VSPMX vs. VSMSX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VSPMX (Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Index Fund Institutional Shares) and VSMSX (Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both mutual funds - VSPMX is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while VSMSX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VSPMX returned 11.38%/yr vs 11.11%/yr for VSMSX. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.08% expense ratio.

Performance

VSPMX vs. VSMSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSPMX) and Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSMSX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSPMX achieves a 15.40% return, which is significantly lower than VSMSX's 19.72% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VSPMX having a 11.38% annualized return and VSMSX not far behind at 11.11%.

VSPMX

• 1D: 1.14%
• 1M: 3.34%
• YTD: 15.40%
• 6M: 12.94%
• 1Y: 27.05%
• 3Y*: 15.24%
• 5Y*: 9.27%
• 10Y*: 11.38%

VSMSX

• 1D: 1.82%
• 1M: 4.54%
• YTD: 19.72%
• 6M: 16.70%
• 1Y: 36.80%
• 3Y*: 15.10%
• 5Y*: 7.29%
• 10Y*: 11.11%

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

VSPMX vs. VSMSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VSPMX Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Index Fund Institutional Shares	15.40%	7.11%	12.83%	17.42%	-13.12%	24.66%	13.53%	26.12%	-11.14%	16.18%
VSMSX Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Index Fund Institutional Shares	19.72%	6.04%	7.20%	17.57%	-16.19%	26.72%	11.46%	22.73%	-8.51%	13.39%

Correlation

The correlation between VSPMX and VSMSX is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2012	0.95

The correlation between VSPMX and VSMSX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VSPMX vs. VSMSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSPMX

VSPMX Risk / Return Rank: 50
VSPMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
VSPMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
VSPMX Omega Ratio Rank: 38
VSPMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
VSPMX Martin Ratio Rank: 60

VSMSX

VSMSX Risk / Return Rank: 68
VSMSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
VSMSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
VSMSX Omega Ratio Rank: 50
VSMSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
VSMSX Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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.

VSPMX vs. VSMSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSPMX) and Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSMSX). 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.

	VSPMX	VSMSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.73	2.07	-0.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.51	2.98	-0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.35	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.09	4.23	-1.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.27	14.27	-3.00

VSPMX vs. VSMSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSPMX Sharpe Ratio is 1.73, which is comparable to the VSMSX Sharpe Ratio of 2.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSPMX and VSMSX, 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

VSPMX vs. VSMSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSPMX drawdown since its inception was -42.04%, smaller than the maximum VSMSX drawdown of -44.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSPMX and VSMSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSPMX	VSMSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.04%	-44.42%	+2.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.82%	-8.69%	-0.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.27%	-27.93%	+3.66%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.27%	-27.93%	+3.66%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.04%	-44.42%	+2.38%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.42%	-0.05%	-0.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.08%	-7.39%	+2.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.41%	2.57%	-0.16%

Volatility

VSPMX vs. VSMSX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSPMX) is 4.86%, while Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSMSX) has a volatility of 5.18%. This indicates that VSPMX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VSMSX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VSPMX	VSMSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.86%	5.18%	-0.32%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.68%	12.11%	-0.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.75%	17.76%	-2.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.69%	21.48%	-1.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.04%	23.23%	-2.19%

VSPMX vs. VSMSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VSPMX and VSMSX have an expense ratio of 0.08%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VSPMX vs. VSMSX - Dividend Comparison

VSPMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.21%, more than VSMSX's 1.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VSMSX Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.17%	1.39%	1.49%	1.47%	1.52%	1.17%	1.10%	1.38%	1.39%	1.11%	1.00%	1.33%
VSPMX Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.21%	1.07%	1.32%	1.26%	1.59%	1.15%	1.24%	1.49%	1.64%	1.27%	1.54%	1.52%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSPMX and VSMSX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, VSPMX and VSMSX 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, VSPMX or VSMSX?

VSMSX has higher volatility (5.18%) compared to VSPMX (4.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSPMX dropped -42.04% vs VSMSX's -44.42%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSMSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.07 vs 1.73), 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.