VLACX vs. VEXAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VLACX (Vanguard Large Cap Index Fund) and VEXAX (Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - VLACX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while VEXAX is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VLACX returned 15.57%/yr vs 12.62%/yr for VEXAX. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VLACX charges 0.17%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for VEXAX.

Performance

VLACX vs. VEXAX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VLACX achieves a 9.44% return, which is significantly lower than VEXAX's 15.56% return. Over the past 10 years, VLACX has outperformed VEXAX with an annualized return of 15.57%, while VEXAX has yielded a comparatively lower 12.62% annualized return.

VLACX

• 1D: -0.44%
• 1M: 0.21%
• YTD: 9.44%
• 6M: 8.44%
• 1Y: 25.00%
• 3Y*: 21.20%
• 5Y*: 12.85%
• 10Y*: 15.57%

VEXAX

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: 4.29%
• YTD: 15.56%
• 6M: 13.21%
• 1Y: 29.39%
• 3Y*: 20.27%
• 5Y*: 6.40%
• 10Y*: 12.62%

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

VLACX vs. VEXAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VLACX Vanguard Large Cap Index Fund	9.44%	17.60%	24.61%	27.10%	-19.78%	26.87%	20.88%	31.22%	-4.60%	21.89%
VEXAX Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Admiral Shares	15.56%	11.42%	15.47%	26.95%	-26.46%	12.45%	32.22%	28.03%	-9.37%	18.11%

Correlation

The correlation between VLACX and VEXAX is 0.84, 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	0.84
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.87
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.90

The correlation between VLACX and VEXAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VLACX vs. VEXAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VLACX

VLACX Risk / Return Rank: 60
VLACX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
VLACX Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
VLACX Omega Ratio Rank: 56
VLACX Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
VLACX Martin Ratio Rank: 70

VEXAX

VEXAX Risk / Return Rank: 47
VEXAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
VEXAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
VEXAX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
VEXAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
VEXAX 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.

VLACX vs. VEXAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	VLACX	VEXAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.09	1.72	+0.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.83	2.40	+0.43
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.29	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.85	2.99	-0.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.69	10.49	+2.20

VLACX vs. VEXAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VLACX Sharpe Ratio is 2.09, which is comparable to the VEXAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VLACX and VEXAX, 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

VLACX vs. VEXAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VLACX drawdown since its inception was -54.81%, smaller than the maximum VEXAX drawdown of -58.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VLACX and VEXAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VLACX	VEXAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.81%	-58.08%	+3.27%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.22%	-10.25%	+1.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.27%	-26.84%	+7.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.72%	-36.33%	+10.61%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.97%	-41.62%	+7.65%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.79%	-0.24%	-1.55%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.91%	-12.16%	+5.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.07%	2.91%	-0.84%

Volatility

VLACX vs. VEXAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Large Cap Index Fund (VLACX) is 4.79%, while Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VEXAX) has a volatility of 6.09%. This indicates that VLACX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VEXAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VLACX	VEXAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.79%	6.09%	-1.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.91%	13.29%	-3.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.60%	17.84%	-5.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.26%	22.45%	-5.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.25%	22.42%	-4.17%

VLACX vs. VEXAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VLACX has a 0.17% expense ratio, which is higher than VEXAX's 0.06% 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

VLACX vs. VEXAX - Dividend Comparison

VLACX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.87%, less than VEXAX's 1.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
VLACX Vanguard Large Cap Index Fund	0.87%	0.71%	0.86%	1.30%	1.51%	1.07%	1.35%	1.72%	1.95%	1.64%	1.87%	1.84%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VLACX and VEXAX in my portfolio?

VLACX and VEXAX have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VLACX or VEXAX?

VEXAX has higher volatility (6.09%) compared to VLACX (4.79%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VLACX dropped -54.81% vs VEXAX's -58.08%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VLACX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.09 vs 1.72), 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.