VLIFX vs. GTSGX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

VLIFX (Value Line Mid Cap Focused Fund) and GTSGX (Madison Mid Cap Fund) are both mutual funds - VLIFX is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Value Line, while GTSGX is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Madison Funds. Over the past 10 years, VLIFX returned 11.63%/yr vs 10.89%/yr for GTSGX. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VLIFX charges 1.07%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for GTSGX.

Performance

VLIFX vs. GTSGX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Value Line Mid Cap Focused Fund (VLIFX) and Madison Mid Cap Fund (GTSGX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VLIFX achieves a 1.39% return, which is significantly lower than GTSGX's 3.85% return. Over the past 10 years, VLIFX has outperformed GTSGX with an annualized return of 11.63%, while GTSGX has yielded a comparatively lower 10.89% annualized return.

VLIFX

• 1D: 0.20%
• 1M: 1.15%
• 6M: -1.88%
• YTD: 1.39%
• 1Y: 0.49%
• 3Y*: 6.31%
• 5Y*: 5.76%
• 10Y*: 11.63%

GTSGX

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: 3.79%
• 6M: -0.24%
• YTD: 3.85%
• 1Y: 3.14%
• 3Y*: 8.98%
• 5Y*: 7.10%
• 10Y*: 10.89%

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

VLIFX vs. GTSGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VLIFX Value Line Mid Cap Focused Fund	1.39%	0.79%	7.59%	22.11%	-9.60%	19.76%	19.96%	35.30%	4.65%	19.85%
GTSGX Madison Mid Cap Fund	3.85%	1.62%	10.24%	26.51%	-13.60%	26.31%	9.45%	33.53%	-1.60%	15.65%

Correlation

The correlation between VLIFX and GTSGX is 0.79, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 1990	0.81

The correlation between VLIFX and GTSGX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VLIFX vs. GTSGX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VLIFX

VLIFX Risk / Return Rank: 3
VLIFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
VLIFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
VLIFX Omega Ratio Rank: 3
VLIFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
VLIFX Martin Ratio Rank: 3

GTSGX

GTSGX Risk / Return Rank: 5
GTSGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
GTSGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
GTSGX Omega Ratio Rank: 4
GTSGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
GTSGX Martin Ratio Rank: 5

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.

VLIFX vs. GTSGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Value Line Mid Cap Focused Fund (VLIFX) and Madison Mid Cap Fund (GTSGX). 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.

	VLIFX	GTSGX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.03	0.15	-0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.06	0.33	-0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.01	1.04	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.03	0.18	-0.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.08	0.43	-0.50

VLIFX vs. GTSGX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VLIFX Sharpe Ratio is -0.03, which is lower than the GTSGX Sharpe Ratio of 0.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VLIFX and GTSGX, 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

VLIFX vs. GTSGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VLIFX drawdown since its inception was -61.48%, smaller than the maximum GTSGX drawdown of -73.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VLIFX and GTSGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VLIFX	GTSGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.48%	-73.82%	+12.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.81%	-11.99%	+0.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.66%	-19.63%	+1.97%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.91%	-21.94%	+0.03%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.51%	-38.25%	+2.74%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.20%	-2.28%	-3.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.64%	-29.61%	+13.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.34%	5.11%	-0.77%

Volatility

VLIFX vs. GTSGX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Value Line Mid Cap Focused Fund (VLIFX) is 2.91%, while Madison Mid Cap Fund (GTSGX) has a volatility of 4.37%. This indicates that VLIFX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GTSGX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VLIFX	GTSGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.91%	4.37%	-1.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.05%	10.56%	-0.51%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.50%	14.91%	-1.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.87%	17.47%	-0.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.81%	18.04%	-0.23%

VLIFX vs. GTSGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VLIFX has a 1.07% expense ratio, which is higher than GTSGX's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

VLIFX vs. GTSGX - Dividend Comparison

VLIFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.13%, less than GTSGX's 3.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GTSGX Madison Mid Cap Fund	3.24%	3.37%	5.76%	1.25%	1.96%	4.38%	3.43%	3.74%	7.57%	3.58%	4.34%	6.09%
VLIFX Value Line Mid Cap Focused Fund	2.13%	2.16%	0.99%	0.03%	7.22%	8.23%	7.81%	1.42%	5.12%	1.61%	2.24%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VLIFX and GTSGX in my portfolio?

VLIFX and GTSGX have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VLIFX or GTSGX?

GTSGX has higher volatility (4.37%) compared to VLIFX (2.91%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VLIFX dropped -61.48% vs GTSGX's -73.82%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GTSGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.15 vs -0.03), 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.