VCSLX vs. IWM
VCSLX (VALIC Company I Small Cap Index Fund) and IWM (iShares Russell 2000 ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, VCSLX returned 9.25%/yr vs 10.70%/yr for IWM. Their 0.98 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. VCSLX charges 0.36%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for IWM.
Performance
VCSLX vs. IWM - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with VCSLX having a 19.10% return and IWM slightly lower at 18.79%. Over the past 10 years, VCSLX has underperformed IWM with an annualized return of 9.25%, while IWM has yielded a comparatively higher 10.70% annualized return.
VCSLX
- 1D
- 1.33%
- 1M
- -1.69%
- 6M
- 13.12%
- YTD
- 19.10%
- 1Y
- 37.03%
- 3Y*
- 12.99%
- 5Y*
- 5.78%
- 10Y*
- 9.25%
- ALL TIME*
- 3.90%
IWM
- 1D
- -0.48%
- 1M
- -2.14%
- 6M
- 12.62%
- YTD
- 18.79%
- 1Y
- 36.90%
- 3Y*
- 15.11%
- 5Y*
- 6.99%
- 10Y*
- 10.70%
- ALL TIME*
- 8.73%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $6.67B | $6.32B | $7.45B | |
| $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
VCSLX vs. IWM - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VCSLX VALIC Company I Small Cap Index Fund | 19.10% | 7.00% | 11.22% | 15.99% | -20.41% | 14.55% | 20.14% | 25.04% | -16.08% | 14.40% |
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF | 18.79% | 12.66% | 11.38% | 16.83% | -20.48% | 14.54% | 20.03% | 25.39% | -11.12% | 14.58% |
Correlation
The correlation between VCSLX and IWM is 1.00 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most. | 1.00 |
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history. | 1.00 |
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period. | 1.00 |
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions. | 1.00 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 26, 2000 | 0.98 |
The correlation between VCSLX and IWM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
VCSLX vs. IWM — Risk / Return Rank
VCSLX
IWM
VCSLX vs. IWM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VALIC Company I Small Cap Index Fund (VCSLX) and iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM). 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.
| VCSLX | IWM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.06 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.07 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.29 | 1.30 | -0.01 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.97 | 3.11 | -0.13 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 10.54 | 11.02 | -0.48 |
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Drawdowns
VCSLX vs. IWM - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VCSLX drawdown since its inception was -67.69%, which is greater than IWM's maximum drawdown of -59.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCSLX and IWM.
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Drawdown Indicators
| VCSLX | IWM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -67.69% | -59.05% | -8.64% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -11.16% | -11.03% | -0.13% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -30.96% | -27.50% | -3.46% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -31.83% | -31.91% | +0.08% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -41.78% | -41.13% | -0.65% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -2.61% | -3.08% | +0.47% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -18.28% | -10.71% | -7.57% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.15% | 3.11% | +0.04% |
Volatility
VCSLX vs. IWM - Volatility Comparison
VALIC Company I Small Cap Index Fund (VCSLX) and iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) have volatilities of 3.81% and 3.82%, 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.
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Volatility by Period
| VCSLX | IWM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 3.81% | 3.82% | -0.01% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 14.17% | 14.12% | +0.05% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 19.42% | 19.41% | +0.01% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 22.69% | 22.48% | +0.21% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 23.56% | 23.01% | +0.55% |
VCSLX vs. IWM - Expense Ratio Comparison
VCSLX has a 0.36% expense ratio, which is higher than IWM's 0.19% expense ratio.
Dividends
VCSLX vs. IWM - Dividend Comparison
VCSLX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.13%, more than IWM's 0.91% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF | 0.91% | 1.04% | 1.15% | 1.35% | 1.48% | 0.94% | 1.04% | 1.26% | 1.40% | 1.26% | 1.38% | 1.54% |
VCSLX VALIC Company I Small Cap Index Fund | 5.13% | 0.00% | 1.17% | 26.50% | 13.32% | 5.39% | 13.29% | 9.37% | 1.18% | 5.80% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 1.00, VCSLX and IWM 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.
IWM has higher volatility (3.82%) compared to VCSLX (3.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VCSLX dropped -67.69% vs IWM's -59.05%.
IWM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 1.71), 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.
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