BARIX vs. VMFGX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

BARIX (Baron Asset Fund Institutional Class) and VMFGX (Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Mid Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, BARIX returned 12.04%/yr vs 12.18%/yr for VMFGX. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BARIX charges 1.03%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VMFGX.

Performance

BARIX vs. VMFGX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BARIX achieves a 4.14% return, which is significantly lower than VMFGX's 20.49% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with BARIX having a 12.04% annualized return and VMFGX not far ahead at 12.18%.

BARIX

• 1D: -6.28%
• 1M: 10.34%
• YTD: 4.14%
• 6M: 3.09%
• 1Y: 8.85%
• 3Y*: 11.44%
• 5Y*: 2.73%
• 10Y*: 12.04%

VMFGX

• 1D: 0.63%
• 1M: 4.19%
• YTD: 20.49%
• 6M: 17.90%
• 1Y: 31.74%
• 3Y*: 18.43%
• 5Y*: 8.89%
• 10Y*: 12.18%

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

BARIX vs. VMFGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BARIX Baron Asset Fund Institutional Class	4.14%	8.17%	10.64%	17.36%	-25.87%	14.17%	33.32%	37.98%	0.13%	26.55%
VMFGX Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	20.49%	7.43%	15.86%	17.42%	-18.99%	18.83%	22.61%	26.20%	-10.39%	19.87%

Correlation

The correlation between BARIX and VMFGX is 0.66, 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	0.66
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.77
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2012	0.87

Over the past year, the correlation between BARIX and VMFGX has dropped to 0.66 - well below their long-term average of 0.87, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

BARIX vs. VMFGX — Risk / Return Rank

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

BARIX

BARIX Risk / Return Rank: 8
BARIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
BARIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
BARIX Omega Ratio Rank: 8
BARIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
BARIX Martin Ratio Rank: 7

VMFGX

VMFGX Risk / Return Rank: 58
VMFGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
VMFGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VMFGX Omega Ratio Rank: 44
VMFGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
VMFGX Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

BARIX vs. VMFGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Baron Asset Fund Institutional Class (BARIX) and Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VMFGX). 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.

	BARIX	VMFGX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.50	1.89	-1.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.99	2.68	-1.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	1.33	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.92	3.32	-2.40
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.89	13.13	-11.24

BARIX vs. VMFGX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BARIX Sharpe Ratio is 0.50, which is lower than the VMFGX Sharpe Ratio of 1.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BARIX and VMFGX, 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

BARIX vs. VMFGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BARIX drawdown since its inception was -37.44%, roughly equal to the maximum VMFGX drawdown of -39.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BARIX and VMFGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BARIX	VMFGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.44%	-39.15%	+1.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.68%	-9.91%	-0.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.78%	-25.45%	+7.67%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.44%	-29.25%	-8.19%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.44%	-39.15%	+1.71%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.91%	0.00%	-9.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.73%	-5.69%	-1.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.20%	2.50%	+2.70%

Volatility

BARIX vs. VMFGX - Volatility Comparison

Baron Asset Fund Institutional Class (BARIX) has a higher volatility of 13.52% compared to Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VMFGX) at 5.57%. This indicates that BARIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VMFGX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BARIX	VMFGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.52%	5.57%	+7.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.74%	13.68%	+2.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.84%	17.42%	+2.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.42%	20.69%	-0.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.27%	21.10%	-0.83%

BARIX vs. VMFGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BARIX has a 1.03% expense ratio, which is higher than VMFGX's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

BARIX vs. VMFGX - Dividend Comparison

BARIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.16%, more than VMFGX's 0.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BARIX Baron Asset Fund Institutional Class	10.16%	10.59%	17.88%	3.28%	0.01%	7.26%	2.92%	1.70%	7.14%	7.01%	4.74%	11.23%
VMFGX Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	0.58%	0.70%	0.84%	1.21%	1.12%	0.53%	0.79%	1.22%	1.18%	0.93%	1.14%	1.14%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BARIX and VMFGX in my portfolio?

BARIX and VMFGX have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BARIX or VMFGX?

BARIX has higher volatility (13.52%) compared to VMFGX (5.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BARIX dropped -37.44% vs VMFGX's -39.15%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VMFGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.89 vs 0.50), 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.