Equities fund managed by Royce Investment Partners, while VSMAX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Index. Over the past 10 years, RYTRX returned 9.55%/yr vs 11.78%/yr for VSMAX. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. RYTRX charges 1.25%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VSMAX.

Performance

RYTRX vs. VSMAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Royce Total Return Fund (RYTRX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSMAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RYTRX achieves a 8.58% return, which is significantly lower than VSMAX's 15.72% return. Over the past 10 years, RYTRX has underperformed VSMAX with an annualized return of 9.55%, while VSMAX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.78% annualized return.

RYTRX

• 1D: -0.53%
• 1M: 2.89%
• YTD: 8.58%
• 6M: 7.65%
• 1Y: 16.92%
• 3Y*: 13.16%
• 5Y*: 6.75%
• 10Y*: 9.55%

VSMAX

• 1D: 0.25%
• 1M: 2.87%
• YTD: 15.72%
• 6M: 13.57%
• 1Y: 29.05%
• 3Y*: 17.53%
• 5Y*: 7.37%
• 10Y*: 11.78%

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

RYTRX vs. VSMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RYTRX Royce Total Return Fund	8.58%	2.57%	9.96%	24.39%	-13.59%	25.58%	3.84%	23.53%	-12.68%	13.27%
VSMAX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares	15.72%	8.83%	14.23%	18.17%	-17.61%	17.74%	19.06%	27.36%	-9.33%	16.24%

Correlation

The correlation between RYTRX and VSMAX is 0.81, 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	0.81
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 13, 2000	0.95

The correlation between RYTRX and VSMAX shifts across timeframes, from 0.81 (1 year) to 0.95 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

RYTRX vs. VSMAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

RYTRX

RYTRX Risk / Return Rank: 18
RYTRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
RYTRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
RYTRX Omega Ratio Rank: 18
RYTRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
RYTRX Martin Ratio Rank: 16

VSMAX

VSMAX Risk / Return Rank: 55
VSMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
VSMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
VSMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 40
VSMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
VSMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

RYTRX vs. VSMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Royce Total Return Fund (RYTRX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSMAX). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	RYTRX	VSMAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.12	1.82	-0.70
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.75	2.59	-0.84
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.31	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.41	3.38	-1.97
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.93	12.44	-8.50

RYTRX vs. VSMAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RYTRX Sharpe Ratio is 1.12, which is lower than the VSMAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RYTRX and VSMAX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

RYTRX vs. VSMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RYTRX drawdown since its inception was -54.24%, smaller than the maximum VSMAX drawdown of -59.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RYTRX and VSMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	RYTRX	VSMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.24%	-59.68%	+5.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.33%	-8.97%	-4.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.68%	-25.25%	+1.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.31%	-28.14%	+3.83%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.82%	-41.82%	+1.00%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.46%	-0.33%	-1.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.28%	-9.68%	+3.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.77%	2.43%	+2.34%

Volatility

RYTRX vs. VSMAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Royce Total Return Fund (RYTRX) is 3.46%, while Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSMAX) has a volatility of 4.96%. This indicates that RYTRX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VSMAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RYTRX	VSMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.46%	4.96%	-1.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.15%	12.22%	-1.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.79%	16.68%	+0.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.25%	20.75%	-0.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.18%	21.59%	-0.41%

RYTRX vs. VSMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

RYTRX has a 1.25% expense ratio, which is higher than VSMAX's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

RYTRX vs. VSMAX - Dividend Comparison

RYTRX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 11.91%, more than VSMAX's 1.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RYTRX Royce Total Return Fund	11.91%	12.72%	7.73%	9.77%	15.94%	32.86%	20.91%	9.54%	23.54%	13.86%	9.56%	14.86%
VSMAX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.17%	1.33%	1.30%	1.56%	1.54%	1.24%	1.14%	1.39%	1.67%	1.35%	1.49%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RYTRX and VSMAX in my portfolio?

RYTRX and VSMAX have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RYTRX or VSMAX?

VSMAX has higher volatility (4.96%) compared to RYTRX (3.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RYTRX dropped -54.24% vs VSMAX's -59.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSMAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.82 vs 1.12), 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.