VRTVX vs. FESCX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VRTVX (Vanguard Russell 2000 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares) and FESCX (First Eagle Small Cap Opportunity Fund) are both Small Cap Value Equities funds. Over the past 3 years, VRTVX returned 19.49%/yr vs 19.54%/yr for FESCX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VRTVX charges 0.08%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for FESCX.

Performance

VRTVX vs. FESCX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Russell 2000 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTVX) and First Eagle Small Cap Opportunity Fund (FESCX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VRTVX achieves a 21.21% return, which is significantly lower than FESCX's 30.84% return.

VRTVX

• 1D: 0.47%
• 1M: 3.65%
• YTD: 21.21%
• 6M: 19.11%
• 1Y: 43.12%
• 3Y*: 19.49%
• 5Y*: 7.66%
• 10Y*: 10.93%

FESCX

• 1D: 0.33%
• 1M: 6.97%
• YTD: 30.84%
• 6M: 28.19%
• 1Y: 53.31%
• 3Y*: 19.54%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VRTVX vs. FESCX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
VRTVX Vanguard Russell 2000 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares	21.21%	12.21%	8.07%	14.71%	-14.52%	4.49%
FESCX First Eagle Small Cap Opportunity Fund	30.84%	13.33%	6.47%	16.75%	-14.05%	1.23%

Correlation

The correlation between VRTVX and FESCX 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	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 14, 2021	0.96

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

Return for Risk

VRTVX vs. FESCX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VRTVX

VRTVX Risk / Return Rank: 83
VRTVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
VRTVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
VRTVX Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VRTVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
VRTVX Martin Ratio Rank: 93

FESCX

FESCX Risk / Return Rank: 89
FESCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
FESCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
FESCX Omega Ratio Rank: 78
FESCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
FESCX 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.

VRTVX vs. FESCX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Russell 2000 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTVX) and First Eagle Small Cap Opportunity Fund (FESCX). 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.

	VRTVX	FESCX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.48	2.79	-0.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.45	3.78	-0.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.46	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.30	5.38	-0.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.02	19.37	-1.36

VRTVX vs. FESCX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VRTVX Sharpe Ratio is 2.48, which is comparable to the FESCX Sharpe Ratio of 2.79. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VRTVX and FESCX, 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

VRTVX vs. FESCX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VRTVX drawdown since its inception was -45.98%, which is greater than FESCX's maximum drawdown of -28.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VRTVX and FESCX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VRTVX	FESCX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.98%	-28.53%	-17.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.54%	-10.26%	+1.72%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.85%	-28.53%	+1.68%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.85%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.98%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.75%	-8.75%	+1.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.51%	2.84%	-0.33%

Volatility

VRTVX vs. FESCX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Russell 2000 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTVX) is 5.28%, while First Eagle Small Cap Opportunity Fund (FESCX) has a volatility of 6.39%. This indicates that VRTVX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FESCX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VRTVX	FESCX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.28%	6.39%	-1.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.47%	14.18%	-1.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.28%	19.83%	-1.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.66%	22.67%	-1.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.75%	22.67%	+1.08%

VRTVX vs. FESCX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VRTVX has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than FESCX's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

VRTVX vs. FESCX - Dividend Comparison

VRTVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.65%, more than FESCX's 0.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FESCX First Eagle Small Cap Opportunity Fund	0.79%	1.03%	1.56%	0.60%	0.11%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VRTVX Vanguard Russell 2000 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.65%	1.49%	1.84%	2.08%	2.15%	1.56%	1.54%	1.87%	2.17%	1.74%	1.52%	2.16%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VRTVX and FESCX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, VRTVX and FESCX 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, VRTVX or FESCX?

FESCX has higher volatility (6.39%) compared to VRTVX (5.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VRTVX dropped -45.98% vs FESCX's -28.53%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FESCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.79 vs 2.48), 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.