VAPPX vs. VCSLX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

VAPPX (VALIC Company I Capital Appreciation Fund) and VCSLX (VALIC Company I Small Cap Index Fund) are both mutual funds - VAPPX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by VALIC, while VCSLX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by VALIC. Over the past 5 years, VAPPX returned 11.93%/yr vs 5.00%/yr for VCSLX. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VAPPX charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.36%/yr for VCSLX.

Performance

VAPPX vs. VCSLX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VALIC Company I Capital Appreciation Fund (VAPPX) and VALIC Company I Small Cap Index Fund (VCSLX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VAPPX achieves a 3.75% return, which is significantly lower than VCSLX's 20.25% return.

VAPPX

• 1D: -2.13%
• 1M: -0.89%
• YTD: 3.75%
• 6M: 2.33%
• 1Y: 17.01%
• 3Y*: 20.86%
• 5Y*: 11.93%
• 10Y*: —

VCSLX

• 1D: -0.99%
• 1M: 3.79%
• YTD: 20.25%
• 6M: 17.18%
• 1Y: 38.80%
• 3Y*: 17.05%
• 5Y*: 5.00%
• 10Y*: 10.23%

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

VAPPX vs. VCSLX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
VAPPX VALIC Company I Capital Appreciation Fund	3.75%	11.88%	31.97%	40.53%	-25.71%	11.78%
VCSLX VALIC Company I Small Cap Index Fund	20.25%	7.00%	11.22%	15.99%	-20.41%	-3.07%

Correlation

The correlation between VAPPX and VCSLX is 0.65, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.65
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 15, 2021	0.73

The correlation between VAPPX and VCSLX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.65 to 0.73 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VAPPX vs. VCSLX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VAPPX

VAPPX Risk / Return Rank: 21
VAPPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
VAPPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
VAPPX Omega Ratio Rank: 23
VAPPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
VAPPX Martin Ratio Rank: 17

VCSLX

VCSLX Risk / Return Rank: 67
VCSLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
VCSLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
VCSLX Omega Ratio Rank: 50
VCSLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
VCSLX Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

VAPPX vs. VCSLX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VALIC Company I Capital Appreciation Fund (VAPPX) and VALIC Company I Small Cap Index Fund (VCSLX). 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.

	VAPPX	VCSLX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.19	2.07	-0.88
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.68	2.85	-1.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.34	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.15	3.66	-2.51
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.82	12.93	-9.12

VAPPX vs. VCSLX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VAPPX Sharpe Ratio is 1.19, which is lower than the VCSLX Sharpe Ratio of 2.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VAPPX and VCSLX, 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

VAPPX vs. VCSLX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VAPPX drawdown since its inception was -30.00%, smaller than the maximum VCSLX drawdown of -67.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VAPPX and VCSLX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VAPPX	VCSLX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-30.00%	-67.69%	+37.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.59%	-11.16%	-5.43%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.00%	-30.96%	+5.96%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.00%	-31.83%	+1.83%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.78%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.59%	-0.99%	-3.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.26%	-18.34%	+10.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.98%	3.15%	+1.83%

Volatility

VAPPX vs. VCSLX - Volatility Comparison

VALIC Company I Capital Appreciation Fund (VAPPX) has a higher volatility of 6.92% compared to VALIC Company I Small Cap Index Fund (VCSLX) at 6.51%. This indicates that VAPPX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VCSLX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VAPPX	VCSLX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.92%	6.51%	+0.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.84%	14.41%	-1.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.12%	19.75%	-3.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.99%	22.81%	-1.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.94%	23.61%	-2.67%

VAPPX vs. VCSLX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VAPPX has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than VCSLX's 0.36% expense ratio.

Dividends

VAPPX vs. VCSLX - Dividend Comparison

VAPPX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.74%, less than VCSLX's 5.08% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VAPPX VALIC Company I Capital Appreciation Fund	4.74%	0.00%	8.31%	29.25%	6.45%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VCSLX VALIC Company I Small Cap Index Fund	5.08%	0.00%	1.17%	26.50%	13.32%	5.39%	13.29%	9.37%	1.18%	5.80%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VAPPX and VCSLX in my portfolio?

VAPPX and VCSLX have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VAPPX or VCSLX?

VAPPX has higher volatility (6.92%) compared to VCSLX (6.51%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VAPPX dropped -30.00% vs VCSLX's -67.69%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VCSLX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.07 vs 1.19), 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.