VMGRX vs. KMKAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VMGRX (Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth Fund) and KMKAX (Kinetics Market Opportunities Fund) are both Mid Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, VMGRX returned 10.76%/yr vs 18.90%/yr for KMKAX. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VMGRX charges 0.33%/yr vs 1.65%/yr for KMKAX.

Performance

VMGRX vs. KMKAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth Fund (VMGRX) and Kinetics Market Opportunities Fund (KMKAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VMGRX achieves a 3.94% return, which is significantly lower than KMKAX's 6.59% return. Over the past 10 years, VMGRX has underperformed KMKAX with an annualized return of 10.76%, while KMKAX has yielded a comparatively higher 18.90% annualized return.

VMGRX

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: 3.36%
• YTD: 3.94%
• 6M: 2.01%
• 1Y: 9.47%
• 3Y*: 13.67%
• 5Y*: 3.23%
• 10Y*: 10.76%

KMKAX

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: -9.76%
• YTD: 6.59%
• 6M: 4.86%
• 1Y: -1.60%
• 3Y*: 31.26%
• 5Y*: 13.64%
• 10Y*: 18.90%

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

VMGRX vs. KMKAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VMGRX Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth Fund	3.94%	8.80%	17.73%	24.15%	-30.13%	9.21%	33.40%	32.06%	-3.52%	21.60%
KMKAX Kinetics Market Opportunities Fund	6.59%	-3.31%	83.58%	-7.57%	14.69%	27.69%	19.31%	22.42%	-10.92%	46.89%

Correlation

The correlation between VMGRX and KMKAX is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.44
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.47
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.46
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2006	0.62

Over the past year, the correlation between VMGRX and KMKAX has dropped to 0.39 - well below their long-term average of 0.62, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

VMGRX vs. KMKAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VMGRX

VMGRX Risk / Return Rank: 7
VMGRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
VMGRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
VMGRX Omega Ratio Rank: 7
VMGRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
VMGRX Martin Ratio Rank: 7

KMKAX

KMKAX Risk / Return Rank: 2
KMKAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
KMKAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
KMKAX Omega Ratio Rank: 2
KMKAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
KMKAX Martin Ratio Rank: 2

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.

VMGRX vs. KMKAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth Fund (VMGRX) and Kinetics Market Opportunities Fund (KMKAX). 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.

	VMGRX	KMKAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.53	-0.11	+0.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.85	0.02	+0.83
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.10	1.00	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.55	-0.13	+0.68
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.72	-0.32	+2.04

VMGRX vs. KMKAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VMGRX Sharpe Ratio is 0.53, which is higher than the KMKAX Sharpe Ratio of -0.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VMGRX and KMKAX, 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

VMGRX vs. KMKAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VMGRX drawdown since its inception was -71.74%, which is greater than KMKAX's maximum drawdown of -65.57%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VMGRX and KMKAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VMGRX	KMKAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-71.74%	-65.57%	-6.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.09%	-20.20%	+1.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.85%	-28.45%	+1.60%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.71%	-31.56%	-8.15%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.71%	-31.56%	-8.15%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.27%	-22.04%	+21.77%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-24.45%	-15.52%	-8.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.15%	7.89%	-1.74%

Volatility

VMGRX vs. KMKAX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth Fund (VMGRX) has a higher volatility of 7.75% compared to Kinetics Market Opportunities Fund (KMKAX) at 7.01%. This indicates that VMGRX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than KMKAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VMGRX	KMKAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.75%	7.01%	+0.74%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.51%	19.59%	-3.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.11%	23.85%	-3.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.43%	26.50%	-3.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.41%	23.71%	-1.30%

VMGRX vs. KMKAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VMGRX has a 0.33% expense ratio, which is lower than KMKAX's 1.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

VMGRX vs. KMKAX - Dividend Comparison

VMGRX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 17.07%, more than KMKAX's 0.57% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
KMKAX Kinetics Market Opportunities Fund	0.57%	0.61%	0.66%	0.69%	1.19%	1.29%	0.02%	0.07%	9.28%	0.51%	0.00%	0.00%
VMGRX Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth Fund	17.07%	17.74%	1.80%	0.39%	0.26%	34.53%	6.30%	10.43%	14.53%	3.13%	0.67%	8.20%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VMGRX and KMKAX in my portfolio?

VMGRX and KMKAX have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VMGRX or KMKAX?

VMGRX has higher volatility (7.75%) compared to KMKAX (7.01%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VMGRX dropped -71.74% vs KMKAX's -65.57%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VMGRX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.53 vs -0.11), 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.