VMCIX vs. VEMPX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VMCIX (Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares) and VEMPX (Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds from Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VMCIX returned 12.02%/yr vs 12.65%/yr for VEMPX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.04% expense ratio.

Performance

VMCIX vs. VEMPX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VMCIX achieves a 11.34% return, which is significantly lower than VEMPX's 15.57% return. Over the past 10 years, VMCIX has underperformed VEMPX with an annualized return of 12.02%, while VEMPX has yielded a comparatively higher 12.65% annualized return.

VMCIX

• 1D: 0.41%
• 1M: 3.04%
• YTD: 11.34%
• 6M: 10.02%
• 1Y: 18.75%
• 3Y*: 16.60%
• 5Y*: 8.06%
• 10Y*: 12.02%

VEMPX

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: 4.30%
• YTD: 15.57%
• 6M: 13.22%
• 1Y: 29.41%
• 3Y*: 20.29%
• 5Y*: 6.41%
• 10Y*: 12.65%

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

VMCIX vs. VEMPX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VMCIX Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	11.34%	11.67%	14.68%	16.54%	-18.70%	24.53%	18.20%	31.04%	-9.25%	19.30%
VEMPX Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares	15.57%	11.43%	15.50%	26.98%	-26.45%	12.48%	32.24%	28.06%	-9.35%	18.13%

Correlation

The correlation between VMCIX and VEMPX is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 13, 2010	0.96

The correlation between VMCIX and VEMPX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

VMCIX vs. VEMPX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VMCIX	VEMPX
Technology	18.6%	22.8%
Industrials	17.9%	19.3%
Financial Services	12.8%	14.0%
Consumer Cyclical	8.6%	9.2%
Energy	8.5%	4.4%
Utilities	8.3%	1.9%
Healthcare	7.6%	12.9%
Real Estate	5.4%	5.8%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	2.5%
Basic Materials	4.2%	4.2%
Communication Services	3.1%	3.2%

Return for Risk

VMCIX vs. VEMPX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VMCIX

VMCIX Risk / Return Rank: 38
VMCIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
VMCIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
VMCIX Omega Ratio Rank: 30
VMCIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
VMCIX Martin Ratio Rank: 46

VEMPX

VEMPX Risk / Return Rank: 47
VEMPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
VEMPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
VEMPX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
VEMPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
VEMPX 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. VEMPX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VMCIX) and Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VEMPX). 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.

	VMCIX	VEMPX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.55	1.72	-0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.21	2.40	-0.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.29	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.44	2.99	-0.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.19	10.49	-1.30

VMCIX vs. VEMPX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VMCIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.55, which is comparable to the VEMPX Sharpe Ratio of 1.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VMCIX and VEMPX, 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

VMCIX vs. VEMPX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VMCIX drawdown since its inception was -58.86%, which is greater than VEMPX's maximum drawdown of -41.62%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VMCIX and VEMPX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VMCIX	VEMPX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.86%	-41.62%	-17.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.13%	-10.25%	+2.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.93%	-26.83%	+7.90%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.54%	-36.32%	+8.78%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.30%	-41.62%	+2.32%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.43%	-0.24%	-0.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.96%	-7.94%	-0.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.16%	2.91%	-0.75%

Volatility

VMCIX vs. VEMPX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VMCIX) is 4.35%, while Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VEMPX) has a volatility of 6.09%. This indicates that VMCIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VEMPX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VMCIX	VEMPX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.35%	6.09%	-1.74%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.85%	13.29%	-3.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.80%	17.84%	-5.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.69%	22.45%	-4.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.95%	22.41%	-3.46%

VMCIX vs. VEMPX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VMCIX and VEMPX 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. VEMPX - Dividend Comparison

VMCIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.35%, more than VEMPX's 1.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VEMPX Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares	1.01%	1.15%	1.11%	1.27%	1.17%	1.15%	1.09%	1.32%	1.68%	1.27%	1.46%	1.39%
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 VEMPX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, VMCIX and VEMPX 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 VEMPX?

VEMPX has higher volatility (6.09%) compared to VMCIX (4.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VMCIX dropped -58.86% vs VEMPX's -41.62%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEMPX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.72 vs 1.55), 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.