VMVAX vs. ACLAX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

VMVAX (Vanguard Mid-Cap Value Index Fund Admiral Shares) and ACLAX (American Century Mid Cap Value Fund A Class) are both Mid Cap Value Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, VMVAX returned 11.01%/yr vs 9.13%/yr for ACLAX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VMVAX charges 0.07%/yr vs 1.22%/yr for ACLAX.

Performance

VMVAX vs. ACLAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Mid-Cap Value Index Fund Admiral Shares (VMVAX) and American Century Mid Cap Value Fund A Class (ACLAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VMVAX achieves a 12.35% return, which is significantly higher than ACLAX's 10.51% return. Over the past 10 years, VMVAX has outperformed ACLAX with an annualized return of 11.01%, while ACLAX has yielded a comparatively lower 9.13% annualized return.

VMVAX

• 1D: 0.50%
• 1M: 1.61%
• YTD: 12.35%
• 6M: 11.10%
• 1Y: 24.20%
• 3Y*: 16.43%
• 5Y*: 9.23%
• 10Y*: 11.01%

ACLAX

• 1D: 1.00%
• 1M: 2.27%
• YTD: 10.51%
• 6M: 9.47%
• 1Y: 18.47%
• 3Y*: 11.26%
• 5Y*: 7.44%
• 10Y*: 9.13%

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

VMVAX vs. ACLAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VMVAX Vanguard Mid-Cap Value Index Fund Admiral Shares	12.35%	12.06%	13.63%	10.12%	-7.89%	28.77%	2.45%	28.03%	-12.44%	17.04%
ACLAX American Century Mid Cap Value Fund A Class	10.51%	8.52%	8.18%	5.93%	-1.53%	23.01%	1.44%	28.55%	-12.93%	11.31%

Correlation

The correlation between VMVAX and ACLAX is 0.94, 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	0.94
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 Sep 27, 2011	0.96

The correlation between VMVAX and ACLAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VMVAX vs. ACLAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VMVAX

VMVAX Risk / Return Rank: 72
VMVAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
VMVAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
VMVAX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
VMVAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
VMVAX Martin Ratio Rank: 80

ACLAX

ACLAX Risk / Return Rank: 37
ACLAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
ACLAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
ACLAX Omega Ratio Rank: 34
ACLAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
ACLAX Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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.

VMVAX vs. ACLAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Mid-Cap Value Index Fund Admiral Shares (VMVAX) and American Century Mid Cap Value Fund A Class (ACLAX). 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.

	VMVAX	ACLAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.99	1.47	+0.53
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.88	2.24	+0.64
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.26	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.33	2.07	+1.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.65	6.62	+6.02

VMVAX vs. ACLAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VMVAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.99, which is higher than the ACLAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VMVAX and ACLAX, 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

VMVAX vs. ACLAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VMVAX drawdown since its inception was -43.07%, smaller than the maximum ACLAX drawdown of -51.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VMVAX and ACLAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VMVAX	ACLAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.07%	-51.37%	+8.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.95%	-8.50%	+1.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.40%	-14.67%	-3.73%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.75%	-17.55%	-2.20%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.07%	-39.24%	-3.83%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.53%	-0.06%	-0.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.36%	-6.24%	+1.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.83%	2.65%	-0.82%

Volatility

VMVAX vs. ACLAX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Mid-Cap Value Index Fund Admiral Shares (VMVAX) and American Century Mid Cap Value Fund A Class (ACLAX) have volatilities of 3.31% and 3.26%, 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

	VMVAX	ACLAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.31%	3.26%	+0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.40%	8.66%	-0.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.60%	11.99%	-0.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.99%	14.64%	+1.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.75%	17.44%	+1.31%

VMVAX vs. ACLAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VMVAX has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than ACLAX's 1.22% expense ratio.

Dividends

VMVAX vs. ACLAX - Dividend Comparison

VMVAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.85%, less than ACLAX's 13.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ACLAX American Century Mid Cap Value Fund A Class	13.06%	14.24%	8.53%	5.01%	14.77%	15.72%	1.62%	1.23%	14.17%	9.25%	3.82%	10.86%
VMVAX Vanguard Mid-Cap Value Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.85%	2.10%	2.11%	2.26%	2.27%	1.78%	2.36%	2.08%	2.75%	1.86%	1.91%	2.04%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VMVAX and ACLAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, VMVAX and ACLAX 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, VMVAX or ACLAX?

VMVAX has higher volatility (3.31%) compared to ACLAX (3.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VMVAX dropped -43.07% vs ACLAX's -51.37%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VMVAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.99 vs 1.47), 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.