VSCIX vs. VFSUX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

VSCIX (Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares) and VFSUX (Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - VSCIX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Index, while VFSUX is a Total Bond Market fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. 1-5 Year Credit Bond Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VSCIX returned 11.15%/yr vs 2.58%/yr for VFSUX. At a correlation of -0.11, they often move in opposite directions. VSCIX charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VFSUX.

Performance

VSCIX vs. VFSUX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSCIX achieves a 16.35% return, which is significantly higher than VFSUX's 0.83% return. Over the past 10 years, VSCIX has outperformed VFSUX with an annualized return of 11.15%, while VFSUX has yielded a comparatively lower 2.58% annualized return.

VSCIX

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: 0.84%
• 6M: 10.21%
• YTD: 16.35%
• 1Y: 24.65%
• 3Y*: 15.44%
• 5Y*: 7.40%
• 10Y*: 11.15%

VFSUX

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 0.11%
• 6M: 0.93%
• YTD: 0.83%
• 1Y: 4.11%
• 3Y*: 5.75%
• 5Y*: 2.38%
• 10Y*: 2.58%

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

VSCIX vs. VFSUX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VSCIX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	16.35%	8.85%	12.96%	19.52%	-17.60%	17.74%	19.07%	27.40%	-9.33%	16.25%
VFSUX Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Admiral Shares	0.83%	6.87%	5.08%	6.17%	-5.75%	-0.62%	5.26%	5.85%	0.98%	2.13%

Correlation

The correlation between VSCIX and VFSUX is 0.35, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.35
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.22
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.18
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.06
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 12, 2001	-0.11

The correlation between VSCIX and VFSUX shifts across timeframes, from -0.11 (all time) to 0.35 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VSCIX vs. VFSUX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSCIX

VSCIX Risk / Return Rank: 51
VSCIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
VSCIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
VSCIX Omega Ratio Rank: 37
VSCIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
VSCIX Martin Ratio Rank: 64

VFSUX

VFSUX Risk / Return Rank: 68
VFSUX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VFSUX Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
VFSUX Omega Ratio Rank: 78
VFSUX Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
VFSUX Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

VSCIX vs. VFSUX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSCIX) and Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Admiral Shares (VFSUX). 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	VFSUX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.42	1.77	-0.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.08	3.02	-0.94
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.39	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.62	2.36	+0.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.62	9.21	+0.41

VSCIX vs. VFSUX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSCIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.42, which is comparable to the VFSUX Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSCIX and VFSUX, 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. VFSUX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSCIX drawdown since its inception was -59.66%, which is greater than VFSUX's maximum drawdown of -9.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSCIX and VFSUX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSCIX	VFSUX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.66%	-9.24%	-50.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.97%	-1.71%	-7.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.25%	-1.71%	-23.54%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.13%	-9.24%	-18.89%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.81%	-9.24%	-32.57%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.59%	-0.29%	-1.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.09%	-0.87%	-9.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.44%	0.44%	+2.00%

Volatility

VSCIX vs. VFSUX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSCIX) has a higher volatility of 4.52% compared to Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Admiral Shares (VFSUX) at 0.63%. This indicates that VSCIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VFSUX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VSCIX	VFSUX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.52%	0.63%	+3.89%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.07%	1.74%	+10.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.59%	2.27%	+14.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.74%	3.00%	+17.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.51%	2.49%	+19.02%

VSCIX vs. VFSUX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSCIX has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than VFSUX's 0.09% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VSCIX vs. VFSUX - Dividend Comparison

VSCIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.21%, less than VFSUX's 4.74% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VFSUX Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Admiral Shares	4.74%	4.59%	4.16%	3.14%	2.03%	1.79%	2.34%	2.92%	2.79%	2.11%	2.14%	2.09%
VSCIX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.21%	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 VFSUX in my portfolio?

VSCIX and VFSUX have a correlation of 0.35, 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 VFSUX?

VSCIX has higher volatility (4.52%) compared to VFSUX (0.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSCIX dropped -59.66% vs VFSUX's -9.24%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFSUX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 1.42), 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.