MERDX vs. VBK
MERDX (Meridian Growth Fund) and VBK (Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, MERDX returned 6.29%/yr vs 10.90%/yr for VBK. Their correlation of 0.92 means they have usually moved in the same direction. MERDX charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VBK.
Performance
MERDX vs. VBK - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, MERDX achieves a 2.05% return, which is significantly lower than VBK's 12.94% return. Over the past 10 years, MERDX has underperformed VBK with an annualized return of 6.29%, while VBK has yielded a comparatively higher 10.90% annualized return.
MERDX
- 1D
- 1.01%
- 1M
- -5.68%
- 6M
- 2.11%
- YTD
- 2.05%
- 1Y
- 4.24%
- 3Y*
- -0.12%
- 5Y*
- -3.78%
- 10Y*
- 6.29%
- ALL TIME*
- 8.51%
VBK
- 1D
- -0.27%
- 1M
- -4.86%
- 6M
- 9.06%
- YTD
- 12.94%
- 1Y
- 23.19%
- 3Y*
- 13.33%
- 5Y*
- 4.14%
- 10Y*
- 10.90%
- ALL TIME*
- 9.75%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
MERDX Meridian Growth Fund | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| $67.40M | $71.27M | $83.02M |
MERDX vs. VBK - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MERDX Meridian Growth Fund | 2.05% | -6.25% | 6.42% | 15.29% | -29.13% | 15.58% | 24.93% | 27.67% | -7.30% | 25.64% |
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF | 12.94% | 8.50% | 16.50% | 21.45% | -28.44% | 5.66% | 35.44% | 32.75% | -5.70% | 21.87% |
Correlation
The correlation between MERDX and VBK is 0.88, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most. | 0.88 |
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history. | 0.85 |
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period. | 0.91 |
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions. | 0.91 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004 | 0.92 |
The correlation between MERDX and VBK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
MERDX vs. VBK — Risk / Return Rank
MERDX
VBK
MERDX vs. VBK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Meridian Growth Fund (MERDX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK). 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.
| MERDX | VBK | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -1.06 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -1.44 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.01 | 1.18 | -0.17 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | -0.02 | 1.86 | -1.88 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | -0.06 | 6.29 | -6.35 |
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Drawdowns
MERDX vs. VBK - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum MERDX drawdown since its inception was -48.45%, smaller than the maximum VBK drawdown of -58.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MERDX and VBK.
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Drawdown Indicators
| MERDX | VBK | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -48.45% | -58.68% | +10.23% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -14.07% | -11.44% | -2.63% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -24.32% | -27.54% | +3.22% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -37.93% | -38.39% | +0.46% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -40.64% | -38.70% | -1.94% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -23.20% | -6.90% | -16.30% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -10.31% | -10.10% | -0.21% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 4.98% | 3.37% | +1.61% |
Volatility
MERDX vs. VBK - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Meridian Growth Fund (MERDX) is 4.46%, while Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) has a volatility of 5.16%. This indicates that MERDX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VBK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| MERDX | VBK | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.46% | 5.16% | -0.70% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 13.45% | 15.93% | -2.48% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 17.88% | 20.39% | -2.51% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 21.58% | 23.65% | -2.07% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 21.31% | 22.91% | -1.60% |
MERDX vs. VBK - Expense Ratio Comparison
MERDX has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than VBK's 0.05% expense ratio.
Dividends
MERDX vs. VBK - Dividend Comparison
MERDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.85%, more than VBK's 0.45% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MERDX Meridian Growth Fund | 8.85% | 9.03% | 0.24% | 0.00% | 13.80% | 15.49% | 0.88% | 9.15% | 16.44% | 7.07% | 0.57% | 12.17% |
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF | 0.45% | 0.54% | 0.54% | 0.68% | 0.55% | 0.36% | 0.44% | 0.57% | 0.79% | 0.82% | 1.08% | 0.98% |
Frequently Asked Questions
MERDX and VBK have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
VBK has higher volatility (5.16%) compared to MERDX (4.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MERDX dropped -48.45% vs VBK's -58.68%.
VBK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.04 vs -0.02), 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.
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