VIMAX vs. VSEQX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VIMAX (Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares) and VSEQX (Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds from Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VIMAX returned 11.58%/yr vs 13.13%/yr for VSEQX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VIMAX charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.17%/yr for VSEQX.

Performance

VIMAX vs. VSEQX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VIMAX) 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, VIMAX achieves a 10.54% return, which is significantly lower than VSEQX's 16.05% return. Over the past 10 years, VIMAX has underperformed VSEQX with an annualized return of 11.58%, while VSEQX has yielded a comparatively higher 13.13% annualized return.

VIMAX

• 1D: 0.90%
• 1M: 3.68%
• YTD: 10.54%
• 6M: 10.20%
• 1Y: 18.73%
• 3Y*: 16.82%
• 5Y*: 8.10%
• 10Y*: 11.58%

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)

VIMAX vs. VSEQX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VIMAX Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares	10.54%	11.67%	14.66%	16.53%	-18.70%	24.51%	18.18%	31.03%	-9.24%	19.26%
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 VIMAX and VSEQX 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	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 13, 2001	0.97

The correlation between VIMAX and VSEQX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

VIMAX vs. VSEQX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VIMAX	VSEQX
Technology	18.6%	17.5%
Industrials	17.9%	16.6%
Financial Services	12.8%	15.2%
Consumer Cyclical	8.6%	10.3%
Energy	8.5%	5.5%
Utilities	8.3%	4.9%
Healthcare	7.6%	11.0%
Real Estate	5.4%	6.7%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	3.6%
Basic Materials	4.2%	4.9%
Communication Services	3.1%	3.8%

Return for Risk

VIMAX vs. VSEQX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VIMAX

VIMAX Risk / Return Rank: 35
VIMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
VIMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
VIMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 29
VIMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
VIMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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.

VIMAX vs. VSEQX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VIMAX) 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.

	VIMAX	VSEQX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.61	2.44	-0.83
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.31	3.38	-1.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.43	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.44	4.83	-2.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.28	18.60	-9.32
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VIMAX vs. VSEQX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VIMAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.61, which is lower than the VSEQX Sharpe Ratio of 2.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VIMAX 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

	VIMAX	VSEQX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.61	2.44	-0.83
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.46	0.60	-0.14
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.61	0.62	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.50	0.50	0.00

Drawdowns

VIMAX vs. VSEQX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VIMAX drawdown since its inception was -58.88%, smaller than the maximum VSEQX drawdown of -63.55%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VIMAX and VSEQX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VIMAX	VSEQX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.88%	-63.55%	+4.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.13%	-7.60%	-0.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.93%	-24.73%	+5.80%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.55%	-24.73%	-2.82%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.30%	-44.08%	+4.78%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.12%	-9.06%	+0.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.14%	1.97%	+0.17%

Volatility

VIMAX vs. VSEQX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VIMAX) is 2.97%, while Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund (VSEQX) has a volatility of 3.64%. This indicates that VIMAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VSEQX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VIMAX	VSEQX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.97%	3.64%	-0.67%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.28%	10.61%	-1.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.30%	15.03%	-2.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.63%	19.95%	-2.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.92%	21.42%	-2.50%

VIMAX vs. VSEQX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VIMAX has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than VSEQX's 0.17% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VIMAX vs. VSEQX - Dividend Comparison

VIMAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.34%, less than VSEQX's 9.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VIMAX Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.34%	1.51%	1.48%	1.50%	1.59%	1.11%	1.44%	1.47%	1.82%	1.35%	1.45%	1.47%
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 VIMAX and VSEQX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, VIMAX and VSEQX 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, VIMAX or VSEQX?

VSEQX has higher volatility (3.64%) compared to VIMAX (2.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VIMAX dropped -58.88% vs VSEQX's -63.55%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSEQX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.44 vs 1.61), 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.