MVALX vs. VEMPX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MVALX (Meridian Contrarian Fund) and VEMPX (Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, MVALX returned 13.55%/yr vs 12.21%/yr for VEMPX. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MVALX charges 1.12%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VEMPX.

Performance

MVALX vs. VEMPX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Meridian Contrarian Fund (MVALX) and Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VEMPX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MVALX achieves a 17.57% return, which is significantly higher than VEMPX's 14.93% return. Over the past 10 years, MVALX has outperformed VEMPX with an annualized return of 13.55%, while VEMPX has yielded a comparatively lower 12.21% annualized return.

MVALX

• 1D: 1.96%
• 1M: 6.59%
• YTD: 17.57%
• 6M: 18.16%
• 1Y: 35.80%
• 3Y*: 16.74%
• 5Y*: 8.16%
• 10Y*: 13.55%

VEMPX

• 1D: 1.07%
• 1M: 5.80%
• YTD: 14.93%
• 6M: 13.66%
• 1Y: 30.15%
• 3Y*: 20.16%
• 5Y*: 6.93%
• 10Y*: 12.21%

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

MVALX vs. VEMPX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MVALX Meridian Contrarian Fund	17.57%	17.43%	9.73%	12.40%	-16.67%	26.66%	23.75%	23.66%	-7.85%	24.88%
VEMPX Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares	14.93%	11.43%	15.50%	26.98%	-26.45%	12.48%	32.24%	28.06%	-9.35%	18.13%

Correlation

The correlation between MVALX and VEMPX is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 14, 2010	0.93

The correlation between MVALX and VEMPX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MVALX vs. VEMPX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MVALX

MVALX Risk / Return Rank: 55
MVALX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
MVALX Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
MVALX Omega Ratio Rank: 40
MVALX Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
MVALX Martin Ratio Rank: 62

VEMPX

VEMPX Risk / Return Rank: 48
VEMPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
VEMPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
VEMPX Omega Ratio Rank: 37
VEMPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
VEMPX Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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.

MVALX vs. VEMPX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Meridian Contrarian Fund (MVALX) and Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VEMPX). 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.

	MVALX	VEMPX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.06	1.87	+0.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.88	2.61	+0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.32	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.44	3.13	+0.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.18	11.09	+1.09
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MVALX vs. VEMPX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MVALX Sharpe Ratio is 2.06, which is comparable to the VEMPX Sharpe Ratio of 1.87. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MVALX and VEMPX, 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

	MVALX	VEMPX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.06	1.87	+0.19
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.40	0.31	+0.09
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.64	0.55	+0.09
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.61	0.55	+0.06

Drawdowns

MVALX vs. VEMPX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MVALX drawdown since its inception was -50.65%, which is greater than VEMPX's maximum drawdown of -41.62%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MVALX and VEMPX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MVALX	VEMPX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.65%	-41.62%	-9.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.53%	-10.25%	-1.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.80%	-26.83%	+2.03%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.80%	-36.32%	+11.52%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.06%	-41.62%	-0.44%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.12%	-7.97%	+0.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.22%	2.89%	+0.33%

Volatility

MVALX vs. VEMPX - Volatility Comparison

Meridian Contrarian Fund (MVALX) has a higher volatility of 6.33% compared to Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VEMPX) at 4.69%. This indicates that MVALX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VEMPX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MVALX	VEMPX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.33%	4.69%	+1.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.51%	12.46%	+2.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.25%	17.17%	+2.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.74%	22.34%	-1.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.44%	22.36%	-0.92%

MVALX vs. VEMPX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MVALX has a 1.12% expense ratio, which is higher than VEMPX's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

MVALX vs. VEMPX - Dividend Comparison

MVALX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.90%, more than VEMPX's 1.02% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MVALX Meridian Contrarian Fund	10.90%	12.81%	4.26%	5.45%	11.45%	14.16%	4.93%	7.94%	25.52%	10.53%	0.52%	16.76%
VEMPX Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares	1.02%	1.15%	1.11%	1.27%	1.17%	1.15%	1.09%	1.32%	1.68%	1.27%	1.46%	1.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MVALX and VEMPX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, MVALX and VEMPX 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, MVALX or VEMPX?

MVALX has higher volatility (6.33%) compared to VEMPX (4.69%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MVALX dropped -50.65% vs VEMPX's -41.62%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MVALX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.06 vs 1.87), 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.