VSIAX vs. VGSLX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

VSIAX (Vanguard Small-Cap Value Index Fund Admiral Shares) and VGSLX (Vanguard Real Estate 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 VGSLX is a REIT fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Real Estate 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VSIAX returned 11.10%/yr vs 5.42%/yr for VGSLX. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VSIAX charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for VGSLX.

Performance

VSIAX vs. VGSLX - 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 Real Estate Index Fund Admiral Shares (VGSLX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSIAX achieves a 14.13% return, which is significantly higher than VGSLX's 11.75% return. Over the past 10 years, VSIAX has outperformed VGSLX with an annualized return of 11.10%, while VGSLX has yielded a comparatively lower 5.42% annualized return.

VSIAX

• 1D: 0.79%
• 1M: 2.21%
• YTD: 14.13%
• 6M: 12.24%
• 1Y: 27.20%
• 3Y*: 17.18%
• 5Y*: 8.61%
• 10Y*: 11.10%

VGSLX

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: 0.68%
• YTD: 11.75%
• 6M: 11.35%
• 1Y: 14.02%
• 3Y*: 11.27%
• 5Y*: 2.68%
• 10Y*: 5.42%

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

VSIAX vs. VGSLX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VSIAX Vanguard Small-Cap Value Index Fund Admiral Shares	14.13%	9.09%	11.34%	17.06%	-9.31%	28.10%	5.80%	22.76%	-12.24%	11.80%
VGSLX Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Admiral Shares	11.75%	3.18%	3.67%	13.13%	-26.20%	40.39%	-4.75%	28.90%	-5.99%	4.91%

Correlation

The correlation between VSIAX and VGSLX is 0.63, 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	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.72
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 27, 2011	0.65

The correlation between VSIAX and VGSLX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.63 to 0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VSIAX vs. VGSLX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSIAX

VSIAX Risk / Return Rank: 56
VSIAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
VSIAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
VSIAX Omega Ratio Rank: 43
VSIAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
VSIAX Martin Ratio Rank: 62

VGSLX

VGSLX Risk / Return Rank: 16
VGSLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
VGSLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
VGSLX Omega Ratio Rank: 13
VGSLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
VGSLX Martin Ratio Rank: 20

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. VGSLX - 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 Real Estate Index Fund Admiral Shares (VGSLX). 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	VGSLX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.71	0.82	+0.89
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.53	1.20	+1.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.15	+0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.95	1.36	+1.59
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.46	4.28	+6.18

VSIAX vs. VGSLX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSIAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.71, which is higher than the VGSLX Sharpe Ratio of 0.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSIAX and VGSLX, 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. VGSLX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSIAX drawdown since its inception was -45.39%, smaller than the maximum VGSLX drawdown of -73.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSIAX and VGSLX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSIAX	VGSLX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.39%	-73.05%	+27.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.87%	-8.33%	-0.54%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.09%	-17.41%	-6.68%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.09%	-34.41%	+10.32%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.39%	-42.34%	-3.05%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.41%	-0.74%	+0.33%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.47%	-12.55%	+7.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.50%	2.66%	-0.16%

Volatility

VSIAX vs. VGSLX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Small-Cap Value Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSIAX) is 4.03%, while Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Admiral Shares (VGSLX) has a volatility of 5.22%. This indicates that VSIAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VGSLX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VSIAX	VGSLX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.03%	5.22%	-1.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.68%	10.21%	+0.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.31%	13.79%	+1.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.73%	18.92%	+0.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.43%	20.89%	+1.54%

VSIAX vs. VGSLX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSIAX has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than VGSLX's 0.13% 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. VGSLX - Dividend Comparison

VSIAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.72%, less than VGSLX's 4.48% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VGSLX Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Admiral Shares	4.48%	3.92%	3.85%	3.91%	3.91%	2.56%	3.92%	3.39%	4.73%	4.23%	4.82%	3.92%
VSIAX Vanguard Small-Cap Value Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.72%	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 VGSLX in my portfolio?

VSIAX and VGSLX have a correlation of 0.63, 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 VGSLX?

VGSLX has higher volatility (5.22%) compared to VSIAX (4.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSIAX dropped -45.39% vs VGSLX's -73.05%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSIAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.71 vs 0.82), 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.