VMCIX vs. VSEQX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VMCIX (Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares) and VSEQX (Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds from Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VMCIX returned 12.02%/yr vs 13.69%/yr for VSEQX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VMCIX charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.17%/yr for VSEQX.

Performance

VMCIX vs. VSEQX - 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 Strategic Equity Fund (VSEQX). 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 VSEQX's 17.68% return. Over the past 10 years, VMCIX has underperformed VSEQX with an annualized return of 12.02%, while VSEQX has yielded a comparatively higher 13.69% 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%

VSEQX

• 1D: 0.55%
• 1M: 3.47%
• YTD: 17.68%
• 6M: 15.76%
• 1Y: 35.93%
• 3Y*: 21.51%
• 5Y*: 12.44%
• 10Y*: 13.69%

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

VMCIX vs. VSEQX - 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%
VSEQX Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund	17.68%	15.32%	16.67%	19.31%	-11.90%	30.83%	10.26%	26.76%	-11.86%	12.36%

Correlation

The correlation between VMCIX and VSEQX is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 21, 1998	0.96

The correlation between VMCIX and VSEQX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

VMCIX vs. VSEQX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VMCIX	VSEQX
Technology	18.6%	17.4%
Industrials	17.9%	16.5%
Financial Services	12.8%	14.8%
Consumer Cyclical	8.6%	10.4%
Energy	8.5%	6.0%
Utilities	8.3%	4.9%
Healthcare	7.6%	10.9%
Real Estate	5.4%	6.8%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	3.4%
Basic Materials	4.2%	4.8%
Communication Services	3.1%	3.3%

Return for Risk

VMCIX vs. VSEQX — 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

VSEQX

VSEQX Risk / Return Rank: 83
VSEQX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
VSEQX Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
VSEQX Omega Ratio Rank: 69
VSEQX Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
VSEQX Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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. VSEQX - 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 Strategic Equity Fund (VSEQX). 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	VSEQX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.55	2.45	-0.89
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.21	3.37	-1.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.42	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.44	4.93	-2.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.19	18.91	-9.72

VMCIX vs. VSEQX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VMCIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.55, which is lower than the VSEQX Sharpe Ratio of 2.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VMCIX and VSEQX, 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. VSEQX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VMCIX drawdown since its inception was -58.86%, smaller than the maximum VSEQX drawdown of -63.55%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VMCIX and VSEQX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VMCIX	VSEQX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.86%	-63.55%	+4.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.13%	-7.60%	-0.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.93%	-24.73%	+5.80%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.54%	-24.73%	-2.81%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.30%	-44.08%	+4.78%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.43%	-0.05%	-0.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.96%	-9.05%	+1.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.16%	1.98%	+0.18%

Volatility

VMCIX vs. VSEQX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VMCIX) and Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund (VSEQX) have volatilities of 4.35% and 4.41%, 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.

Volatility by Period

	VMCIX	VSEQX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.35%	4.41%	-0.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.85%	11.09%	-1.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.80%	15.34%	-2.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.69%	19.97%	-2.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.95%	21.44%	-2.49%

VMCIX vs. VSEQX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VMCIX has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than VSEQX's 0.17% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VMCIX vs. VSEQX - Dividend Comparison

VMCIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.35%, less than VSEQX's 9.48% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
VSEQX Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund	9.48%	11.16%	11.36%	6.11%	11.77%	21.36%	1.77%	2.92%	10.34%	7.05%	3.13%	12.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VMCIX and VSEQX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, VMCIX and VSEQX 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 VSEQX?

VSEQX has higher volatility (4.41%) compared to VMCIX (4.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VMCIX dropped -58.86% vs VSEQX's -63.55%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSEQX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.45 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.