VEXAX vs. VEMPX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VEXAX (Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Admiral Shares) and VEMPX (Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds from Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VEXAX returned 12.19%/yr vs 12.21%/yr for VEMPX. With a 1.00 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VEXAX charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VEMPX.

Performance

VEXAX vs. VEMPX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

As of year-to-date, both investments have demonstrated similar returns, with VEXAX at 14.93% and VEMPX at 14.93%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VEXAX having a 12.19% annualized return and VEMPX not far ahead at 12.21%.

VEXAX

• 1D: 1.07%
• 1M: 5.80%
• YTD: 14.93%
• 6M: 13.66%
• 1Y: 30.14%
• 3Y*: 20.14%
• 5Y*: 6.91%
• 10Y*: 12.19%

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)

VEXAX vs. VEMPX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VEXAX Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Admiral Shares	14.93%	11.42%	15.47%	26.95%	-26.46%	12.45%	32.22%	28.03%	-9.37%	18.11%
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 VEXAX and VEMPX is 1.00 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.00
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	1.00
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.00
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.00
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 14, 2010	1.00

The correlation between VEXAX and VEMPX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 1.00 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

VEXAX vs. VEMPX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VEXAX	VEMPX
Technology	19.8%	19.8%
Industrials	19.3%	19.3%
Financial Services	14.6%	14.6%
Healthcare	13.3%	13.3%
Consumer Cyclical	9.7%	9.7%
Real Estate	6.0%	6.0%
Energy	5.1%	5.1%
Basic Materials	4.2%	4.2%
Communication Services	3.3%	3.3%
Consumer Defensive	2.7%	2.7%
Utilities	2.0%	2.0%

Return for Risk

VEXAX vs. VEMPX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VEXAX

VEXAX Risk / Return Rank: 47
VEXAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
VEXAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
VEXAX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
VEXAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
VEXAX Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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.

VEXAX vs. VEMPX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VEXAX) 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.

	VEXAX	VEMPX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.87	1.87	0.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.61	2.61	0.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.32	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.13	3.13	0.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.08	11.09	0.00
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VEXAX vs. VEMPX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

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

	VEXAX	VEMPX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.87	1.87	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.31	0.31	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.55	0.55	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.37	0.55	-0.17

Drawdowns

VEXAX vs. VEMPX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEXAX drawdown since its inception was -58.08%, which is greater than VEMPX's maximum drawdown of -41.62%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEXAX and VEMPX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEXAX	VEMPX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.08%	-41.62%	-16.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.25%	-10.25%	0.00%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.84%	-26.83%	-0.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.33%	-36.32%	-0.01%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.62%	-41.62%	0.00%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.18%	-7.97%	-4.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.89%	2.89%	0.00%

Volatility

VEXAX vs. VEMPX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VEXAX) and Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VEMPX) have volatilities of 4.69% and 4.69%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VEXAX	VEMPX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.69%	4.69%	0.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.46%	12.46%	0.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.17%	17.17%	0.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.34%	22.34%	0.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.36%	22.36%	0.00%

VEXAX vs. VEMPX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VEXAX has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is higher than VEMPX's 0.04% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VEXAX vs. VEMPX - Dividend Comparison

VEXAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.01%, which matches VEMPX's 1.02% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
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 VEMPX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, VEXAX 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, VEXAX or VEMPX?

VEMPX has higher volatility (4.69%) compared to VEXAX (4.69%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VEXAX dropped -58.08% vs VEMPX's -41.62%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEMPX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.87 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.