FGSKX vs. VOT

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FGSKX (Federated Hermes MDT Mid Cap Growth Fund Class R6) and VOT (Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF) are both Mid Cap Growth Equities funds. FGSKX is actively managed, while VOT is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FGSKX returned 15.33%/yr vs 12.73%/yr for VOT. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FGSKX charges 0.84%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VOT.

Performance

FGSKX vs. VOT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Federated Hermes MDT Mid Cap Growth Fund Class R6 (FGSKX) and Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FGSKX achieves a -0.18% return, which is significantly lower than VOT's 10.04% return. Over the past 10 years, FGSKX has outperformed VOT with an annualized return of 15.33%, while VOT has yielded a comparatively lower 12.73% annualized return.

FGSKX

• 1D: 0.91%
• 1M: 0.38%
• YTD: -0.18%
• 6M: -1.07%
• 1Y: 3.66%
• 3Y*: 18.08%
• 5Y*: 10.04%
• 10Y*: 15.33%

VOT

• 1D: 0.13%
• 1M: 5.28%
• YTD: 10.04%
• 6M: 7.76%
• 1Y: 13.33%
• 3Y*: 16.47%
• 5Y*: 6.31%
• 10Y*: 12.73%

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

FGSKX vs. VOT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FGSKX Federated Hermes MDT Mid Cap Growth Fund Class R6	-0.18%	10.90%	33.36%	27.45%	-24.38%	22.74%	35.92%	28.35%	-3.00%	24.68%
VOT Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF	10.04%	10.72%	16.38%	23.10%	-28.87%	20.50%	34.50%	33.76%	-5.56%	21.80%

Correlation

The correlation between FGSKX and VOT is 0.30, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.31
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.61
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 12, 2006	0.92

Over the past year, the correlation between FGSKX and VOT has dropped to 0.30 - well below their long-term average of 0.92, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

FGSKX vs. VOT — Risk / Return Rank

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

FGSKX

FGSKX Risk / Return Rank: 4
FGSKX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
FGSKX Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
FGSKX Omega Ratio Rank: 4
FGSKX Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
FGSKX Martin Ratio Rank: 4

VOT

VOT Risk / Return Rank: 21
VOT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
VOT Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
VOT Omega Ratio Rank: 21
VOT Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
VOT Martin Ratio Rank: 21

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.

FGSKX vs. VOT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Federated Hermes MDT Mid Cap Growth Fund Class R6 (FGSKX) and Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT). 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.

	FGSKX	VOT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.19	0.80	-0.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.40	1.20	-0.80
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.05	1.14	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.23	0.84	-0.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.62	2.50	-1.87

FGSKX vs. VOT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FGSKX Sharpe Ratio is 0.19, which is lower than the VOT Sharpe Ratio of 0.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FGSKX and VOT, 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

FGSKX vs. VOT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FGSKX drawdown since its inception was -55.05%, smaller than the maximum VOT drawdown of -60.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FGSKX and VOT.

Drawdown Indicators

	FGSKX	VOT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.05%	-60.16%	+5.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.01%	-15.96%	+1.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.47%	-21.77%	-2.70%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.68%	-37.19%	+1.51%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.16%	-37.19%	+0.03%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.18%	0.00%	-5.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.84%	-9.94%	-0.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.23%	5.35%	-0.12%

Volatility

FGSKX vs. VOT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Federated Hermes MDT Mid Cap Growth Fund Class R6 (FGSKX) is 5.52%, while Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) has a volatility of 6.71%. This indicates that FGSKX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VOT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FGSKX	VOT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.52%	6.71%	-1.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.24%	13.56%	-0.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.55%	16.83%	+0.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.50%	21.51%	+0.99%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.41%	21.07%	+1.34%

FGSKX vs. VOT - Expense Ratio Comparison

FGSKX has a 0.84% expense ratio, which is higher than VOT's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

FGSKX vs. VOT - Dividend Comparison

FGSKX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.38%, more than VOT's 0.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FGSKX Federated Hermes MDT Mid Cap Growth Fund Class R6	5.38%	5.37%	4.70%	0.00%	2.52%	28.15%	7.60%	8.72%	15.47%	14.82%	0.89%	26.74%
VOT Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF	0.60%	0.64%	0.67%	0.71%	0.78%	0.34%	0.56%	0.78%	0.84%	0.72%	0.81%	0.81%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FGSKX and VOT in my portfolio?

FGSKX and VOT have a correlation of 0.30, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FGSKX or VOT?

VOT has higher volatility (6.71%) compared to FGSKX (5.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FGSKX dropped -55.05% vs VOT's -60.16%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VOT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.80 vs 0.19), 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.