VEXAX vs. DNLDX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

VEXAX (Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Admiral Shares) and DNLDX (BNY Mellon Active MidCap Fund) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, VEXAX returned 12.53%/yr vs 10.51%/yr for DNLDX. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VEXAX charges 0.06%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for DNLDX.

Performance

VEXAX vs. DNLDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VEXAX) and BNY Mellon Active MidCap Fund (DNLDX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VEXAX achieves a 14.61% return, which is significantly higher than DNLDX's 12.26% return. Over the past 10 years, VEXAX has outperformed DNLDX with an annualized return of 12.53%, while DNLDX has yielded a comparatively lower 10.51% annualized return.

VEXAX

• 1D: -0.82%
• 1M: 3.44%
• YTD: 14.61%
• 6M: 12.05%
• 1Y: 26.46%
• 3Y*: 19.94%
• 5Y*: 6.00%
• 10Y*: 12.53%

DNLDX

• 1D: -1.25%
• 1M: 2.69%
• YTD: 12.26%
• 6M: 10.41%
• 1Y: 19.98%
• 3Y*: 18.90%
• 5Y*: 10.35%
• 10Y*: 10.51%

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

VEXAX vs. DNLDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VEXAX Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Admiral Shares	14.61%	11.42%	15.47%	26.95%	-26.46%	12.45%	32.22%	28.03%	-9.37%	18.11%
DNLDX BNY Mellon Active MidCap Fund	12.26%	9.79%	22.27%	16.99%	-14.34%	26.49%	9.29%	16.82%	-14.46%	16.64%

Correlation

The correlation between VEXAX and DNLDX is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 13, 2000	0.95

The correlation between VEXAX and DNLDX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VEXAX vs. DNLDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VEXAX

VEXAX Risk / Return Rank: 42
VEXAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
VEXAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
VEXAX Omega Ratio Rank: 32
VEXAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
VEXAX Martin Ratio Rank: 50

DNLDX

DNLDX Risk / Return Rank: 47
DNLDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
DNLDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
DNLDX Omega Ratio Rank: 33
DNLDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
DNLDX Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

VEXAX vs. DNLDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VEXAX) and BNY Mellon Active MidCap Fund (DNLDX). 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.

	VEXAX	DNLDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.60	1.58	+0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.25	2.28	-0.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.27	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.78	2.93	-0.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.74	10.95	-1.21

VEXAX vs. DNLDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VEXAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.60, which is comparable to the DNLDX Sharpe Ratio of 1.58. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VEXAX and DNLDX, 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

VEXAX vs. DNLDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEXAX drawdown since its inception was -58.08%, smaller than the maximum DNLDX drawdown of -63.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEXAX and DNLDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEXAX	DNLDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.08%	-63.69%	+5.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.25%	-7.29%	-2.96%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.84%	-20.42%	-6.42%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.33%	-23.42%	-12.91%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.62%	-42.23%	+0.61%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.06%	-1.25%	+0.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.16%	-9.62%	-2.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.92%	1.95%	+0.97%

Volatility

VEXAX vs. DNLDX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VEXAX) has a higher volatility of 6.18% compared to BNY Mellon Active MidCap Fund (DNLDX) at 4.67%. This indicates that VEXAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DNLDX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VEXAX	DNLDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.18%	4.67%	+1.51%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.31%	10.24%	+3.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.83%	13.58%	+4.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.45%	18.55%	+3.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.38%	19.51%	+2.87%

VEXAX vs. DNLDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VEXAX has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than DNLDX's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

VEXAX vs. DNLDX - Dividend Comparison

VEXAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.01%, less than DNLDX's 13.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DNLDX BNY Mellon Active MidCap Fund	13.38%	14.15%	15.24%	1.69%	8.82%	17.74%	2.77%	2.65%	11.14%	11.32%	1.00%	3.12%
VEXAX Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.01%	1.14%	1.09%	1.25%	1.15%	1.13%	1.07%	1.30%	1.66%	1.25%	1.43%	1.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VEXAX and DNLDX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, VEXAX and DNLDX 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, VEXAX or DNLDX?

VEXAX has higher volatility (6.18%) compared to DNLDX (4.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VEXAX dropped -58.08% vs DNLDX's -63.69%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEXAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.60 vs 1.58), 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.