VSCIX vs. FTHSX

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

VSCIX (Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares) and FTHSX (FullerThaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund Class I) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. VSCIX is passively managed, while FTHSX is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, VSCIX returned 10.95%/yr vs 14.11%/yr for FTHSX. Their correlation of 0.94 means they have usually moved in the same direction. VSCIX charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.76%/yr for FTHSX.

Performance

VSCIX vs. FTHSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSCIX) and FullerThaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund Class I (FTHSX). 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 FTHSX's 17.10% return. Over the past 10 years, VSCIX has underperformed FTHSX with an annualized return of 10.95%, while FTHSX has yielded a comparatively higher 14.11% 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%

FTHSX

• 1D: 0.57%
• 1M: 1.95%
• 6M: 13.13%
• YTD: 17.10%
• 1Y: 29.00%
• 3Y*: 18.16%
• 5Y*: 12.97%
• 10Y*: 14.11%
• ALL TIME*: 13.75%

*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)
FTHSX FullerThaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund Class I	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00
VSCIX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00

VSCIX vs. FTHSX - 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%
FTHSX FullerThaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund Class I	17.10%	12.02%	16.17%	22.55%	-7.49%	30.83%	10.38%	28.06%	-13.18%	17.35%

Correlation

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

Return for Risk

VSCIX vs. FTHSX — 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

FTHSX

FTHSX Risk / Return Rank: 78
FTHSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
FTHSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
FTHSX Omega Ratio Rank: 71
FTHSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
FTHSX 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. FTHSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSCIX) and FullerThaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund Class I (FTHSX). 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	FTHSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.40	1.78	-0.38
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.05	2.65	-0.60
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.31	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.56	2.81	-0.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.41	10.13	-0.72

VSCIX vs. FTHSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSCIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.40, which is comparable to the FTHSX Sharpe Ratio of 1.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSCIX and FTHSX, 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. FTHSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSCIX drawdown since its inception was -59.66%, which is greater than FTHSX's maximum drawdown of -37.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSCIX and FTHSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSCIX	FTHSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.66%	-37.74%	-21.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.97%	-9.42%	+0.45%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.25%	-24.58%	-0.67%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.13%	-24.58%	-3.55%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.81%	-37.74%	-4.07%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.35%	-0.51%	-1.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.08%	-5.57%	-4.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.45%	2.61%	-0.16%

Volatility

VSCIX vs. FTHSX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSCIX) and FullerThaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund Class I (FTHSX) 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	FTHSX	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%	10.75%	+1.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.47%	14.90%	+1.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.67%	18.79%	+1.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.52%	20.07%	+1.45%

VSCIX vs. FTHSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSCIX has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than FTHSX's 0.76% expense ratio.

Dividends

VSCIX vs. FTHSX - Dividend Comparison

VSCIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.22%, more than FTHSX's 0.46% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTHSX FullerThaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund Class I	0.46%	0.54%	8.05%	1.81%	1.23%	3.77%	0.35%	0.39%	0.55%	0.26%	0.00%	15.40%
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 FTHSX in my portfolio?

VSCIX and FTHSX 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 FTHSX?

FTHSX has higher volatility (3.38%) compared to VSCIX (3.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSCIX dropped -59.66% vs FTHSX's -37.74%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTHSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.78 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.