VIMSX vs. VO
VIMSX (Vanguard Mid Cap Index Fund) and VO (Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds from Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VIMSX returned 11.82%/yr vs 11.93%/yr for VO. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VIMSX charges 0.17%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VO.
Performance
VIMSX vs. VO - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VIMSX achieves a 11.27% return, which is significantly higher than VO's 10.36% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VIMSX having a 11.82% annualized return and VO not far ahead at 11.93%.
VIMSX
- 1D
- 0.41%
- 1M
- 3.04%
- YTD
- 11.27%
- 6M
- 9.95%
- 1Y
- 18.59%
- 3Y*
- 16.29%
- 5Y*
- 7.83%
- 10Y*
- 11.82%
VO
- 1D
- -0.85%
- 1M
- 2.16%
- YTD
- 10.36%
- 6M
- 9.10%
- 1Y
- 17.71%
- 3Y*
- 16.26%
- 5Y*
- 7.72%
- 10Y*
- 11.93%
VIMSX vs. VO - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VIMSX Vanguard Mid Cap Index Fund | 11.27% | 11.08% | 14.52% | 16.40% | -18.80% | 24.36% | 18.04% | 30.85% | -9.35% | 19.12% |
VO Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF | 10.36% | 11.62% | 15.31% | 16.03% | -18.73% | 24.70% | 18.10% | 30.98% | -9.24% | 19.28% |
Correlation
The correlation between VIMSX and VO is 0.99 - 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 | 0.99 |
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 Jan 30, 2004 | 0.99 |
The correlation between VIMSX and VO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
VIMSX vs. VO — Risk / Return Rank
VIMSX
VO
VIMSX vs. VO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Mid Cap Index Fund (VIMSX) and Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO). 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.
| VIMSX | VO | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.15 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.19 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.27 | 1.24 | +0.02 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.42 | 2.18 | +0.24 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 9.10 | 8.21 | +0.89 |
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Drawdowns
VIMSX vs. VO - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VIMSX drawdown since its inception was -58.96%, roughly equal to the maximum VO drawdown of -58.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VIMSX and VO.
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Drawdown Indicators
| VIMSX | VO | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -58.96% | -58.87% | -0.09% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -8.14% | -8.17% | +0.03% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -19.31% | -19.02% | -0.29% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -27.63% | -27.57% | -0.06% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -39.29% | -39.37% | +0.08% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.43% | -1.29% | +0.86% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -8.06% | -7.85% | -0.21% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.16% | 2.16% | 0.00% |
Volatility
VIMSX vs. VO - Volatility Comparison
Vanguard Mid Cap Index Fund (VIMSX) and Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) have volatilities of 4.36% and 4.46%, 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.
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Volatility by Period
| VIMSX | VO | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.36% | 4.46% | -0.10% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 9.85% | 9.84% | +0.01% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 12.79% | 12.81% | -0.02% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 17.70% | 17.66% | +0.04% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 18.95% | 18.93% | +0.02% |
VIMSX vs. VO - Expense Ratio Comparison
VIMSX has a 0.17% expense ratio, which is higher than VO's 0.03% 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
VIMSX vs. VO - Dividend Comparison
VIMSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.23%, less than VO's 1.36% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VIMSX Vanguard Mid Cap Index Fund | 1.23% | 1.03% | 1.37% | 1.39% | 1.46% | 1.00% | 1.34% | 1.37% | 1.68% | 1.24% | 1.34% | 1.33% |
VO Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF | 1.36% | 1.52% | 1.49% | 1.52% | 1.60% | 1.12% | 1.45% | 1.48% | 1.82% | 1.35% | 1.45% | 1.47% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.99, VIMSX and VO 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.
VO has higher volatility (4.46%) compared to VIMSX (4.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VIMSX dropped -58.96% vs VO's -58.87%.
VIMSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.54 vs 1.39), 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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