VSCIX vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

VSCIX (Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both funds - VSCIX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Over the past 10 years, VSCIX returned 11.60%/yr vs 18.30%/yr for VUG. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VSCIX charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

VSCIX vs. VUG - 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 Growth ETF (VUG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSCIX achieves a 15.38% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 7.94% return. Over the past 10 years, VSCIX has underperformed VUG with an annualized return of 11.60%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively higher 18.30% annualized return.

VSCIX

• 1D: 0.68%
• 1M: 5.22%
• YTD: 15.38%
• 6M: 14.33%
• 1Y: 30.90%
• 3Y*: 16.15%
• 5Y*: 6.98%
• 10Y*: 11.60%

VUG

• 1D: 2.81%
• 1M: 0.27%
• YTD: 7.94%
• 6M: 9.17%
• 1Y: 26.29%
• 3Y*: 24.04%
• 5Y*: 14.43%
• 10Y*: 18.30%

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

VSCIX vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VSCIX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	15.38%	8.85%	12.96%	19.52%	-17.60%	17.74%	19.07%	27.40%	-9.33%	16.25%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	7.94%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between VSCIX and VUG is 0.60, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.60
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.64
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.83

Over the past year, the correlation between VSCIX and VUG has dropped to 0.60 - well below their long-term average of 0.83, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

VSCIX vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VSCIX	VUG
Industrials	20.8%	3.6%
Technology	17.2%	53.5%
Financial Services	12.6%	4.3%
Consumer Cyclical	11.3%	12.2%
Healthcare	11.1%	4.6%
Real Estate	7.6%	1.0%
Basic Materials	4.8%	0.6%
Energy	4.7%	0.4%
Consumer Defensive	3.4%	1.5%
Utilities	3.3%	0.9%
Communication Services	3.1%	17.3%

Return for Risk

VSCIX vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSCIX

VSCIX Risk / Return Rank: 58
VSCIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
VSCIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
VSCIX Omega Ratio Rank: 42
VSCIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
VSCIX Martin Ratio Rank: 73

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 44
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 49
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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. VUG - 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 Growth ETF (VUG). 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	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.73	1.59	+0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.47	2.16	+0.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.28	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.22	1.60	+1.63
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.87	5.50	+6.37

VSCIX vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSCIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.73, which is comparable to the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSCIX and VUG, 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. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSCIX drawdown since its inception was -59.66%, which is greater than VUG's maximum drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSCIX and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSCIX	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.66%	-50.68%	-8.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.97%	-16.53%	+7.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.25%	-22.85%	-2.40%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.13%	-35.61%	+7.48%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.81%	-35.61%	-6.20%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-2.90%	+2.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.11%	-7.09%	-3.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.44%	4.79%	-2.35%

Volatility

VSCIX vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSCIX) is 5.48%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 6.32%. This indicates that VSCIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VSCIX	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.48%	6.32%	-0.84%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.25%	13.28%	-1.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.69%	16.65%	+0.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.77%	22.34%	-1.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.59%	21.51%	+0.08%

VSCIX vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSCIX has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio. However, 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. VUG - Dividend Comparison

VSCIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.19%, more than VUG's 0.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VSCIX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.19%	1.34%	1.31%	1.55%	1.55%	1.25%	1.15%	1.40%	1.68%	1.36%	1.50%	1.49%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.38%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSCIX and VUG in my portfolio?

VSCIX and VUG have a correlation of 0.60, 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 VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (6.32%) compared to VSCIX (5.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSCIX dropped -59.66% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSCIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.73 vs 1.59), 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.