SMCIX vs. VSMAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SMCIX (Shelton Capital Management S&P Smallcap Index Fund) and VSMAX (Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, SMCIX returned 11.78%/yr vs 11.78%/yr for VSMAX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SMCIX charges 0.81%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VSMAX.

Performance

SMCIX vs. VSMAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Shelton Capital Management S&P Smallcap Index Fund (SMCIX) 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, SMCIX achieves a 19.98% return, which is significantly higher than VSMAX's 15.72% return. Over a longer period, both investments have demonstrated similar performance, with their 10-year annualized returns being quite close: SMCIX at 11.78% and VSMAX at 11.78%.

SMCIX

• 1D: 0.24%
• 1M: 4.90%
• YTD: 19.98%
• 6M: 17.60%
• 1Y: 34.69%
• 3Y*: 19.78%
• 5Y*: 8.62%
• 10Y*: 11.78%

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)

SMCIX vs. VSMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SMCIX Shelton Capital Management S&P Smallcap Index Fund	19.98%	6.90%	18.13%	15.48%	-16.41%	26.53%	11.27%	30.68%	-9.07%	3.08%
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 SMCIX and VSMAX is 0.95, 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	0.95
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 Nov 13, 2000	0.98

The correlation between SMCIX and VSMAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SMCIX vs. VSMAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMCIX

SMCIX Risk / Return Rank: 67
SMCIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
SMCIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
SMCIX Omega Ratio Rank: 48
SMCIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
SMCIX Martin Ratio Rank: 81

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.

SMCIX vs. VSMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Shelton Capital Management S&P Smallcap Index Fund (SMCIX) 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.

	SMCIX	VSMAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.06	1.82	+0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.97	2.59	+0.38
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.31	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.16	3.38	+0.78
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.98	12.44	+1.54

SMCIX vs. VSMAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMCIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.06, which is comparable to the VSMAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMCIX 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

SMCIX vs. VSMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMCIX drawdown since its inception was -58.13%, roughly equal to the maximum VSMAX drawdown of -59.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMCIX and VSMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMCIX	VSMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.13%	-59.68%	+1.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.79%	-8.97%	+0.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.52%	-25.25%	-1.27%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.72%	-28.14%	+1.42%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.54%	-41.82%	-0.72%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.33%	+0.33%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.52%	-9.68%	+0.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.61%	2.43%	+0.18%

Volatility

SMCIX vs. VSMAX - Volatility Comparison

Shelton Capital Management S&P Smallcap Index Fund (SMCIX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSMAX) have volatilities of 4.87% and 4.96%, 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

	SMCIX	VSMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.87%	4.96%	-0.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.10%	12.22%	-0.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.76%	16.68%	+1.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.85%	20.75%	+1.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.65%	21.59%	+2.06%

SMCIX vs. VSMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMCIX has a 0.81% expense ratio, which is higher than VSMAX's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMCIX vs. VSMAX - Dividend Comparison

SMCIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.79%, more than VSMAX's 1.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SMCIX Shelton Capital Management S&P Smallcap Index Fund	7.79%	10.78%	19.88%	3.48%	10.40%	9.40%	4.53%	13.88%	9.39%	1.63%	4.64%	11.58%
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 SMCIX and VSMAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, SMCIX and VSMAX 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, SMCIX or VSMAX?

VSMAX has higher volatility (4.96%) compared to SMCIX (4.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMCIX dropped -58.13% vs VSMAX's -59.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMCIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.06 vs 1.82), 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.