VSCIX vs. FTHNX

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

VSCIX (Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares) and FTHNX (Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, VSCIX returned 10.95%/yr vs 13.81%/yr for FTHNX. Their correlation of 0.94 means they have usually moved in the same direction. VSCIX charges 0.03%/yr vs 1.03%/yr for FTHNX.

Performance

VSCIX vs. FTHNX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSCIX achieves a 15.46% return, which is significantly lower than FTHNX's 16.92% return. Over the past 10 years, VSCIX has underperformed FTHNX with an annualized return of 10.95%, while FTHNX has yielded a comparatively higher 13.81% annualized return.

VSCIX

• 1D: 0.91%
• 1M: -1.56%
• 6M: 10.36%
• YTD: 15.46%
• 1Y: 26.15%
• 3Y*: 13.95%
• 5Y*: 7.49%
• 10Y*: 10.95%
• ALL TIME*: 9.25%

FTHNX

• 1D: 0.55%
• 1M: 1.93%
• 6M: 12.96%
• YTD: 16.92%
• 1Y: 28.63%
• 3Y*: 17.81%
• 5Y*: 12.64%
• 10Y*: 13.81%
• ALL TIME*: 13.47%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
FTHNX Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00
VSCIX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00

VSCIX vs. FTHNX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VSCIX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	15.46%	8.85%	12.96%	19.52%	-17.60%	17.74%	19.07%	27.40%	-9.33%	16.25%
FTHNX Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund	16.92%	11.69%	15.81%	22.18%	-7.73%	30.44%	10.05%	27.74%	-13.45%	17.25%

Correlation

The correlation between VSCIX and FTHNX is 0.89, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.89
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 28, 2015	0.94

The correlation between VSCIX and FTHNX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VSCIX vs. FTHNX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

VSCIX

VSCIX Risk / Return Rank: 66
VSCIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
VSCIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VSCIX Omega Ratio Rank: 53
VSCIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
VSCIX Martin Ratio Rank: 80

FTHNX

FTHNX Risk / Return Rank: 78
FTHNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
FTHNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
FTHNX Omega Ratio Rank: 72
FTHNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
FTHNX Martin Ratio Rank: 82

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

VSCIX vs. FTHNX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSCIX) and Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund (FTHNX). 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.

	VSCIX	FTHNX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.40	1.75	-0.36
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.05	2.61	-0.56
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.31	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.56	2.77	-0.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.41	9.95	-0.54

VSCIX vs. FTHNX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSCIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.40, which is comparable to the FTHNX Sharpe Ratio of 1.75. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSCIX and FTHNX, 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

VSCIX vs. FTHNX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSCIX drawdown since its inception was -59.66%, which is greater than FTHNX's maximum drawdown of -37.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSCIX and FTHNX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSCIX	FTHNX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.66%	-37.78%	-21.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.97%	-9.44%	+0.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.25%	-24.63%	-0.62%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.13%	-24.63%	-3.50%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.81%	-37.78%	-4.03%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.35%	-0.51%	-1.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.08%	-5.62%	-4.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.45%	2.62%	-0.17%

Volatility

VSCIX vs. FTHNX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSCIX) and Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund (FTHNX) have volatilities of 3.31% and 3.38%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VSCIX	FTHNX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.31%	3.38%	-0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.97%	10.76%	+1.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.47%	14.92%	+1.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.67%	18.78%	+1.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.52%	20.07%	+1.45%

VSCIX vs. FTHNX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSCIX has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than FTHNX's 1.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

VSCIX vs. FTHNX - Dividend Comparison

VSCIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.22%, more than FTHNX's 0.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTHNX Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund	0.24%	0.28%	7.84%	1.60%	0.95%	3.55%	0.11%	0.11%	0.21%	0.09%	0.00%	15.47%
VSCIX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.22%	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 VSCIX and FTHNX in my portfolio?

VSCIX and FTHNX 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, VSCIX or FTHNX?

FTHNX has higher volatility (3.38%) compared to VSCIX (3.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSCIX dropped -59.66% vs FTHNX's -37.78%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTHNX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.75 vs 1.40), 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.