VSIAX vs. VFWAX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VSIAX (Vanguard Small-Cap Value Index Fund Admiral Shares) and VFWAX (Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - VSIAX is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Value Index, while VFWAX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE All-World ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VSIAX returned 10.84%/yr vs 10.14%/yr for VFWAX. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VSIAX charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.11%/yr for VFWAX.

Performance

VSIAX vs. VFWAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Small-Cap Value Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSIAX) and Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFWAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with VSIAX having a 13.57% return and VFWAX slightly lower at 13.24%. Over the past 10 years, VSIAX has outperformed VFWAX with an annualized return of 10.84%, while VFWAX has yielded a comparatively lower 10.14% annualized return.

VSIAX

• 1D: 2.03%
• 1M: 3.61%
• YTD: 13.57%
• 6M: 11.91%
• 1Y: 28.83%
• 3Y*: 16.20%
• 5Y*: 8.17%
• 10Y*: 10.84%

VFWAX

• 1D: 3.19%
• 1M: 0.27%
• YTD: 13.24%
• 6M: 15.08%
• 1Y: 29.72%
• 3Y*: 18.68%
• 5Y*: 8.37%
• 10Y*: 10.14%

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

VSIAX vs. VFWAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VSIAX Vanguard Small-Cap Value Index Fund Admiral Shares	13.57%	9.09%	11.34%	17.06%	-9.31%	28.10%	5.80%	22.76%	-12.24%	11.80%
VFWAX Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Index Fund Admiral Shares	13.24%	32.32%	5.43%	15.55%	-15.51%	8.08%	11.34%	21.53%	-13.97%	27.20%

Correlation

The correlation between VSIAX and VFWAX is 0.69, 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	0.69
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 27, 2011	0.74

The correlation between VSIAX and VFWAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.69 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

VSIAX vs. VFWAX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VSIAX	VFWAX
Industrials	18.1%	15.7%
Financial Services	17.6%	23.3%
Consumer Cyclical	12.4%	8.2%
Technology	10.6%	18.5%
Real Estate	10.1%	2.0%
Healthcare	7.9%	7.1%
Basic Materials	6.3%	7.1%
Energy	5.2%	5.2%
Utilities	4.8%	3.2%
Consumer Defensive	4.0%	5.1%
Communication Services	2.5%	4.6%

Return for Risk

VSIAX vs. VFWAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSIAX

VSIAX Risk / Return Rank: 64
VSIAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
VSIAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
VSIAX Omega Ratio Rank: 50
VSIAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
VSIAX Martin Ratio Rank: 72

VFWAX

VFWAX Risk / Return Rank: 65
VFWAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
VFWAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
VFWAX Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VFWAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
VFWAX Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

VSIAX vs. VFWAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small-Cap Value Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSIAX) and Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFWAX). 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.

	VSIAX	VFWAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.74	1.88	-0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.57	2.57	0.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.35	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.02	2.54	+0.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.71	9.81	+0.90

VSIAX vs. VFWAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSIAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.74, which is comparable to the VFWAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSIAX and VFWAX, 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

VSIAX vs. VFWAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSIAX drawdown since its inception was -45.39%, which is greater than VFWAX's maximum drawdown of -34.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSIAX and VFWAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSIAX	VFWAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.39%	-34.93%	-10.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.87%	-11.34%	+2.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.09%	-13.25%	-10.84%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.09%	-29.30%	+5.21%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.39%	-34.93%	-10.46%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-2.19%	+2.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.48%	-7.18%	+1.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.50%	2.93%	-0.43%

Volatility

VSIAX vs. VFWAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Small-Cap Value Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSIAX) is 4.44%, while Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFWAX) has a volatility of 6.53%. This indicates that VSIAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VFWAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VSIAX	VFWAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.44%	6.53%	-2.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.78%	13.17%	-2.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.38%	15.30%	+0.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.80%	15.36%	+4.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.46%	16.13%	+6.33%

VSIAX vs. VFWAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSIAX has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than VFWAX's 0.11% 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

VSIAX vs. VFWAX - Dividend Comparison

VSIAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.73%, less than VFWAX's 2.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VFWAX Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Index Fund Admiral Shares	2.60%	3.05%	3.20%	3.28%	3.07%	3.03%	1.97%	3.07%	3.24%	2.67%	2.96%	2.95%
VSIAX Vanguard Small-Cap Value Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.73%	1.95%	1.98%	2.10%	2.03%	1.75%	1.68%	2.06%	2.35%	1.79%	1.77%	1.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSIAX and VFWAX in my portfolio?

VSIAX and VFWAX have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VSIAX or VFWAX?

VFWAX has higher volatility (6.53%) compared to VSIAX (4.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSIAX dropped -45.39% vs VFWAX's -34.93%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFWAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.88 vs 1.74), 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.