VSCIX vs. VSMSX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

VSCIX (Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares) and VSMSX (Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds from Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VSCIX returned 11.29%/yr vs 10.71%/yr for VSMSX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VSCIX charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VSMSX.

Performance

VSCIX vs. VSMSX - 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 S&P Small-Cap 600 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSMSX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSCIX achieves a 14.03% return, which is significantly lower than VSMSX's 15.31% return. Over the past 10 years, VSCIX has outperformed VSMSX with an annualized return of 11.29%, while VSMSX has yielded a comparatively lower 10.71% annualized return.

VSCIX

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 2.89%
• YTD: 14.03%
• 6M: 15.16%
• 1Y: 30.34%
• 3Y*: 17.01%
• 5Y*: 7.02%
• 10Y*: 11.29%

VSMSX

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: 0.68%
• YTD: 15.31%
• 6M: 15.84%
• 1Y: 33.70%
• 3Y*: 14.44%
• 5Y*: 5.54%
• 10Y*: 10.71%

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

VSCIX vs. VSMSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VSCIX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	14.03%	8.85%	12.96%	19.52%	-17.60%	17.74%	19.07%	27.40%	-9.33%	16.25%
VSMSX Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Index Fund Institutional Shares	15.31%	6.04%	7.20%	17.57%	-16.19%	26.72%	11.46%	22.73%	-8.51%	13.39%

Correlation

The correlation between VSCIX and VSMSX is 0.95, 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2012	0.97

The correlation between VSCIX and VSMSX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VSCIX vs. VSMSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSCIX

VSCIX Risk / Return Rank: 50
VSCIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
VSCIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
VSCIX Omega Ratio Rank: 37
VSCIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
VSCIX Martin Ratio Rank: 62

VSMSX

VSMSX Risk / Return Rank: 53
VSMSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
VSMSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
VSMSX Omega Ratio Rank: 37
VSMSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
VSMSX Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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. VSMSX - 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 S&P Small-Cap 600 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSMSX). 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.

	VSCIX	VSMSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.87	1.90	-0.04
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.66	2.76	-0.10
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.33	0.00
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.32	3.77	-0.45
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	12.27	12.62	-0.35
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VSCIX vs. VSMSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSCIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.87, which is comparable to the VSMSX Sharpe Ratio of 1.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSCIX and VSMSX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VSCIX	VSMSX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.87	1.90	-0.04
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.34	0.26	+0.08
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53	0.46	+0.06
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.40	0.55	-0.15

Drawdowns

VSCIX vs. VSMSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSCIX drawdown since its inception was -59.66%, which is greater than VSMSX's maximum drawdown of -44.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSCIX and VSMSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSCIX	VSMSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.66%	-44.42%	-15.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.97%	-8.69%	-0.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.25%	-27.93%	+2.68%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.13%	-27.93%	-0.20%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.81%	-44.42%	+2.61%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.31%	-0.91%	+0.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.13%	-7.41%	-2.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.42%	2.59%	-0.17%

Volatility

VSCIX vs. VSMSX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSCIX) and Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSMSX) have volatilities of 4.35% and 4.40%, 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	VSMSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.35%	4.40%	-0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.71%	11.67%	+0.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.29%	17.57%	-1.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.71%	21.47%	-0.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.57%	23.21%	-1.64%

VSCIX vs. VSMSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSCIX has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than VSMSX's 0.08% 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. VSMSX - Dividend Comparison

VSCIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.20%, which matches VSMSX's 1.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VSCIX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.20%	1.34%	1.31%	1.55%	1.55%	1.25%	1.15%	1.40%	1.68%	1.36%	1.50%	1.49%
VSMSX Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.21%	1.39%	1.49%	1.47%	1.52%	1.17%	1.10%	1.38%	1.39%	1.11%	1.00%	1.33%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSCIX and VSMSX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, VSCIX and VSMSX 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, VSCIX or VSMSX?

VSMSX has higher volatility (4.40%) compared to VSCIX (4.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSCIX dropped -59.66% vs VSMSX's -44.42%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSMSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.90 vs 1.87), 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.