VGENX vs. VSTCX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

VGENX (Vanguard Energy Opportunities Fund Investor Shares) and VSTCX (Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund) are both mutual funds - VGENX is a Energy Equities fund actively managed by Vanguard, while VSTCX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VGENX returned 9.11%/yr vs 13.37%/yr for VSTCX. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VGENX charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.26%/yr for VSTCX.

Performance

VGENX vs. VSTCX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Energy Opportunities Fund Investor Shares (VGENX) 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, VGENX achieves a 16.92% return, which is significantly lower than VSTCX's 20.89% return. Over the past 10 years, VGENX has underperformed VSTCX with an annualized return of 9.11%, while VSTCX has yielded a comparatively higher 13.37% annualized return.

VGENX

• 1D: 0.27%
• 1M: -4.69%
• YTD: 16.92%
• 6M: 17.46%
• 1Y: 26.44%
• 3Y*: 27.03%
• 5Y*: 21.54%
• 10Y*: 9.11%

VSTCX

• 1D: -0.49%
• 1M: 4.66%
• YTD: 20.89%
• 6M: 18.35%
• 1Y: 41.63%
• 3Y*: 23.06%
• 5Y*: 12.18%
• 10Y*: 13.37%

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

VGENX vs. VSTCX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VGENX Vanguard Energy Opportunities Fund Investor Shares	16.92%	20.67%	30.25%	8.78%	23.59%	27.71%	-30.85%	13.23%	-17.19%	3.22%
VSTCX Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund	20.89%	15.20%	15.40%	21.34%	-13.00%	33.53%	8.38%	22.18%	-11.87%	9.21%

Correlation

The correlation between VGENX and VSTCX is 0.16, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.16
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.38
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.51
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 20, 2006	0.65

Over the past year, the correlation between VGENX and VSTCX has dropped to 0.16 - well below their long-term average of 0.65, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

VGENX vs. VSTCX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VGENX	VSTCX
Energy	56.5%	6.2%
Utilities	40.8%	2.3%
Basic Materials	1.1%	5.2%
Financial Services	0.0%	18.3%
Real Estate	0.0%	6.5%
Communication Services	-	2.4%
Consumer Cyclical	-	11.1%
Consumer Defensive	-	3.0%
Healthcare	-	14.1%
Industrials	-	16.1%
Technology	-	14.9%

Return for Risk

VGENX vs. VSTCX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGENX

VGENX Risk / Return Rank: 65
VGENX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VGENX Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
VGENX Omega Ratio Rank: 55
VGENX Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
VGENX Martin Ratio Rank: 70

VSTCX

VSTCX Risk / Return Rank: 84
VSTCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
VSTCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
VSTCX Omega Ratio Rank: 69
VSTCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
VSTCX Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

VGENX vs. VSTCX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Energy Opportunities Fund Investor Shares (VGENX) 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.

	VGENX	VSTCX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.13	2.47	-0.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.93	3.42	-0.49
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.42	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.32	5.45	-2.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.47	19.21	-6.74

VGENX vs. VSTCX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGENX Sharpe Ratio is 2.13, which is comparable to the VSTCX Sharpe Ratio of 2.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGENX 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

VGENX vs. VSTCX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGENX drawdown since its inception was -65.37%, roughly equal to the maximum VSTCX drawdown of -62.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGENX and VSTCX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGENX	VSTCX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.37%	-62.50%	-2.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.88%	-8.08%	+0.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.30%	-27.47%	+15.17%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.72%	-27.47%	+7.75%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-61.19%	-48.08%	-13.11%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.74%	-0.49%	-6.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.92%	-10.62%	-4.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.09%	2.29%	-0.20%

Volatility

VGENX vs. VSTCX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Energy Opportunities Fund Investor Shares (VGENX) is 3.94%, while Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund (VSTCX) has a volatility of 5.11%. This indicates that VGENX 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

	VGENX	VSTCX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.94%	5.11%	-1.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.28%	12.51%	-2.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.29%	17.86%	-5.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.67%	22.01%	-3.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.12%	23.46%	-0.34%

VGENX vs. VSTCX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGENX has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than VSTCX's 0.26% expense ratio.

Dividends

VGENX vs. VSTCX - Dividend Comparison

VGENX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.33%, more than VSTCX's 6.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VGENX Vanguard Energy Opportunities Fund Investor Shares	7.33%	4.71%	33.96%	6.83%	4.63%	3.63%	4.46%	3.30%	2.96%	2.96%	1.84%	2.63%
VSTCX Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund	6.24%	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 VGENX and VSTCX in my portfolio?

VGENX and VSTCX have a correlation of 0.16, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VGENX or VSTCX?

VSTCX has higher volatility (5.11%) compared to VGENX (3.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGENX dropped -65.37% vs VSTCX's -62.50%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSTCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.47 vs 2.13), 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.