VLISX vs. VSCIX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

VLISX (Vanguard Large-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares) and VSCIX (Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both mutual funds - VLISX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while VSCIX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VLISX returned 15.64%/yr vs 11.29%/yr for VSCIX. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.04% expense ratio.

Performance

VLISX vs. VSCIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Large-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VLISX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSCIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VLISX achieves a 11.31% return, which is significantly lower than VSCIX's 14.03% return. Over the past 10 years, VLISX has outperformed VSCIX with an annualized return of 15.64%, while VSCIX has yielded a comparatively lower 11.29% annualized return.

VLISX

• 1D: 0.31%
• 1M: 5.40%
• YTD: 11.31%
• 6M: 11.55%
• 1Y: 29.22%
• 3Y*: 22.91%
• 5Y*: 13.78%
• 10Y*: 15.64%

VSCIX

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 2.89%
• YTD: 14.03%
• 6M: 15.16%
• 1Y: 30.34%
• 3Y*: 17.01%
• 5Y*: 7.02%
• 10Y*: 11.29%

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

VLISX vs. VSCIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VLISX Vanguard Large-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	11.31%	18.11%	25.12%	27.26%	-19.68%	27.04%	21.04%	31.38%	-4.47%	22.04%
VSCIX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	14.03%	8.85%	12.96%	19.52%	-17.60%	17.74%	19.07%	27.40%	-9.33%	16.25%

Correlation

The correlation between VLISX and VSCIX is 0.78, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.78
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2004	0.89

The correlation between VLISX and VSCIX shifts across timeframes, from 0.78 (1 year) to 0.89 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VLISX vs. VSCIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VLISX

VLISX Risk / Return Rank: 71
VLISX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
VLISX Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
VLISX Omega Ratio Rank: 66
VLISX Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
VLISX Martin Ratio Rank: 80

VSCIX

VSCIX Risk / Return Rank: 50
VSCIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
VSCIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
VSCIX Omega Ratio Rank: 37
VSCIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
VSCIX Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

VLISX vs. VSCIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Large-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VLISX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSCIX). 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.

	VLISX	VSCIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.51	1.87	+0.65
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.41	2.66	+0.75
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.32	+0.13
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.25	3.32	-0.07
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	14.96	12.27	+2.69
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VLISX vs. VSCIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VLISX Sharpe Ratio is 2.51, which is higher than the VSCIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.87. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VLISX and VSCIX, 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

	VLISX	VSCIX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.51	1.87	+0.65
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.81	0.34	+0.47
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.86	0.53	+0.34
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.59	0.40	+0.19

Drawdowns

VLISX vs. VSCIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VLISX drawdown since its inception was -54.48%, smaller than the maximum VSCIX drawdown of -59.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VLISX and VSCIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VLISX	VSCIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.48%	-59.66%	+5.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.19%	-8.97%	-0.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.01%	-25.25%	+6.24%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.65%	-28.13%	+2.48%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.97%	-41.81%	+7.84%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.31%	+0.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.74%	-10.13%	+3.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.00%	2.42%	-0.42%

Volatility

VLISX vs. VSCIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Large-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VLISX) is 2.80%, while Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSCIX) has a volatility of 4.35%. This indicates that VLISX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VSCIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VLISX	VSCIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.80%	4.35%	-1.55%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.03%	11.71%	-2.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.94%	16.29%	-4.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.16%	20.71%	-3.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.20%	21.57%	-3.37%

VLISX vs. VSCIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VLISX and VSCIX have an expense ratio of 0.04%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VLISX vs. VSCIX - Dividend Comparison

VLISX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.97%, less than VSCIX's 1.20% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VLISX Vanguard Large-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	0.97%	1.08%	1.24%	1.41%	1.67%	1.19%	1.46%	1.81%	2.09%	1.76%	1.99%	1.97%
VSCIX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.20%	1.34%	1.31%	1.55%	1.55%	1.25%	1.15%	1.40%	1.68%	1.36%	1.50%	1.49%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VLISX and VSCIX in my portfolio?

VLISX and VSCIX have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VLISX or VSCIX?

VSCIX has higher volatility (4.35%) compared to VLISX (2.80%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VLISX dropped -54.48% vs VSCIX's -59.66%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VLISX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.51 vs 1.87), 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.