BMSLX vs. VSEQX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

BMSLX (MFS Blended Research Mid Cap Equity Fund) and VSEQX (Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 5 years, BMSLX returned 11.46%/yr vs 12.89%/yr for VSEQX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. BMSLX charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.17%/yr for VSEQX.

Performance

BMSLX vs. VSEQX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Blended Research Mid Cap Equity Fund (BMSLX) and Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund (VSEQX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BMSLX achieves a 15.73% return, which is significantly lower than VSEQX's 17.04% return.

BMSLX

• 1D: 1.00%
• 1M: 4.96%
• YTD: 15.73%
• 6M: 13.89%
• 1Y: 23.60%
• 3Y*: 18.19%
• 5Y*: 11.46%
• 10Y*: —

VSEQX

• 1D: 1.01%
• 1M: 2.91%
• YTD: 17.04%
• 6M: 14.56%
• 1Y: 36.52%
• 3Y*: 20.35%
• 5Y*: 12.89%
• 10Y*: 13.34%

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

BMSLX vs. VSEQX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BMSLX MFS Blended Research Mid Cap Equity Fund	15.73%	8.08%	19.25%	19.81%	-13.70%	26.54%	10.44%	30.21%	-11.11%	18.04%
VSEQX Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund	17.04%	15.32%	16.67%	19.31%	-11.90%	30.83%	10.26%	26.76%	-11.86%	12.36%

Correlation

The correlation between BMSLX and VSEQX is 0.94, 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	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 23, 2016	0.97

The correlation between BMSLX and VSEQX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BMSLX vs. VSEQX — Risk / Return Rank

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

BMSLX

BMSLX Risk / Return Rank: 41
BMSLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
BMSLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
BMSLX Omega Ratio Rank: 35
BMSLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
BMSLX Martin Ratio Rank: 44

VSEQX

VSEQX Risk / Return Rank: 82
VSEQX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
VSEQX Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
VSEQX Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VSEQX Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
VSEQX Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

BMSLX vs. VSEQX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Blended Research Mid Cap Equity Fund (BMSLX) and Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund (VSEQX). 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.

	BMSLX	VSEQX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.63	2.41	-0.77
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.41	3.32	-0.90
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.41	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.60	4.84	-2.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.85	18.59	-9.74

BMSLX vs. VSEQX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BMSLX Sharpe Ratio is 1.63, which is lower than the VSEQX Sharpe Ratio of 2.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BMSLX and VSEQX, 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

BMSLX vs. VSEQX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BMSLX drawdown since its inception was -41.06%, smaller than the maximum VSEQX drawdown of -63.55%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BMSLX and VSEQX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BMSLX	VSEQX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.06%	-63.55%	+22.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.17%	-7.60%	-1.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.28%	-24.73%	+2.45%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.28%	-24.73%	+2.45%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-44.08%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.46%	-0.59%	+0.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.03%	-9.05%	+4.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.68%	1.98%	+0.70%

Volatility

BMSLX vs. VSEQX - Volatility Comparison

MFS Blended Research Mid Cap Equity Fund (BMSLX) and Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund (VSEQX) have volatilities of 4.42% and 4.63%, 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

	BMSLX	VSEQX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.42%	4.63%	-0.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.10%	11.10%	0.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.57%	15.31%	-0.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.49%	19.98%	-1.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.72%	21.44%	-1.72%

BMSLX vs. VSEQX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BMSLX has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than VSEQX's 0.17% expense ratio.

Dividends

BMSLX vs. VSEQX - Dividend Comparison

BMSLX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.66%, less than VSEQX's 9.53% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BMSLX MFS Blended Research Mid Cap Equity Fund	2.66%	3.08%	10.98%	2.32%	5.15%	23.06%	0.94%	4.90%	8.27%	2.63%	0.47%	0.00%
VSEQX Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund	9.53%	11.16%	11.36%	6.11%	11.77%	21.36%	1.77%	2.92%	10.34%	7.05%	3.13%	12.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BMSLX and VSEQX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, BMSLX and VSEQX 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, BMSLX or VSEQX?

VSEQX has higher volatility (4.63%) compared to BMSLX (4.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BMSLX dropped -41.06% vs VSEQX's -63.55%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSEQX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.41 vs 1.63), 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.