MERAX vs. VSEQX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MERAX (Madison Mid Cap A) and VSEQX (Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, MERAX returned 9.94%/yr vs 13.13%/yr for VSEQX. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MERAX charges 1.39%/yr vs 0.17%/yr for VSEQX.

Performance

MERAX vs. VSEQX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Madison Mid Cap A (MERAX) 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, MERAX achieves a -1.77% return, which is significantly lower than VSEQX's 16.05% return. Over the past 10 years, MERAX has underperformed VSEQX with an annualized return of 9.94%, while VSEQX has yielded a comparatively higher 13.13% annualized return.

MERAX

• 1D: -0.34%
• 1M: 1.69%
• YTD: -1.77%
• 6M: -1.49%
• 1Y: -0.64%
• 3Y*: 9.32%
• 5Y*: 6.10%
• 10Y*: 9.94%

VSEQX

• 1D: 0.65%
• 1M: 3.35%
• YTD: 16.05%
• 6M: 16.43%
• 1Y: 35.10%
• 3Y*: 21.36%
• 5Y*: 11.97%
• 10Y*: 13.13%

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

MERAX vs. VSEQX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MERAX Madison Mid Cap A	-1.77%	1.21%	9.80%	25.84%	-13.94%	25.72%	9.00%	32.91%	-2.02%	15.18%
VSEQX Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund	16.05%	15.32%	16.67%	19.31%	-11.90%	30.83%	10.26%	26.76%	-11.86%	12.36%

Correlation

The correlation between MERAX and VSEQX is 0.83, 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	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 21, 2000	0.91

The correlation between MERAX and VSEQX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MERAX vs. VSEQX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MERAX

MERAX Risk / Return Rank: 3
MERAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
MERAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
MERAX Omega Ratio Rank: 3
MERAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
MERAX Martin Ratio Rank: 3

VSEQX

VSEQX Risk / Return Rank: 75
VSEQX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
VSEQX Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
VSEQX Omega Ratio Rank: 58
VSEQX Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
VSEQX Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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. VSEQX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	MERAX	VSEQX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.04	2.44	-2.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.17	3.38	-3.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.02	1.43	-0.41
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.05	4.83	-4.78
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.13	18.60	-18.47
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MERAX vs. VSEQX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MERAX Sharpe Ratio is 0.04, which is lower than the VSEQX Sharpe Ratio of 2.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MERAX 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	MERAX	VSEQX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.04	2.44	-2.40
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.35	0.60	-0.25
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.55	0.62	-0.06
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.19	0.50	-0.31

Drawdowns

MERAX vs. VSEQX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MERAX drawdown since its inception was -73.13%, which is greater than VSEQX's maximum drawdown of -63.55%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MERAX and VSEQX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MERAX	VSEQX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-73.13%	-63.55%	-9.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.02%	-7.60%	-4.42%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.78%	-24.73%	+4.95%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.10%	-24.73%	+2.63%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.26%	-44.08%	+5.82%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.58%	0.00%	-7.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-25.38%	-9.06%	-16.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.86%	1.97%	+2.89%

Volatility

MERAX vs. VSEQX - Volatility Comparison

Madison Mid Cap A (MERAX) has a higher volatility of 4.05% compared to Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund (VSEQX) at 3.64%. This indicates that MERAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VSEQX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MERAX	VSEQX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.05%	3.64%	+0.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.16%	10.61%	-0.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.74%	15.03%	-0.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.41%	19.95%	-2.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.03%	21.42%	-3.39%

MERAX vs. VSEQX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MERAX has a 1.39% expense ratio, which is higher than VSEQX's 0.17% expense ratio.

Dividends

MERAX vs. VSEQX - Dividend Comparison

MERAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.46%, less than VSEQX's 9.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MERAX Madison Mid Cap A	3.46%	3.39%	5.74%	1.21%	2.11%	4.66%	3.65%	3.96%	7.92%	3.73%	4.50%	6.29%
VSEQX Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund	9.61%	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 MERAX and VSEQX in my portfolio?

MERAX and VSEQX have a correlation of 0.83, 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 VSEQX?

MERAX has higher volatility (4.05%) compared to VSEQX (3.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MERAX dropped -73.13% vs VSEQX's -63.55%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSEQX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.44 vs 0.04), 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.