AASCX vs. VO

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

AASCX (Thrivent Mid Cap Stock Fund) and VO (Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, AASCX returned 10.86%/yr vs 12.03%/yr for VO. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. AASCX charges 0.98%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VO.

Performance

AASCX vs. VO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Thrivent Mid Cap Stock Fund (AASCX) and Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AASCX achieves a 16.10% return, which is significantly higher than VO's 11.30% return. Over the past 10 years, AASCX has underperformed VO with an annualized return of 10.86%, while VO has yielded a comparatively higher 12.03% annualized return.

AASCX

• 1D: 0.60%
• 1M: 3.52%
• YTD: 16.10%
• 6M: 13.85%
• 1Y: 23.39%
• 3Y*: 13.97%
• 5Y*: 7.86%
• 10Y*: 10.86%

VO

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: 3.04%
• YTD: 11.30%
• 6M: 9.77%
• 1Y: 19.89%
• 3Y*: 16.59%
• 5Y*: 8.06%
• 10Y*: 12.03%

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

AASCX vs. VO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AASCX Thrivent Mid Cap Stock Fund	16.10%	4.43%	14.60%	13.65%	-17.85%	27.70%	21.68%	24.51%	-10.73%	8.73%
VO Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF	11.30%	11.62%	15.31%	16.03%	-18.73%	24.70%	18.10%	30.98%	-9.24%	19.28%

Correlation

The correlation between AASCX and VO is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.95

The correlation between AASCX and VO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AASCX vs. VO — Risk / Return Rank

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

AASCX

AASCX Risk / Return Rank: 41
AASCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
AASCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
AASCX Omega Ratio Rank: 34
AASCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
AASCX Martin Ratio Rank: 49

VO

VO Risk / Return Rank: 48
VO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
VO Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
VO Omega Ratio Rank: 43
VO Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
VO Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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.

AASCX vs. VO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Thrivent Mid Cap Stock Fund (AASCX) and Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO). 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.

	AASCX	VO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.61	1.56	+0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.32	2.23	+0.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.27	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.64	2.45	+0.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.48	9.23	+0.25

AASCX vs. VO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AASCX Sharpe Ratio is 1.61, which is comparable to the VO Sharpe Ratio of 1.56. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AASCX and VO, 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

AASCX vs. VO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AASCX drawdown since its inception was -56.55%, roughly equal to the maximum VO drawdown of -58.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AASCX and VO.

Drawdown Indicators

	AASCX	VO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.55%	-58.87%	+2.32%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.01%	-8.17%	-0.84%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.23%	-19.02%	-1.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.80%	-27.57%	-5.23%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.67%	-39.37%	-1.30%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.26%	-0.45%	-0.81%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.67%	-7.85%	-2.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.50%	2.16%	+0.34%

Volatility

AASCX vs. VO - Volatility Comparison

Thrivent Mid Cap Stock Fund (AASCX) has a higher volatility of 4.80% compared to Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) at 4.35%. This indicates that AASCX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AASCX	VO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.80%	4.35%	+0.45%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.48%	9.80%	+1.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.77%	12.80%	+1.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.88%	17.66%	+3.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.89%	18.98%	+1.91%

AASCX vs. VO - Expense Ratio Comparison

AASCX has a 0.98% expense ratio, which is higher than VO's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

AASCX vs. VO - Dividend Comparison

AASCX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 12.90%, more than VO's 1.35% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AASCX Thrivent Mid Cap Stock Fund	12.90%	14.98%	9.22%	1.54%	3.15%	12.54%	3.54%	2.92%	12.94%	0.09%	0.10%	0.00%
VO Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF	1.35%	1.52%	1.49%	1.52%	1.60%	1.12%	1.45%	1.48%	1.82%	1.35%	1.45%	1.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AASCX and VO in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, AASCX and VO 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, AASCX or VO?

AASCX has higher volatility (4.80%) compared to VO (4.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AASCX dropped -56.55% vs VO's -58.87%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AASCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.61 vs 1.56), 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.