SSMAX vs. FTHSX

Last updated Aug 1, 2026

SSMAX (SEI Institutional Investments Trust Small/Mid Cap Equity Fund) and FTHSX (FullerThaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund Class I) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, SSMAX returned 9.01%/yr vs 14.11%/yr for FTHSX. Their 0.96 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. SSMAX charges 0.72%/yr vs 0.76%/yr for FTHSX.

Performance

SSMAX vs. FTHSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SEI Institutional Investments Trust Small/Mid Cap Equity Fund (SSMAX) and FullerThaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund Class I (FTHSX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SSMAX achieves a 14.51% return, which is significantly lower than FTHSX's 17.10% return. Over the past 10 years, SSMAX has underperformed FTHSX with an annualized return of 9.01%, while FTHSX has yielded a comparatively higher 14.11% annualized return.

SSMAX

• 1D: 0.36%
• 1M: -0.45%
• 6M: 9.87%
• YTD: 14.51%
• 1Y: 21.32%
• 3Y*: 10.42%
• 5Y*: 5.37%
• 10Y*: 9.01%
• ALL TIME*: 8.25%

FTHSX

• 1D: 0.57%
• 1M: 1.95%
• 6M: 13.13%
• YTD: 17.10%
• 1Y: 29.00%
• 3Y*: 18.16%
• 5Y*: 12.97%
• 10Y*: 14.11%
• ALL TIME*: 13.75%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
FTHSX FullerThaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund Class I	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00
SSMAX SEI Institutional Investments Trust Small/Mid Cap Equity Fund	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00

SSMAX vs. FTHSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SSMAX SEI Institutional Investments Trust Small/Mid Cap Equity Fund	14.51%	3.70%	11.72%	12.41%	-17.84%	25.88%	12.25%	25.52%	-11.36%	13.53%
FTHSX FullerThaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund Class I	17.10%	12.02%	16.17%	22.55%	-7.49%	30.83%	10.38%	28.06%	-13.18%	17.35%

Correlation

The correlation between SSMAX and FTHSX is 0.94, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 28, 2015	0.96

The correlation between SSMAX and FTHSX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SSMAX vs. FTHSX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

SSMAX

SSMAX Risk / Return Rank: 45
SSMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
SSMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
SSMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
SSMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
SSMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 50

FTHSX

FTHSX Risk / Return Rank: 78
FTHSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
FTHSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
FTHSX Omega Ratio Rank: 71
FTHSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
FTHSX Martin Ratio Rank: 82

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

SSMAX vs. FTHSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SEI Institutional Investments Trust Small/Mid Cap Equity Fund (SSMAX) and FullerThaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund Class I (FTHSX). 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.

	SSMAX	FTHSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.22	1.78	-0.56
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.87	2.65	-0.78
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.31	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.12	2.81	-0.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.14	10.13	-2.98

SSMAX vs. FTHSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SSMAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.22, which is lower than the FTHSX Sharpe Ratio of 1.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SSMAX and FTHSX, 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

SSMAX vs. FTHSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SSMAX drawdown since its inception was -58.31%, which is greater than FTHSX's maximum drawdown of -37.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SSMAX and FTHSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SSMAX	FTHSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.31%	-37.74%	-20.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.78%	-9.42%	+0.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.61%	-24.58%	-0.03%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.45%	-24.58%	-1.87%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.23%	-37.74%	-3.49%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.60%	-0.51%	-1.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.69%	-5.57%	-4.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.61%	2.61%	0.00%

Volatility

SSMAX vs. FTHSX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SEI Institutional Investments Trust Small/Mid Cap Equity Fund (SSMAX) is 3.13%, while FullerThaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund Class I (FTHSX) has a volatility of 3.38%. This indicates that SSMAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FTHSX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SSMAX	FTHSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.13%	3.38%	-0.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.91%	10.75%	+0.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.30%	14.90%	+0.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.12%	18.79%	+0.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.68%	20.07%	+0.61%

SSMAX vs. FTHSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SSMAX has a 0.72% expense ratio, which is lower than FTHSX's 0.76% expense ratio.

Dividends

SSMAX vs. FTHSX - Dividend Comparison

SSMAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.81%, more than FTHSX's 0.46% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTHSX FullerThaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund Class I	0.46%	0.54%	8.05%	1.81%	1.23%	3.77%	0.35%	0.39%	0.55%	0.26%	0.00%	15.40%
SSMAX SEI Institutional Investments Trust Small/Mid Cap Equity Fund	6.81%	7.73%	7.95%	1.02%	7.76%	29.28%	3.90%	6.69%	25.14%	12.23%	4.94%	17.42%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SSMAX and FTHSX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, SSMAX and FTHSX 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, SSMAX or FTHSX?

FTHSX has higher volatility (3.38%) compared to SSMAX (3.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SSMAX dropped -58.31% vs FTHSX's -37.74%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTHSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.78 vs 1.22), 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.