SWSSX vs. VSMAX
Compare and contrast key facts about Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares (SWSSX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSMAX).
SWSSX is a passively managed fund by Charles Schwab that tracks the performance of the Russell 2000 Index. It was launched on May 19, 1997. VSMAX is managed by Vanguard. It was launched on Nov 13, 2000.
Scroll down to visually compare performance, riskiness, drawdowns, and other indicators and decide which better suits your portfolio: SWSSX or VSMAX.
Key characteristics
| SWSSX | VSMAX | |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | 9.10% | 9.64% |
| 1Y Return | 20.39% | 20.55% |
| 3Y Return (Ann) | 0.78% | 2.91% |
| 5Y Return (Ann) | 8.44% | 9.71% |
| 10Y Return (Ann) | 8.21% | 8.98% |
| Sharpe Ratio | 0.89 | 1.07 |
| Daily Std Dev | 21.41% | 18.12% |
| Max Drawdown | -61.52% | -59.68% |
| Current Drawdown | -6.41% | -0.86% |
Correlation
The correlation between SWSSX and VSMAX is 0.99, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.
Performance
SWSSX vs. VSMAX - Performance Comparison
In the year-to-date period, SWSSX achieves a 9.10% return, which is significantly lower than VSMAX's 9.64% return. Over the past 10 years, SWSSX has underperformed VSMAX with an annualized return of 8.21%, while VSMAX has yielded a comparatively higher 8.98% annualized return. The chart below displays the growth of a $10,000 investment in both assets, with all prices adjusted for splits and dividends.
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SWSSX vs. VSMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison
SWSSX has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than VSMAX's 0.05% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.
Risk-Adjusted Performance
SWSSX vs. VSMAX - Risk-Adjusted Performance Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares (SWSSX) 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.
Dividends
SWSSX vs. VSMAX - Dividend Comparison
SWSSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.37%, less than VSMAX's 1.44% yield.
| TTM | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SWSSX Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares | 1.37% | 1.49% | 1.32% | 8.88% | 2.55% | 6.12% | 10.45% | 5.22% | 4.10% | 6.92% | 6.98% | 5.79% |
VSMAX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares | 1.44% | 1.56% | 1.54% | 1.24% | 1.14% | 1.39% | 1.67% | 1.35% | 1.49% | 1.48% | 1.43% | 1.31% |
Drawdowns
SWSSX vs. VSMAX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum SWSSX drawdown since its inception was -61.52%, roughly equal to the maximum VSMAX drawdown of -59.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SWSSX and VSMAX. For additional features, visit the drawdowns tool.
Volatility
SWSSX vs. VSMAX - Volatility Comparison
Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares (SWSSX) has a higher volatility of 6.39% compared to Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSMAX) at 5.21%. This indicates that SWSSX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VSMAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.