VRTVX vs. VSMVX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VRTVX (Vanguard Russell 2000 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares) and VSMVX (Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Small Cap Value Equities funds from Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VRTVX returned 10.93%/yr vs 10.71%/yr for VSMVX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.08% expense ratio.

Performance

VRTVX vs. VSMVX - 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 Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSMVX). 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 higher than VSMVX's 17.74% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VRTVX having a 10.93% annualized return and VSMVX not far behind at 10.71%.

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%

VSMVX

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: 3.22%
• YTD: 17.74%
• 6M: 16.42%
• 1Y: 38.16%
• 3Y*: 15.49%
• 5Y*: 6.61%
• 10Y*: 10.71%

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

VRTVX vs. VSMVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VRTVX Vanguard Russell 2000 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares	21.21%	12.21%	8.07%	14.71%	-14.52%	28.06%	4.81%	22.40%	-12.83%	7.91%
VSMVX Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares	17.74%	6.38%	7.53%	14.85%	-11.12%	30.85%	2.79%	24.47%	-12.67%	11.64%

Correlation

The correlation between VRTVX and VSMVX is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 17, 2012	0.98

The correlation between VRTVX and VSMVX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VRTVX vs. VSMVX — 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

VSMVX

VSMVX Risk / Return Rank: 71
VSMVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
VSMVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
VSMVX Omega Ratio Rank: 54
VSMVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
VSMVX Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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. VSMVX - 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 Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSMVX). 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	VSMVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.48	2.17	+0.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.45	3.09	+0.36
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.37	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.30	4.28	+1.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.02	14.20	+3.81

VRTVX vs. VSMVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VRTVX Sharpe Ratio is 2.48, which is comparable to the VSMVX Sharpe Ratio of 2.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VRTVX and VSMVX, 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. VSMVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VRTVX drawdown since its inception was -45.98%, roughly equal to the maximum VSMVX drawdown of -47.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VRTVX and VSMVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VRTVX	VSMVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.98%	-47.61%	+1.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.54%	-9.33%	+0.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.85%	-28.81%	+1.96%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.85%	-28.81%	+1.96%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.98%	-47.61%	+1.63%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.37%	+1.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.75%	-7.62%	-0.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.51%	2.81%	-0.30%

Volatility

VRTVX vs. VSMVX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Russell 2000 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTVX) has a higher volatility of 5.28% compared to Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSMVX) at 4.80%. This indicates that VRTVX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VSMVX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VRTVX	VSMVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.28%	4.80%	+0.48%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.47%	11.86%	+0.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.28%	18.42%	-0.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.66%	21.97%	-0.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.75%	24.15%	-0.40%

VRTVX vs. VSMVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VRTVX and VSMVX have an expense ratio of 0.08%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VRTVX vs. VSMVX - Dividend Comparison

VRTVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.65%, more than VSMVX's 1.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
VSMVX Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.61%	1.45%	1.85%	1.92%	1.88%	1.66%	1.46%	1.65%	1.89%	1.55%	1.26%	1.42%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VRTVX and VSMVX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, VRTVX and VSMVX 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 VSMVX?

VRTVX has higher volatility (5.28%) compared to VSMVX (4.80%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VRTVX dropped -45.98% vs VSMVX's -47.61%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VRTVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.48 vs 2.17), 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.