VO vs. VIMAX

Last updated Jun 18, 2026

VO (Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF) and VIMAX (Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds from Vanguard tracking the CRSP US Mid Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VO returned 11.71%/yr vs 11.84%/yr for VIMAX. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VO charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VIMAX.

Performance

VO vs. VIMAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) and Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VIMAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VO achieves a 10.04% return, which is significantly lower than VIMAX's 11.56% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VO having a 11.71% annualized return and VIMAX not far ahead at 11.84%.

VO

• 1D: -1.38%
• 1M: 3.81%
• YTD: 10.04%
• 6M: 10.21%
• 1Y: 18.94%
• 3Y*: 15.30%
• 5Y*: 8.27%
• 10Y*: 11.71%

VIMAX

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 5.23%
• YTD: 11.56%
• 6M: 11.76%
• 1Y: 20.55%
• 3Y*: 15.80%
• 5Y*: 8.26%
• 10Y*: 11.84%

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

VO vs. VIMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VO Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF	10.04%	11.62%	15.31%	16.03%	-18.73%	24.70%	18.10%	30.98%	-9.24%	19.28%
VIMAX Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares	11.56%	11.67%	14.66%	16.53%	-18.70%	24.51%	18.18%	31.03%	-9.24%	19.26%

Correlation

The correlation between VO and VIMAX is 0.99 - 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	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	1.00
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.00
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.00
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.99

The correlation between VO and VIMAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

VO vs. VIMAX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VO	VIMAX
Technology	18.6%	18.6%
Industrials	17.9%	17.9%
Financial Services	12.8%	12.8%
Consumer Cyclical	8.6%	8.6%
Energy	8.5%	8.5%
Utilities	8.3%	8.3%
Healthcare	7.6%	7.6%
Real Estate	5.4%	5.4%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	4.8%
Basic Materials	4.2%	4.2%
Communication Services	3.1%	3.1%

Return for Risk

VO vs. VIMAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VO

VO Risk / Return Rank: 47
VO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
VO Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
VO Omega Ratio Rank: 42
VO Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
VO Martin Ratio Rank: 53

VIMAX

VIMAX Risk / Return Rank: 36
VIMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
VIMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
VIMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 29
VIMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
VIMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 45

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.

VO vs. VIMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) and Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VIMAX). 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.

	VO	VIMAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.49	1.55	-0.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.13	2.21	-0.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.27	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.33	2.42	-0.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.79	9.13	-0.34

VO vs. VIMAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VO Sharpe Ratio is 1.49, which is comparable to the VIMAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VO and VIMAX, 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

VO vs. VIMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VO drawdown since its inception was -58.87%, roughly equal to the maximum VIMAX drawdown of -58.88%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VO and VIMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VO	VIMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.87%	-58.88%	+0.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.17%	-8.13%	-0.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.02%	-18.93%	-0.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.57%	-27.55%	-0.02%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.37%	-39.30%	-0.07%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.57%	-0.22%	-1.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.85%	-8.11%	+0.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.16%	2.16%	0.00%

Volatility

VO vs. VIMAX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) has a higher volatility of 4.48% compared to Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VIMAX) at 4.20%. This indicates that VO's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VIMAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VO	VIMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.48%	4.20%	+0.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.82%	9.76%	+0.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.78%	12.73%	+0.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.67%	17.70%	-0.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.98%	18.95%	+0.03%

VO vs. VIMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VO has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than VIMAX's 0.05% 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

VO vs. VIMAX - Dividend Comparison

VO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.36%, more than VIMAX's 1.33% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VIMAX Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.33%	1.51%	1.48%	1.50%	1.59%	1.11%	1.44%	1.47%	1.82%	1.35%	1.45%	1.47%
VO Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF	1.36%	1.52%	1.49%	1.52%	1.60%	1.12%	1.45%	1.48%	1.82%	1.35%	1.45%	1.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VO and VIMAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, VO and VIMAX 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, VO or VIMAX?

VO has higher volatility (4.48%) compared to VIMAX (4.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VO dropped -58.87% vs VIMAX's -58.88%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VIMAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.55 vs 1.49), 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.