VCSLX vs. VSMAX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

VCSLX (VALIC Company I Small Cap Index Fund) and VSMAX (Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, VCSLX returned 9.61%/yr vs 11.37%/yr for VSMAX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VCSLX charges 0.36%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VSMAX.

Performance

VCSLX vs. VSMAX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VCSLX achieves a 17.36% return, which is significantly higher than VSMAX's 14.94% return. Over the past 10 years, VCSLX has underperformed VSMAX with an annualized return of 9.61%, while VSMAX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.37% annualized return.

VCSLX

• 1D: -0.46%
• 1M: 3.39%
• YTD: 17.36%
• 6M: 18.23%
• 1Y: 41.51%
• 3Y*: 15.90%
• 5Y*: 4.82%
• 10Y*: 9.61%

VSMAX

• 1D: 0.80%
• 1M: 4.24%
• YTD: 14.94%
• 6M: 14.89%
• 1Y: 29.65%
• 3Y*: 17.30%
• 5Y*: 7.34%
• 10Y*: 11.37%

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

VCSLX vs. VSMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VCSLX VALIC Company I Small Cap Index Fund	17.36%	7.00%	11.22%	15.99%	-20.41%	14.55%	20.14%	25.04%	-16.08%	14.40%
VSMAX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares	14.94%	8.83%	14.23%	18.17%	-17.61%	17.74%	19.06%	27.36%	-9.33%	16.24%

Correlation

The correlation between VCSLX and VSMAX is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 14, 2000	0.98

The correlation between VCSLX and VSMAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VCSLX vs. VSMAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VCSLX

VCSLX Risk / Return Rank: 60
VCSLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
VCSLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
VCSLX Omega Ratio Rank: 44
VCSLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
VCSLX Martin Ratio Rank: 67

VSMAX

VSMAX Risk / Return Rank: 54
VSMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
VSMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
VSMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 40
VSMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
VSMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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. VSMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	VCSLX	VSMAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.20	1.94	+0.26
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.03	2.74	+0.28
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.33	+0.02
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.69	3.51	+0.18
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	13.13	12.97	+0.16
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VCSLX vs. VSMAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VCSLX Sharpe Ratio is 2.20, which is comparable to the VSMAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VCSLX and VSMAX, 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

	VCSLX	VSMAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.20	1.94	+0.26
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.21	0.36	-0.14
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.41	0.53	-0.12
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.16	0.39	-0.23

Drawdowns

VCSLX vs. VSMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VCSLX drawdown since its inception was -67.69%, which is greater than VSMAX's maximum drawdown of -59.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCSLX and VSMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VCSLX	VSMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.69%	-59.68%	-8.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.16%	-8.97%	-2.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-30.96%	-25.25%	-5.71%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.83%	-28.14%	-3.69%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.78%	-41.82%	+0.04%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.01%	0.00%	-1.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.38%	-9.70%	-8.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.14%	2.43%	+0.71%

Volatility

VCSLX vs. VSMAX - Volatility Comparison

VALIC Company I Small Cap Index Fund (VCSLX) has a higher volatility of 5.54% compared to Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSMAX) at 4.40%. This indicates that VCSLX'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.

Volatility by Period

	VCSLX	VSMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.54%	4.40%	+1.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.60%	11.72%	+1.88%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.17%	16.27%	+2.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.72%	20.71%	+2.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.59%	21.57%	+2.02%

VCSLX vs. VSMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VCSLX has a 0.36% expense ratio, which is higher than VSMAX's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

VCSLX vs. VSMAX - Dividend Comparison

VCSLX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.21%, more than VSMAX's 1.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VCSLX VALIC Company I Small Cap Index Fund	5.21%	0.00%	1.17%	26.50%	13.32%	5.39%	13.29%	9.37%	1.18%	5.80%	0.00%	0.00%
VSMAX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.18%	1.33%	1.30%	1.56%	1.54%	1.24%	1.14%	1.39%	1.67%	1.35%	1.49%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VCSLX and VSMAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, VCSLX and VSMAX 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 VSMAX?

VCSLX has higher volatility (5.54%) compared to VSMAX (4.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VCSLX dropped -67.69% vs VSMAX's -59.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VCSLX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.20 vs 1.94), 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.