VSTCX vs. HFCGX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VSTCX (Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund) and HFCGX (Hennessy Cornerstone Growth Fund) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, VSTCX returned 12.71%/yr vs 12.92%/yr for HFCGX. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VSTCX charges 0.26%/yr vs 1.34%/yr for HFCGX.

Performance

VSTCX vs. HFCGX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSTCX achieves a 18.22% return, which is significantly higher than HFCGX's 16.55% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VSTCX having a 12.71% annualized return and HFCGX not far ahead at 12.92%.

VSTCX

• 1D: 0.58%
• 1M: 3.68%
• YTD: 18.22%
• 6M: 18.42%
• 1Y: 41.82%
• 3Y*: 22.14%
• 5Y*: 11.88%
• 10Y*: 12.71%

HFCGX

• 1D: 1.49%
• 1M: 6.46%
• YTD: 16.55%
• 6M: 17.79%
• 1Y: 23.40%
• 3Y*: 25.18%
• 5Y*: 13.34%
• 10Y*: 12.92%

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

VSTCX vs. HFCGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VSTCX Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund	18.22%	15.20%	15.40%	21.34%	-13.00%	33.53%	8.38%	22.18%	-11.87%	9.21%
HFCGX Hennessy Cornerstone Growth Fund	16.55%	4.78%	31.45%	19.58%	-4.97%	29.94%	17.73%	20.70%	-21.39%	16.60%

Correlation

The correlation between VSTCX and HFCGX is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.85
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 21, 2006	0.90

The correlation between VSTCX and HFCGX shifts across timeframes, from 0.76 (1 year) to 0.90 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VSTCX vs. HFCGX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSTCX

VSTCX Risk / Return Rank: 78
VSTCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
VSTCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
VSTCX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
VSTCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
VSTCX Martin Ratio Rank: 92

HFCGX

HFCGX Risk / Return Rank: 43
HFCGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
HFCGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
HFCGX Omega Ratio Rank: 34
HFCGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
HFCGX Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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.

VSTCX vs. HFCGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund (VSTCX) and Hennessy Cornerstone Growth Fund (HFCGX). 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.

	VSTCX	HFCGX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.50	1.78	+0.72
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.47	2.60	+0.86
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.31	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.44	2.95	+2.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.17	9.70	+9.47
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VSTCX vs. HFCGX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSTCX Sharpe Ratio is 2.50, which is higher than the HFCGX Sharpe Ratio of 1.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSTCX and HFCGX, 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

	VSTCX	HFCGX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.50	1.78	+0.72
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.54	0.56	-0.01
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.54	0.50	+0.04
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.38	0.39	-0.01

Drawdowns

VSTCX vs. HFCGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSTCX drawdown since its inception was -62.50%, roughly equal to the maximum HFCGX drawdown of -62.35%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSTCX and HFCGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSTCX	HFCGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.50%	-62.35%	-0.15%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.08%	-7.82%	-0.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.47%	-22.86%	-4.61%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.47%	-26.30%	-1.17%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-48.08%	-54.22%	+6.14%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.65%	-15.23%	+4.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.29%	2.37%	-0.08%

Volatility

VSTCX vs. HFCGX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund (VSTCX) and Hennessy Cornerstone Growth Fund (HFCGX) have volatilities of 4.49% and 4.56%, 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

	VSTCX	HFCGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.49%	4.56%	-0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.97%	9.49%	+2.48%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.57%	12.96%	+4.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.99%	24.08%	-2.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.47%	25.82%	-2.35%

VSTCX vs. HFCGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSTCX has a 0.26% expense ratio, which is lower than HFCGX's 1.34% expense ratio.

Dividends

VSTCX vs. HFCGX - Dividend Comparison

VSTCX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.38%, while HFCGX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HFCGX Hennessy Cornerstone Growth Fund	0.00%	0.00%	14.11%	0.38%	3.58%	26.58%	0.00%	0.00%	10.47%	0.00%	0.00%	0.11%
VSTCX Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund	6.38%	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 VSTCX and HFCGX in my portfolio?

VSTCX and HFCGX have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VSTCX or HFCGX?

HFCGX has higher volatility (4.56%) compared to VSTCX (4.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSTCX dropped -62.50% vs HFCGX's -62.35%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSTCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.50 vs 1.78), 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.