VSTCX vs. SWSSX
Compare and contrast key facts about Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund (VSTCX) and Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares (SWSSX).
VSTCX is managed by Vanguard. It was launched on Apr 24, 2006. SWSSX is a passively managed fund by Charles Schwab that tracks the performance of the Russell 2000 Index. It was launched on May 19, 1997.
Performance
VSTCX vs. SWSSX - Performance Comparison
Loading graphics...
VSTCX vs. SWSSX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VSTCX Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund | 2.10% | 15.20% | 15.40% | 21.34% | -13.00% | 33.53% | 8.38% | 22.18% | -11.87% | 9.21% |
SWSSX Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares | 0.90% | 12.88% | 11.57% | 17.07% | -20.43% | 14.77% | 20.12% | 25.63% | -11.19% | 14.76% |
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VSTCX achieves a 2.10% return, which is significantly higher than SWSSX's 0.90% return. Over the past 10 years, VSTCX has outperformed SWSSX with an annualized return of 11.28%, while SWSSX has yielded a comparatively lower 9.87% annualized return.
VSTCX
- 1D
- 2.95%
- 1M
- -4.46%
- YTD
- 2.10%
- 6M
- 5.91%
- 1Y
- 29.30%
- 3Y*
- 16.82%
- 5Y*
- 9.70%
- 10Y*
- 11.28%
SWSSX
- 1D
- 3.48%
- 1M
- -5.84%
- YTD
- 0.90%
- 6M
- 2.87%
- 1Y
- 25.74%
- 3Y*
- 13.11%
- 5Y*
- 3.50%
- 10Y*
- 9.87%
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
VSTCX vs. SWSSX - Expense Ratio Comparison
VSTCX has a 0.26% expense ratio, which is higher than SWSSX's 0.04% 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%.
Return for Risk
VSTCX vs. SWSSX — Risk / Return Rank
VSTCX
SWSSX
VSTCX vs. SWSSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund (VSTCX) and Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares (SWSSX). 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 | SWSSX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 1.32 | 1.11 | +0.21 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 1.91 | 1.66 | +0.25 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.26 | 1.21 | +0.05 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.03 | 1.81 | +0.22 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 8.90 | 6.78 | +2.12 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading graphics...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| VSTCX | SWSSX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.32 | 1.11 | +0.21 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.44 | 0.16 | +0.29 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.48 | 0.41 | +0.07 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.35 | 0.34 | +0.02 |
Correlation
The correlation between VSTCX and SWSSX is 0.98, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.
Dividends
VSTCX vs. SWSSX - Dividend Comparison
VSTCX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.39%, more than SWSSX's 1.28% yield.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VSTCX Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund | 7.39% | 7.55% | 9.66% | 2.50% | 7.44% | 19.92% | 1.24% | 4.14% | 11.74% | 5.76% | 1.35% | 2.33% |
SWSSX Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares | 1.28% | 1.29% | 1.66% | 1.49% | 1.32% | 8.88% | 2.55% | 6.12% | 10.45% | 5.22% | 4.10% | 6.92% |
Drawdowns
VSTCX vs. SWSSX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VSTCX drawdown since its inception was -62.50%, roughly equal to the maximum SWSSX drawdown of -60.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSTCX and SWSSX.
Loading graphics...
Drawdown Indicators
| VSTCX | SWSSX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -62.50% | -60.34% | -2.16% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -14.47% | -13.90% | -0.57% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -27.47% | -31.93% | +4.46% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -48.08% | -41.81% | -6.27% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -5.24% | -7.91% | +2.67% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -10.73% | -10.78% | +0.05% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.30% | 3.71% | -0.41% |
Volatility
VSTCX vs. SWSSX - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund (VSTCX) is 6.79%, while Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares (SWSSX) has a volatility of 7.53%. This indicates that VSTCX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SWSSX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading graphics...
Volatility by Period
| VSTCX | SWSSX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 6.79% | 7.53% | -0.74% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 13.30% | 14.53% | -1.23% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 22.69% | 23.31% | -0.62% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 22.05% | 22.62% | -0.57% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 23.46% | 24.05% | -0.59% |