MARFX vs. VMVAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MARFX (BlackRock Mid-Cap Value Fund) and VMVAX (Vanguard Mid-Cap Value Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both Mid Cap Value Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, MARFX returned 11.55%/yr vs 10.94%/yr for VMVAX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. MARFX charges 0.74%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VMVAX.

Performance

MARFX vs. VMVAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in BlackRock Mid-Cap Value Fund (MARFX) and Vanguard Mid-Cap Value Index Fund Admiral Shares (VMVAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MARFX achieves a 12.66% return, which is significantly higher than VMVAX's 11.66% return. Over the past 10 years, MARFX has outperformed VMVAX with an annualized return of 11.55%, while VMVAX has yielded a comparatively lower 10.94% annualized return.

MARFX

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 4.38%
• YTD: 12.66%
• 6M: 11.98%
• 1Y: 23.98%
• 3Y*: 14.09%
• 5Y*: 9.14%
• 10Y*: 11.55%

VMVAX

• 1D: 0.54%
• 1M: 1.29%
• YTD: 11.66%
• 6M: 10.81%
• 1Y: 22.92%
• 3Y*: 16.19%
• 5Y*: 9.41%
• 10Y*: 10.94%

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

MARFX vs. VMVAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MARFX BlackRock Mid-Cap Value Fund	12.66%	13.68%	6.71%	12.58%	-4.06%	26.43%	7.21%	29.57%	-9.55%	8.79%
VMVAX Vanguard Mid-Cap Value Index Fund Admiral Shares	11.66%	12.06%	13.63%	10.12%	-7.89%	28.77%	2.45%	28.03%	-12.44%	17.04%

Correlation

The correlation between MARFX and VMVAX is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 27, 2011	0.96

The correlation between MARFX and VMVAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MARFX vs. VMVAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MARFX

MARFX Risk / Return Rank: 49
MARFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
MARFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
MARFX Omega Ratio Rank: 43
MARFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
MARFX Martin Ratio Rank: 51

VMVAX

VMVAX Risk / Return Rank: 65
VMVAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
VMVAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
VMVAX Omega Ratio Rank: 52
VMVAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
VMVAX Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

MARFX vs. VMVAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for BlackRock Mid-Cap Value Fund (MARFX) and Vanguard Mid-Cap Value Index Fund Admiral Shares (VMVAX). 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.

	MARFX	VMVAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.90	2.07	-0.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.72	2.98	-0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.36	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.64	3.47	-0.83
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.95	13.19	-3.24

MARFX vs. VMVAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MARFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.90, which is comparable to the VMVAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MARFX and VMVAX, 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

MARFX vs. VMVAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MARFX drawdown since its inception was -55.39%, which is greater than VMVAX's maximum drawdown of -43.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MARFX and VMVAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MARFX	VMVAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.39%	-43.07%	-12.32%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.50%	-6.95%	-2.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.07%	-18.40%	-1.67%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.07%	-19.75%	-0.32%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.09%	-43.07%	+0.98%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.81%	-1.14%	+0.33%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.99%	-4.36%	-3.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.51%	1.82%	+0.69%

Volatility

MARFX vs. VMVAX - Volatility Comparison

BlackRock Mid-Cap Value Fund (MARFX) has a higher volatility of 4.28% compared to Vanguard Mid-Cap Value Index Fund Admiral Shares (VMVAX) at 3.40%. This indicates that MARFX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VMVAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MARFX	VMVAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.28%	3.40%	+0.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.86%	8.39%	+1.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.23%	11.64%	+1.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.08%	15.99%	+0.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.01%	18.80%	+0.21%

MARFX vs. VMVAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MARFX has a 0.74% expense ratio, which is higher than VMVAX's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

MARFX vs. VMVAX - Dividend Comparison

MARFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.06%, more than VMVAX's 1.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MARFX BlackRock Mid-Cap Value Fund	10.06%	11.33%	7.46%	3.70%	4.50%	11.16%	2.13%	3.95%	8.41%	22.19%	5.43%	15.72%
VMVAX Vanguard Mid-Cap Value Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.86%	2.10%	2.11%	2.26%	2.27%	1.78%	2.36%	2.08%	2.75%	1.86%	1.91%	2.04%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MARFX and VMVAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, MARFX and VMVAX 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, MARFX or VMVAX?

MARFX has higher volatility (4.28%) compared to VMVAX (3.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MARFX dropped -55.39% vs VMVAX's -43.07%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VMVAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.07 vs 1.90), 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.