EPLCX vs. VIVIX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

EPLCX (MainStay Epoch U.S. Equity Yield Fund) and VIVIX (Vanguard Value Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, EPLCX returned 11.20%/yr vs 12.94%/yr for VIVIX. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EPLCX charges 0.73%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VIVIX.

Performance

EPLCX vs. VIVIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MainStay Epoch U.S. Equity Yield Fund (EPLCX) and Vanguard Value Index Fund Institutional Shares (VIVIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with EPLCX having a 14.32% return and VIVIX slightly higher at 14.43%. Over the past 10 years, EPLCX has underperformed VIVIX with an annualized return of 11.20%, while VIVIX has yielded a comparatively higher 12.94% annualized return.

EPLCX

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: 2.55%
• YTD: 14.32%
• 6M: 13.07%
• 1Y: 23.77%
• 3Y*: 18.95%
• 5Y*: 12.21%
• 10Y*: 11.20%

VIVIX

• 1D: -0.59%
• 1M: 3.09%
• YTD: 14.43%
• 6M: 13.32%
• 1Y: 26.23%
• 3Y*: 18.64%
• 5Y*: 12.22%
• 10Y*: 12.94%

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

EPLCX vs. VIVIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EPLCX MainStay Epoch U.S. Equity Yield Fund	14.32%	14.03%	18.42%	8.83%	-2.56%	22.98%	0.24%	23.98%	-5.37%	16.91%
VIVIX Vanguard Value Index Fund Institutional Shares	14.43%	15.30%	15.99%	9.23%	-2.05%	26.50%	2.30%	25.83%	-5.44%	17.14%

Correlation

The correlation between EPLCX and VIVIX 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 (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 12, 2008	0.94

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

Return for Risk

EPLCX vs. VIVIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

EPLCX

EPLCX Risk / Return Rank: 85
EPLCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
EPLCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
EPLCX Omega Ratio Rank: 78
EPLCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
EPLCX Martin Ratio Rank: 88

VIVIX

VIVIX Risk / Return Rank: 86
VIVIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
VIVIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
VIVIX Omega Ratio Rank: 79
VIVIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
VIVIX Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

EPLCX vs. VIVIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MainStay Epoch U.S. Equity Yield Fund (EPLCX) and Vanguard Value Index Fund Institutional Shares (VIVIX). 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.

	EPLCX	VIVIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.50	2.63	-0.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.61	3.75	-0.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.47	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.92	4.29	-0.36
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.40	16.12	-0.72

EPLCX vs. VIVIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EPLCX Sharpe Ratio is 2.50, which is comparable to the VIVIX Sharpe Ratio of 2.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EPLCX and VIVIX, 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

EPLCX vs. VIVIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EPLCX drawdown since its inception was -35.85%, smaller than the maximum VIVIX drawdown of -59.30%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EPLCX and VIVIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	EPLCX	VIVIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.85%	-59.30%	+23.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.37%	-6.36%	-0.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.25%	-14.40%	+0.15%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.12%	-17.12%	+1.00%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.85%	-36.80%	+0.95%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.66%	-0.59%	-0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.53%	-9.24%	+5.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.62%	1.69%	-0.07%

Volatility

EPLCX vs. VIVIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MainStay Epoch U.S. Equity Yield Fund (EPLCX) is 3.17%, while Vanguard Value Index Fund Institutional Shares (VIVIX) has a volatility of 3.45%. This indicates that EPLCX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VIVIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EPLCX	VIVIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.17%	3.45%	-0.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.54%	7.90%	-0.36%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.02%	10.38%	-0.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.48%	13.92%	-0.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.67%	16.72%	-1.05%

EPLCX vs. VIVIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

EPLCX has a 0.73% expense ratio, which is higher than VIVIX's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

EPLCX vs. VIVIX - Dividend Comparison

EPLCX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.43%, more than VIVIX's 1.83% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EPLCX MainStay Epoch U.S. Equity Yield Fund	6.43%	7.30%	10.72%	5.56%	3.83%	1.90%	2.36%	4.00%	5.75%	5.55%	1.98%	6.59%
VIVIX Vanguard Value Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.83%	2.04%	2.31%	2.46%	2.52%	2.15%	2.55%	2.50%	2.73%	2.30%	2.46%	2.61%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EPLCX and VIVIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, EPLCX and VIVIX 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, EPLCX or VIVIX?

VIVIX has higher volatility (3.45%) compared to EPLCX (3.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EPLCX dropped -35.85% vs VIVIX's -59.30%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VIVIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.63 vs 2.50), 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.