VCSLX vs. SWSSX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VCSLX (VALIC Company I Small Cap Index Fund) and SWSSX (Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, VCSLX returned 10.34%/yr vs 11.83%/yr for SWSSX. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VCSLX charges 0.36%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for SWSSX.

Performance

VCSLX vs. SWSSX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with VCSLX having a 21.45% return and SWSSX slightly higher at 21.72%. Over the past 10 years, VCSLX has underperformed SWSSX with an annualized return of 10.34%, while SWSSX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.83% annualized return.

VCSLX

• 1D: 0.85%
• 1M: 4.83%
• YTD: 21.45%
• 6M: 18.68%
• 1Y: 42.05%
• 3Y*: 17.44%
• 5Y*: 5.49%
• 10Y*: 10.34%

SWSSX

• 1D: 0.83%
• 1M: 4.82%
• YTD: 21.72%
• 6M: 18.97%
• 1Y: 42.68%
• 3Y*: 19.85%
• 5Y*: 6.95%
• 10Y*: 11.83%

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

VCSLX vs. SWSSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VCSLX VALIC Company I Small Cap Index Fund	21.45%	7.00%	11.22%	15.99%	-20.41%	14.55%	20.14%	25.04%	-16.08%	14.40%
SWSSX Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares	21.72%	12.88%	11.57%	17.07%	-20.43%	14.77%	20.12%	25.63%	-11.19%	14.76%

Correlation

The correlation between VCSLX and SWSSX is 1.00 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.00
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.00
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 1998	0.99

The correlation between VCSLX and SWSSX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VCSLX vs. SWSSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VCSLX

VCSLX Risk / Return Rank: 70
VCSLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
VCSLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
VCSLX Omega Ratio Rank: 52
VCSLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
VCSLX Martin Ratio Rank: 80

SWSSX

SWSSX Risk / Return Rank: 72
SWSSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
SWSSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
SWSSX Omega Ratio Rank: 53
SWSSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
SWSSX Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

VCSLX vs. SWSSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VALIC Company I Small Cap Index Fund (VCSLX) and Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares (SWSSX). 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	SWSSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.23	2.26	-0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.03	3.07	-0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.37	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.93	4.04	-0.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.90	14.31	-0.41

VCSLX vs. SWSSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VCSLX Sharpe Ratio is 2.23, which is comparable to the SWSSX Sharpe Ratio of 2.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VCSLX and SWSSX, 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

VCSLX vs. SWSSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VCSLX drawdown since its inception was -67.69%, which is greater than SWSSX's maximum drawdown of -60.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCSLX and SWSSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VCSLX	SWSSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.69%	-60.34%	-7.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.16%	-11.00%	-0.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-30.96%	-27.50%	-3.46%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.83%	-31.93%	+0.10%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.78%	-41.81%	+0.03%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.34%	-10.71%	-7.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.15%	3.10%	+0.05%

Volatility

VCSLX vs. SWSSX - Volatility Comparison

VALIC Company I Small Cap Index Fund (VCSLX) and Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares (SWSSX) have volatilities of 6.41% and 6.39%, 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.

Volatility by Period

	VCSLX	SWSSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.41%	6.39%	+0.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.37%	14.33%	+0.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.75%	19.75%	0.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.81%	22.68%	+0.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.64%	24.15%	-0.51%

VCSLX vs. SWSSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VCSLX has a 0.36% expense ratio, which is higher than SWSSX's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

VCSLX vs. SWSSX - Dividend Comparison

VCSLX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.03%, more than SWSSX's 1.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SWSSX Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares	1.06%	1.29%	1.66%	1.49%	1.32%	8.88%	2.55%	6.12%	10.45%	5.22%	4.10%	6.92%
VCSLX VALIC Company I Small Cap Index Fund	5.03%	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

Can I hold both VCSLX and SWSSX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, VCSLX and SWSSX 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, VCSLX or SWSSX?

VCSLX has higher volatility (6.41%) compared to SWSSX (6.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VCSLX dropped -67.69% vs SWSSX's -60.34%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SWSSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.26 vs 2.23), 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.