VWILX vs. VSMAX

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

VWILX (Vanguard International Growth Fund Admiral Shares) and VSMAX (Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - VWILX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Vanguard, while VSMAX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Index. VWILX is actively managed, while VSMAX is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VWILX returned 10.08%/yr vs 11.48%/yr for VSMAX. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VWILX charges 0.32%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VSMAX.

Performance

VWILX vs. VSMAX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VWILX achieves a 3.58% return, which is significantly lower than VSMAX's 14.59% return. Over the past 10 years, VWILX has underperformed VSMAX with an annualized return of 10.08%, while VSMAX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.48% annualized return.

VWILX

• 1D: 3.31%
• 1M: 2.77%
• YTD: 3.58%
• 6M: 4.33%
• 1Y: 10.57%
• 3Y*: 11.32%
• 5Y*: -2.16%
• 10Y*: 10.08%

VSMAX

• 1D: 2.58%
• 1M: 4.51%
• YTD: 14.59%
• 6M: 12.93%
• 1Y: 30.00%
• 3Y*: 16.37%
• 5Y*: 6.83%
• 10Y*: 11.48%

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

VWILX vs. VSMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VWILX Vanguard International Growth Fund Admiral Shares	3.58%	20.08%	9.18%	14.80%	-30.80%	-12.81%	59.77%	31.50%	-12.58%	43.17%
VSMAX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares	14.59%	8.83%	14.23%	18.17%	-17.61%	17.74%	19.06%	27.36%	-9.33%	16.24%

Correlation

The correlation between VWILX and VSMAX is 0.74, 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	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.73
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 13, 2001	0.72

The correlation between VWILX and VSMAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.72 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

VWILX vs. VSMAX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VWILX	VSMAX
Technology	27.5%	17.2%
Consumer Cyclical	17.5%	11.3%
Industrials	13.3%	20.8%
Financial Services	12.2%	12.6%
Healthcare	10.6%	11.1%
Communication Services	6.2%	3.1%
Consumer Defensive	5.4%	3.4%
Basic Materials	2.6%	4.8%
Energy	1.9%	4.7%
Utilities	0.5%	3.3%
Real Estate	-	7.6%

Return for Risk

VWILX vs. VSMAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VWILX

VWILX Risk / Return Rank: 9
VWILX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
VWILX Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
VWILX Omega Ratio Rank: 9
VWILX Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
VWILX Martin Ratio Rank: 10

VSMAX

VSMAX Risk / Return Rank: 62
VSMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
VSMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
VSMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 46
VSMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
VSMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

VWILX vs. VSMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	VWILX	VSMAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.47	1.67	-1.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.77	2.39	-1.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	1.29	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.62	3.11	-2.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.99	11.42	-9.43

VWILX vs. VSMAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VWILX Sharpe Ratio is 0.47, which is lower than the VSMAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VWILX and VSMAX, 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

VWILX vs. VSMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VWILX drawdown since its inception was -59.49%, roughly equal to the maximum VSMAX drawdown of -59.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VWILX and VSMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VWILX	VSMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.49%	-59.68%	+0.19%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.06%	-8.97%	-5.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.02%	-25.25%	+5.23%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-53.56%	-28.14%	-25.42%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-54.08%	-41.82%	-12.26%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-16.80%	-0.32%	-16.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.09%	-9.68%	-5.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.40%	2.44%	+1.96%

Volatility

VWILX vs. VSMAX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard International Growth Fund Admiral Shares (VWILX) has a higher volatility of 6.91% compared to Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSMAX) at 5.47%. This indicates that VWILX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VSMAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VWILX	VSMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.91%	5.47%	+1.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.54%	12.32%	+3.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.82%	16.69%	+2.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.55%	20.77%	+2.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.75%	21.59%	+0.16%

VWILX vs. VSMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VWILX has a 0.32% expense ratio, which is higher than VSMAX's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

VWILX vs. VSMAX - Dividend Comparison

VWILX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.65%, more than VSMAX's 1.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VSMAX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.19%	1.33%	1.30%	1.56%	1.54%	1.24%	1.14%	1.39%	1.67%	1.35%	1.49%	1.48%
VWILX Vanguard International Growth Fund Admiral Shares	6.65%	6.89%	9.81%	1.92%	7.03%	0.36%	2.38%	1.30%	5.52%	0.84%	1.42%	1.53%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VWILX and VSMAX in my portfolio?

VWILX and VSMAX have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VWILX or VSMAX?

VWILX has higher volatility (6.91%) compared to VSMAX (5.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VWILX dropped -59.49% vs VSMAX's -59.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSMAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.67 vs 0.47), 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.