VFMFX vs. VSTCX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VFMFX (Vanguard U.S. Multifactor Fund Admiral Shares) and VSTCX (Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund) are both mutual funds - VFMFX is a Multi-factor fund managed by Vanguard, while VSTCX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 5 years, VFMFX returned 13.65%/yr vs 12.58%/yr for VSTCX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VFMFX charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.26%/yr for VSTCX.

Performance

VFMFX vs. VSTCX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard U.S. Multifactor Fund Admiral Shares (VFMFX) and Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund (VSTCX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VFMFX achieves a 16.42% return, which is significantly lower than VSTCX's 21.48% return.

VFMFX

• 1D: 0.56%
• 1M: 2.64%
• YTD: 16.42%
• 6M: 14.86%
• 1Y: 32.34%
• 3Y*: 21.79%
• 5Y*: 13.65%
• 10Y*: —

VSTCX

• 1D: 0.53%
• 1M: 5.17%
• YTD: 21.48%
• 6M: 19.28%
• 1Y: 44.51%
• 3Y*: 23.26%
• 5Y*: 12.58%
• 10Y*: 13.43%

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

VFMFX vs. VSTCX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
VFMFX Vanguard U.S. Multifactor Fund Admiral Shares	16.42%	14.50%	17.21%	17.89%	-5.78%	30.78%	3.58%	21.81%	-14.83%
VSTCX Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund	21.48%	15.20%	15.40%	21.34%	-13.00%	33.53%	8.38%	22.18%	-18.67%

Correlation

The correlation between VFMFX and VSTCX is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 26, 2018	0.96

The correlation between VFMFX and VSTCX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VFMFX vs. VSTCX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VFMFX

VFMFX Risk / Return Rank: 86
VFMFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
VFMFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
VFMFX Omega Ratio Rank: 76
VFMFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
VFMFX Martin Ratio Rank: 92

VSTCX

VSTCX Risk / Return Rank: 87
VSTCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
VSTCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
VSTCX Omega Ratio Rank: 74
VSTCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
VSTCX Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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.

VFMFX vs. VSTCX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard U.S. Multifactor Fund Admiral Shares (VFMFX) and Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund (VSTCX). 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.

	VFMFX	VSTCX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.58	2.60	-0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.71	3.57	+0.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.44	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.70	5.74	-1.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.47	20.24	-2.77

VFMFX vs. VSTCX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VFMFX Sharpe Ratio is 2.58, which is comparable to the VSTCX Sharpe Ratio of 2.60. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VFMFX and VSTCX, 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

VFMFX vs. VSTCX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VFMFX drawdown since its inception was -41.18%, smaller than the maximum VSTCX drawdown of -62.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VFMFX and VSTCX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VFMFX	VSTCX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.18%	-62.50%	+21.32%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.31%	-8.08%	+0.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.18%	-27.47%	+6.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.18%	-27.47%	+6.29%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-48.08%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.79%	0.00%	-0.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.85%	-10.62%	+4.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.96%	2.29%	-0.33%

Volatility

VFMFX vs. VSTCX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard U.S. Multifactor Fund Admiral Shares (VFMFX) is 3.30%, while Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund (VSTCX) has a volatility of 5.06%. This indicates that VFMFX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VSTCX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VFMFX	VSTCX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.30%	5.06%	-1.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.40%	12.50%	-3.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.31%	17.89%	-4.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.99%	22.01%	-4.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.21%	23.50%	-2.29%

VFMFX vs. VSTCX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VFMFX has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is lower than VSTCX's 0.26% 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%.

Dividends

VFMFX vs. VSTCX - Dividend Comparison

VFMFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.34%, less than VSTCX's 6.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VFMFX Vanguard U.S. Multifactor Fund Admiral Shares	2.34%	2.69%	3.29%	1.66%	2.09%	1.37%	1.48%	1.63%	1.45%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VSTCX Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund	6.21%	7.55%	9.66%	2.50%	7.44%	19.92%	1.24%	4.14%	11.74%	5.76%	1.35%	2.33%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VFMFX and VSTCX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, VFMFX and VSTCX 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, VFMFX or VSTCX?

VSTCX has higher volatility (5.06%) compared to VFMFX (3.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VFMFX dropped -41.18% vs VSTCX's -62.50%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSTCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.60 vs 2.58), 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.