VSMSX vs. SPSM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VSMSX (Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Index Fund Institutional Shares) and SPSM (SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, VSMSX returned 10.81%/yr vs 10.77%/yr for SPSM. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VSMSX charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for SPSM.

Performance

VSMSX vs. SPSM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSMSX) and SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF (SPSM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSMSX achieves a 16.33% return, which is significantly higher than SPSM's 15.28% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VSMSX having a 10.81% annualized return and SPSM not far behind at 10.77%.

VSMSX

• 1D: 0.88%
• 1M: 2.59%
• YTD: 16.33%
• 6M: 15.18%
• 1Y: 32.75%
• 3Y*: 14.78%
• 5Y*: 5.90%
• 10Y*: 10.81%

SPSM

• 1D: -0.92%
• 1M: 1.62%
• YTD: 15.28%
• 6M: 14.19%
• 1Y: 31.50%
• 3Y*: 14.42%
• 5Y*: 5.71%
• 10Y*: 10.77%

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

VSMSX vs. SPSM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VSMSX Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Index Fund Institutional Shares	16.33%	6.04%	7.20%	17.57%	-16.19%	26.72%	11.46%	22.73%	-8.51%	13.39%
SPSM SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF	15.28%	6.11%	8.55%	16.11%	-16.12%	26.67%	11.69%	25.85%	-11.17%	15.44%

Correlation

The correlation between VSMSX and SPSM is 1.00 - 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	1.00
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	1.00
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.00
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 10, 2013	0.97

The correlation between VSMSX and SPSM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VSMSX vs. SPSM — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSMSX

VSMSX Risk / Return Rank: 58
VSMSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
VSMSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VSMSX Omega Ratio Rank: 41
VSMSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
VSMSX Martin Ratio Rank: 70

SPSM

SPSM Risk / Return Rank: 58
SPSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
SPSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
SPSM Omega Ratio Rank: 49
SPSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
SPSM Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

VSMSX vs. SPSM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSMSX) and SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF (SPSM). 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.

	VSMSX	SPSM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.00	1.82	+0.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.88	2.64	+0.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.32	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.03	3.63	+0.40
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.48	12.14	+1.34
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VSMSX vs. SPSM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSMSX Sharpe Ratio is 2.00, which is comparable to the SPSM Sharpe Ratio of 1.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSMSX and SPSM, 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

	VSMSX	SPSM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.00	1.82	+0.18
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.28	0.27	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47	0.47	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.56	0.45	+0.10

Drawdowns

VSMSX vs. SPSM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSMSX drawdown since its inception was -44.42%, roughly equal to the maximum SPSM drawdown of -42.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSMSX and SPSM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSMSX	SPSM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.42%	-42.89%	-1.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.69%	-8.72%	+0.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.93%	-27.94%	+0.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.93%	-27.94%	+0.01%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.42%	-42.89%	-1.53%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.03%	-0.97%	+0.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.41%	-7.93%	+0.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.59%	2.60%	-0.01%

Volatility

VSMSX vs. SPSM - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSMSX) and SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF (SPSM) have volatilities of 4.48% and 4.44%, 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

	VSMSX	SPSM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.48%	4.44%	+0.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.70%	11.64%	+0.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.55%	17.47%	+0.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.47%	21.43%	+0.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.21%	22.99%	+0.22%

VSMSX vs. SPSM - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSMSX has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is higher than SPSM's 0.05% 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

VSMSX vs. SPSM - Dividend Comparison

VSMSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.20%, less than SPSM's 1.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPSM SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF	1.43%	1.62%	1.85%	1.61%	1.38%	1.40%	1.34%	1.58%	1.82%	1.51%	1.49%	2.37%
VSMSX Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.20%	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 VSMSX and SPSM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, VSMSX and SPSM 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, VSMSX or SPSM?

VSMSX has higher volatility (4.48%) compared to SPSM (4.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSMSX dropped -44.42% vs SPSM's -42.89%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSMSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.00 vs 1.82), 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.