VISGX vs. WMKSX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VISGX (Vanguard Small Cap Growth Index Fund) and WMKSX (WesMark Small Company Fund) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, VISGX returned 12.05%/yr vs 14.18%/yr for WMKSX. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VISGX charges 0.19%/yr vs 1.24%/yr for WMKSX.

Performance

VISGX vs. WMKSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Small Cap Growth Index Fund (VISGX) and WesMark Small Company Fund (WMKSX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VISGX achieves a 18.66% return, which is significantly lower than WMKSX's 20.89% return. Over the past 10 years, VISGX has underperformed WMKSX with an annualized return of 12.05%, while WMKSX has yielded a comparatively higher 14.18% annualized return.

VISGX

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: 3.09%
• YTD: 18.66%
• 6M: 15.65%
• 1Y: 32.31%
• 3Y*: 18.02%
• 5Y*: 4.96%
• 10Y*: 12.05%

WMKSX

• 1D: 0.17%
• 1M: 5.31%
• YTD: 20.89%
• 6M: 18.78%
• 1Y: 35.88%
• 3Y*: 25.78%
• 5Y*: 11.59%
• 10Y*: 14.18%

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

VISGX vs. WMKSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VISGX Vanguard Small Cap Growth Index Fund	18.66%	8.18%	14.80%	22.91%	-28.50%	5.58%	35.11%	32.60%	-5.81%	21.78%
WMKSX WesMark Small Company Fund	20.89%	16.19%	22.12%	19.42%	-20.72%	22.81%	36.78%	20.32%	-13.92%	13.21%

Correlation

The correlation between VISGX and WMKSX is 0.89, 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	0.89
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 21, 1998	0.88

The correlation between VISGX and WMKSX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VISGX vs. WMKSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VISGX

VISGX Risk / Return Rank: 45
VISGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
VISGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
VISGX Omega Ratio Rank: 32
VISGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
VISGX Martin Ratio Rank: 58

WMKSX

WMKSX Risk / Return Rank: 69
WMKSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
WMKSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
WMKSX Omega Ratio Rank: 49
WMKSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
WMKSX Martin Ratio Rank: 85

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.

VISGX vs. WMKSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small Cap Growth Index Fund (VISGX) and WesMark Small Company Fund (WMKSX). 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.

	VISGX	WMKSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.64	2.11	-0.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.28	2.93	-0.65
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.35	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.92	4.43	-1.51
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.93	14.85	-3.92

VISGX vs. WMKSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VISGX Sharpe Ratio is 1.64, which is comparable to the WMKSX Sharpe Ratio of 2.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VISGX and WMKSX, 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

VISGX vs. WMKSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VISGX drawdown since its inception was -58.74%, smaller than the maximum WMKSX drawdown of -64.09%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VISGX and WMKSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VISGX	WMKSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.74%	-64.09%	+5.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.39%	-8.50%	-2.89%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.58%	-24.20%	-3.38%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.41%	-39.84%	+1.43%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.70%	-39.84%	+1.14%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.01%	0.00%	-0.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.59%	-15.66%	+4.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.04%	2.53%	+0.51%

Volatility

VISGX vs. WMKSX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Small Cap Growth Index Fund (VISGX) has a higher volatility of 6.94% compared to WesMark Small Company Fund (WMKSX) at 4.52%. This indicates that VISGX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than WMKSX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VISGX	WMKSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.94%	4.52%	+2.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.80%	12.32%	+3.48%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.32%	17.93%	+2.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.70%	26.13%	-2.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.06%	23.99%	-0.93%

VISGX vs. WMKSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VISGX has a 0.19% expense ratio, which is lower than WMKSX's 1.24% expense ratio.

Dividends

VISGX vs. WMKSX - Dividend Comparison

VISGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.34%, less than WMKSX's 18.95% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VISGX Vanguard Small Cap Growth Index Fund	0.34%	0.33%	0.42%	0.56%	0.46%	0.23%	0.35%	0.47%	0.65%	0.71%	0.97%	0.84%
WMKSX WesMark Small Company Fund	18.95%	22.91%	4.69%	5.93%	6.23%	25.75%	8.21%	0.00%	12.53%	8.59%	5.26%	6.57%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VISGX and WMKSX in my portfolio?

VISGX and WMKSX have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VISGX or WMKSX?

VISGX has higher volatility (6.94%) compared to WMKSX (4.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VISGX dropped -58.74% vs WMKSX's -64.09%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

WMKSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.11 vs 1.64), 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.