SSSFX vs. VSTCX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

SSSFX (SouthernSun Small Cap) and VSTCX (Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, SSSFX returned 9.09%/yr vs 12.64%/yr for VSTCX. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SSSFX charges 1.30%/yr vs 0.26%/yr for VSTCX.

Performance

SSSFX vs. VSTCX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SouthernSun Small Cap (SSSFX) 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, SSSFX achieves a 9.38% return, which is significantly lower than VSTCX's 17.54% return. Over the past 10 years, SSSFX has underperformed VSTCX with an annualized return of 9.09%, while VSTCX has yielded a comparatively higher 12.64% annualized return.

SSSFX

• 1D: -0.71%
• 1M: -3.15%
• YTD: 9.38%
• 6M: 8.34%
• 1Y: 23.13%
• 3Y*: 8.16%
• 5Y*: 6.04%
• 10Y*: 9.09%

VSTCX

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: 2.49%
• YTD: 17.54%
• 6M: 19.53%
• 1Y: 42.96%
• 3Y*: 21.90%
• 5Y*: 11.62%
• 10Y*: 12.64%

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

SSSFX vs. VSTCX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SSSFX SouthernSun Small Cap	9.38%	4.72%	3.46%	12.52%	-1.86%	21.87%	14.08%	35.45%	-24.32%	18.03%
VSTCX Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund	17.54%	15.20%	15.40%	21.34%	-13.00%	33.53%	8.38%	22.18%	-11.87%	9.21%

Correlation

The correlation between SSSFX and VSTCX is 0.84, 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	0.84
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 21, 2006	0.91

The correlation between SSSFX and VSTCX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SSSFX vs. VSTCX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SSSFX

SSSFX Risk / Return Rank: 15
SSSFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
SSSFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
SSSFX Omega Ratio Rank: 14
SSSFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
SSSFX Martin Ratio Rank: 13

VSTCX

VSTCX Risk / Return Rank: 76
VSTCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
VSTCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
VSTCX Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VSTCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
VSTCX Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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.

SSSFX vs. VSTCX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SouthernSun Small Cap (SSSFX) 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.

	SSSFX	VSTCX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.10	2.47	-1.37
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.70	3.43	-1.73
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.42	-0.23
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.45	5.25	-3.80
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	3.92	18.52	-14.61
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SSSFX vs. VSTCX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SSSFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.10, which is lower than the VSTCX Sharpe Ratio of 2.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SSSFX 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

	SSSFX	VSTCX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.10	2.47	-1.37
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.27	0.53	-0.26
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.39	0.54	-0.15
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.39	0.38	0.00

Drawdowns

SSSFX vs. VSTCX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SSSFX drawdown since its inception was -65.85%, which is greater than VSTCX's maximum drawdown of -62.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SSSFX and VSTCX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SSSFX	VSTCX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.85%	-62.50%	-3.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.39%	-8.08%	-6.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-32.76%	-27.47%	-5.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.76%	-27.47%	-5.29%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.20%	-48.08%	+2.88%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.61%	-0.32%	-7.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.90%	-10.65%	-0.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.33%	2.29%	+3.04%

Volatility

SSSFX vs. VSTCX - Volatility Comparison

SouthernSun Small Cap (SSSFX) has a higher volatility of 6.23% compared to Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund (VSTCX) at 4.48%. This indicates that SSSFX'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

	SSSFX	VSTCX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.23%	4.48%	+1.75%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.34%	11.97%	+2.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.13%	17.60%	+2.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.52%	21.99%	+0.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.32%	23.47%	-0.15%

SSSFX vs. VSTCX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SSSFX has a 1.30% expense ratio, which is higher than VSTCX's 0.26% expense ratio.

Dividends

SSSFX vs. VSTCX - Dividend Comparison

SSSFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.61%, less than VSTCX's 6.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SSSFX SouthernSun Small Cap	4.61%	5.04%	13.93%	13.87%	9.40%	11.51%	0.23%	5.29%	4.77%	0.00%	0.00%	12.69%
VSTCX Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund	6.42%	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 SSSFX and VSTCX in my portfolio?

SSSFX and VSTCX have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SSSFX or VSTCX?

SSSFX has higher volatility (6.23%) compared to VSTCX (4.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SSSFX dropped -65.85% vs VSTCX's -62.50%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSTCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.47 vs 1.10), 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.