VMCIX vs. SWMCX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VMCIX (Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares) and SWMCX (Schwab U.S. Mid-Cap Index Fund) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 5 years, VMCIX returned 8.11%/yr vs 8.33%/yr for SWMCX. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.04% expense ratio.

Performance

VMCIX vs. SWMCX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VMCIX) and Schwab U.S. Mid-Cap Index Fund (SWMCX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VMCIX achieves a 10.56% return, which is significantly lower than SWMCX's 12.72% return.

VMCIX

• 1D: 0.90%
• 1M: 3.69%
• YTD: 10.56%
• 6M: 10.21%
• 1Y: 18.75%
• 3Y*: 16.83%
• 5Y*: 8.11%
• 10Y*: 11.59%

SWMCX

• 1D: 0.68%
• 1M: 4.11%
• YTD: 12.72%
• 6M: 12.56%
• 1Y: 22.05%
• 3Y*: 17.46%
• 5Y*: 8.33%
• 10Y*: —

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

VMCIX vs. SWMCX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VMCIX Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	10.56%	11.67%	14.68%	16.54%	-18.70%	24.53%	18.20%	31.04%	-9.25%	0.26%
SWMCX Schwab U.S. Mid-Cap Index Fund	12.72%	10.54%	15.28%	17.20%	-17.31%	22.55%	17.03%	30.46%	-9.16%	0.40%

Correlation

The correlation between VMCIX and SWMCX is 0.98 - 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	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 20, 2017	0.99

The correlation between VMCIX and SWMCX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

VMCIX vs. SWMCX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VMCIX	SWMCX
Technology	18.6%	17.2%
Industrials	17.9%	18.4%
Financial Services	12.8%	12.5%
Consumer Cyclical	8.6%	11.2%
Energy	8.5%	7.2%
Utilities	8.3%	6.1%
Healthcare	7.6%	8.7%
Real Estate	5.4%	7.0%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	4.1%
Basic Materials	4.2%	4.3%
Communication Services	3.1%	3.4%

Return for Risk

VMCIX vs. SWMCX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VMCIX

VMCIX Risk / Return Rank: 35
VMCIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
VMCIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
VMCIX Omega Ratio Rank: 29
VMCIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
VMCIX Martin Ratio Rank: 44

SWMCX

SWMCX Risk / Return Rank: 43
SWMCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
SWMCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
SWMCX Omega Ratio Rank: 33
SWMCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
SWMCX 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.

VMCIX vs. SWMCX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VMCIX) and Schwab U.S. Mid-Cap Index Fund (SWMCX). 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.

	VMCIX	SWMCX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.62	1.74	-0.12
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.31	2.50	-0.19
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.30	-0.02
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.45	2.87	-0.42
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	9.29	11.01	-1.72
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VMCIX vs. SWMCX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VMCIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.62, which is comparable to the SWMCX Sharpe Ratio of 1.74. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VMCIX and SWMCX, 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

	VMCIX	SWMCX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.62	1.74	-0.12
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.46	0.46	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.61	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.49	0.52	-0.03

Drawdowns

VMCIX vs. SWMCX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VMCIX drawdown since its inception was -58.86%, which is greater than SWMCX's maximum drawdown of -40.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VMCIX and SWMCX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VMCIX	SWMCX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.86%	-40.34%	-18.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.13%	-8.15%	+0.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.93%	-21.07%	+2.14%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.54%	-26.09%	-1.45%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.30%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.97%	-6.63%	-1.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.14%	2.12%	+0.02%

Volatility

VMCIX vs. SWMCX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VMCIX) is 2.97%, while Schwab U.S. Mid-Cap Index Fund (SWMCX) has a volatility of 3.27%. This indicates that VMCIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SWMCX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VMCIX	SWMCX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.97%	3.27%	-0.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.29%	9.96%	-0.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.31%	13.42%	-1.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.63%	18.25%	-0.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.92%	20.64%	-1.72%

VMCIX vs. SWMCX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VMCIX and SWMCX have an expense ratio of 0.04%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VMCIX vs. SWMCX - Dividend Comparison

VMCIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.35%, less than SWMCX's 1.89% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SWMCX Schwab U.S. Mid-Cap Index Fund	1.89%	2.13%	2.60%	1.49%	1.59%	2.93%	1.45%	2.44%	1.41%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VMCIX Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.35%	1.52%	1.49%	1.51%	1.60%	1.12%	1.45%	1.48%	1.83%	1.36%	1.46%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VMCIX and SWMCX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, VMCIX and SWMCX 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, VMCIX or SWMCX?

SWMCX has higher volatility (3.27%) compared to VMCIX (2.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VMCIX dropped -58.86% vs SWMCX's -40.34%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SWMCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.74 vs 1.62), 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.