VSMAX vs. VSTCX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VSMAX (Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares) and VSTCX (Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds from Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VSMAX returned 11.47%/yr vs 13.03%/yr for VSTCX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VSMAX charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.26%/yr for VSTCX.

Performance

VSMAX vs. VSTCX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSMAX) and Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund (VSTCX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSMAX achieves a 15.43% return, which is significantly lower than VSTCX's 20.84% return. Over the past 10 years, VSMAX has underperformed VSTCX with an annualized return of 11.47%, while VSTCX has yielded a comparatively higher 13.03% annualized return.

VSMAX

• 1D: 1.27%
• 1M: 2.62%
• YTD: 15.43%
• 6M: 12.70%
• 1Y: 29.88%
• 3Y*: 16.29%
• 5Y*: 7.86%
• 10Y*: 11.47%

VSTCX

• 1D: 1.49%
• 1M: 4.62%
• YTD: 20.84%
• 6M: 18.00%
• 1Y: 45.39%
• 3Y*: 21.98%
• 5Y*: 13.15%
• 10Y*: 13.03%

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

VSMAX vs. VSTCX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VSMAX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares	15.43%	8.83%	14.23%	18.17%	-17.61%	17.74%	19.06%	27.36%	-9.33%	16.24%
VSTCX Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund	20.84%	15.20%	15.40%	21.34%	-13.00%	33.53%	8.38%	22.18%	-11.87%	9.21%

Correlation

The correlation between VSMAX and VSTCX is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	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	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 20, 2006	0.98

The correlation between VSMAX and VSTCX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

VSMAX vs. VSTCX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VSMAX	VSTCX
Industrials	20.7%	16.1%
Technology	18.8%	14.9%
Financial Services	11.9%	18.3%
Healthcare	11.0%	14.1%
Consumer Cyclical	10.3%	11.1%
Real Estate	7.1%	6.5%
Energy	4.7%	6.2%
Basic Materials	4.7%	5.2%
Consumer Defensive	3.4%	3.0%
Utilities	3.1%	2.3%
Communication Services	2.7%	2.4%

Return for Risk

VSMAX vs. VSTCX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSMAX

VSMAX Risk / Return Rank: 55
VSMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
VSMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
VSMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 40
VSMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
VSMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 68

VSTCX

VSTCX Risk / Return Rank: 85
VSTCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
VSTCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
VSTCX Omega Ratio Rank: 71
VSTCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
VSTCX Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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.

VSMAX vs. VSTCX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSMAX) and Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund (VSTCX). 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.

	VSMAX	VSTCX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.81	2.54	-0.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.57	3.51	-0.94
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.43	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.36	5.62	-2.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.34	19.82	-7.47

VSMAX vs. VSTCX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSMAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.81, which is comparable to the VSTCX Sharpe Ratio of 2.54. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSMAX and VSTCX, 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

VSMAX vs. VSTCX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSMAX drawdown since its inception was -59.68%, roughly equal to the maximum VSTCX drawdown of -62.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSMAX and VSTCX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSMAX	VSTCX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.68%	-62.50%	+2.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.97%	-8.08%	-0.89%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.25%	-27.47%	+2.22%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.14%	-27.47%	-0.67%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.82%	-48.08%	+6.26%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.57%	0.00%	-0.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.68%	-10.63%	+0.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.43%	2.29%	+0.14%

Volatility

VSMAX vs. VSTCX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSMAX) and Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund (VSTCX) have volatilities of 5.30% and 5.38%, 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

	VSMAX	VSTCX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.30%	5.38%	-0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.24%	12.52%	-0.28%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.65%	17.85%	-1.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.77%	22.02%	-1.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.59%	23.49%	-1.90%

VSMAX vs. VSTCX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSMAX has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than VSTCX's 0.26% 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

VSMAX vs. VSTCX - Dividend Comparison

VSMAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.18%, less than VSTCX's 6.25% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VSMAX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.18%	1.33%	1.30%	1.56%	1.54%	1.24%	1.14%	1.39%	1.67%	1.35%	1.49%	1.48%
VSTCX Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund	6.25%	7.55%	9.66%	2.50%	7.44%	19.92%	1.24%	4.14%	11.74%	5.76%	1.35%	2.33%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSMAX and VSTCX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, VSMAX and VSTCX 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, VSMAX or VSTCX?

VSTCX has higher volatility (5.38%) compared to VSMAX (5.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSMAX dropped -59.68% vs VSTCX's -62.50%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSTCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.54 vs 1.81), 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.