MERAX vs. BVAOX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

MERAX (Madison Mid Cap A) and BVAOX (Madison Small Cap Fund) are both mutual funds - MERAX is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Madison Funds, while BVAOX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Madison Funds. Over the past 10 years, MERAX returned 10.26%/yr vs -2.37%/yr for BVAOX. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MERAX charges 1.39%/yr vs 1.10%/yr for BVAOX.

Performance

MERAX vs. BVAOX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Madison Mid Cap A (MERAX) and Madison Small Cap Fund (BVAOX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MERAX achieves a -0.48% return, which is significantly lower than BVAOX's 9.00% return. Over the past 10 years, MERAX has outperformed BVAOX with an annualized return of 10.26%, while BVAOX has yielded a comparatively lower -2.37% annualized return.

MERAX

• 1D: 0.96%
• 1M: 2.66%
• YTD: -0.48%
• 6M: -1.88%
• 1Y: 3.21%
• 3Y*: 8.45%
• 5Y*: 6.93%
• 10Y*: 10.26%

BVAOX

• 1D: 2.16%
• 1M: 4.51%
• YTD: 9.00%
• 6M: 6.76%
• 1Y: 10.36%
• 3Y*: 9.49%
• 5Y*: 2.11%
• 10Y*: -2.37%

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

MERAX vs. BVAOX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MERAX Madison Mid Cap A	-0.48%	1.21%	9.80%	25.84%	-13.94%	25.72%	9.00%	32.91%	-2.02%	15.18%
BVAOX Madison Small Cap Fund	9.00%	-7.16%	21.83%	16.06%	-24.38%	20.38%	23.06%	-49.49%	-12.21%	-2.21%

Correlation

The correlation between MERAX and BVAOX is 0.86, 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	0.86
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 20, 2000	0.88

The correlation between MERAX and BVAOX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MERAX vs. BVAOX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MERAX

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

BVAOX

BVAOX Risk / Return Rank: 8
BVAOX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
BVAOX Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
BVAOX Omega Ratio Rank: 7
BVAOX Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
BVAOX Martin Ratio Rank: 9

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.

MERAX vs. BVAOX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Madison Mid Cap A (MERAX) and Madison Small Cap Fund (BVAOX). 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.

	MERAX	BVAOX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.24	0.58	-0.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.46	0.94	-0.49
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.05	1.11	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.29	0.94	-0.65
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.69	2.35	-1.66

MERAX vs. BVAOX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MERAX Sharpe Ratio is 0.24, which is lower than the BVAOX Sharpe Ratio of 0.58. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MERAX and BVAOX, 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

MERAX vs. BVAOX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MERAX drawdown since its inception was -73.13%, roughly equal to the maximum BVAOX drawdown of -75.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MERAX and BVAOX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MERAX	BVAOX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-73.13%	-75.76%	+2.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.02%	-11.14%	-0.88%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.78%	-25.10%	+5.32%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.10%	-32.32%	+10.22%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.26%	-75.76%	+37.50%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.36%	-36.70%	+30.34%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-25.34%	-20.83%	-4.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.07%	4.47%	+0.60%

Volatility

MERAX vs. BVAOX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Madison Mid Cap A (MERAX) is 4.15%, while Madison Small Cap Fund (BVAOX) has a volatility of 5.48%. This indicates that MERAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BVAOX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MERAX	BVAOX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.15%	5.48%	-1.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.44%	13.02%	-2.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.84%	18.23%	-3.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.45%	20.50%	-3.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.05%	28.27%	-10.22%

MERAX vs. BVAOX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MERAX has a 1.39% expense ratio, which is higher than BVAOX's 1.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

MERAX vs. BVAOX - Dividend Comparison

MERAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.41%, less than BVAOX's 9.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BVAOX Madison Small Cap Fund	9.23%	10.06%	9.63%	0.29%	5.51%	28.31%	6.63%	19.91%	25.09%	0.00%	4.73%	9.18%
MERAX Madison Mid Cap A	3.41%	3.39%	5.74%	1.21%	2.11%	4.66%	3.65%	3.96%	7.92%	3.73%	4.50%	6.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MERAX and BVAOX in my portfolio?

MERAX and BVAOX have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MERAX or BVAOX?

BVAOX has higher volatility (5.48%) compared to MERAX (4.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MERAX dropped -73.13% vs BVAOX's -75.76%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BVAOX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.58 vs 0.24), 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.