VO vs. VXF

Last updated Jun 18, 2026

VO (Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF) and VXF (Vanguard Extended Market ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds from Vanguard - VO tracks the CRSP US Mid Cap Index while VXF tracks the S&P Completion Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VO returned 11.71%/yr vs 12.27%/yr for VXF. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VO charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VXF.

Performance

VO vs. VXF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) and Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF). 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 VXF's 13.87% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VO having a 11.71% annualized return and VXF not far ahead at 12.27%.

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%

VXF

• 1D: -0.74%
• 1M: 5.98%
• YTD: 13.87%
• 6M: 14.20%
• 1Y: 29.11%
• 3Y*: 18.50%
• 5Y*: 6.61%
• 10Y*: 12.27%

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

VO vs. VXF - 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%
VXF Vanguard Extended Market ETF	13.87%	11.40%	16.89%	25.51%	-26.52%	12.31%	32.45%	27.96%	-9.34%	18.06%

Correlation

The correlation between VO and VXF 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 Jan 30, 2004	0.96

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

VO vs. VXF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VO	VXF
Technology	18.6%	19.8%
Industrials	17.9%	19.3%
Financial Services	12.8%	14.6%
Consumer Cyclical	8.6%	9.7%
Energy	8.5%	5.1%
Utilities	8.3%	2.0%
Healthcare	7.6%	13.3%
Real Estate	5.4%	6.0%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	2.7%
Basic Materials	4.2%	4.2%
Communication Services	3.1%	3.3%

Return for Risk

VO vs. VXF — 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

VXF

VXF Risk / Return Rank: 54
VXF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
VXF Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
VXF Omega Ratio Rank: 47
VXF Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
VXF Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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. VXF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) and Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF). 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	VXF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.49	1.65	-0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.13	2.30	-0.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.28	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.33	2.86	-0.53
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.79	10.08	-1.29

VO vs. VXF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VO Sharpe Ratio is 1.49, which is comparable to the VXF Sharpe Ratio of 1.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VO and VXF, 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. VXF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VO drawdown since its inception was -58.87%, roughly equal to the maximum VXF drawdown of -58.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VO and VXF.

Drawdown Indicators

	VO	VXF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.87%	-58.03%	-0.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.17%	-10.21%	+2.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.02%	-26.92%	+7.90%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.57%	-36.39%	+8.82%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.37%	-41.72%	+2.35%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.57%	-1.63%	+0.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.85%	-9.54%	+1.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.16%	2.90%	-0.74%

Volatility

VO vs. VXF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) is 4.48%, while Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF) has a volatility of 6.35%. This indicates that VO experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VXF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VO	VXF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.48%	6.35%	-1.87%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.82%	13.21%	-3.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.78%	17.78%	-5.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.67%	22.43%	-4.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.98%	22.34%	-3.36%

VO vs. VXF - Expense Ratio Comparison

VO has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than VXF'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. VXF - Dividend Comparison

VO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.36%, more than VXF's 1.02% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
VXF Vanguard Extended Market ETF	1.02%	1.14%	1.09%	1.27%	1.15%	1.13%	1.07%	1.30%	1.66%	1.25%	1.43%	1.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VO and VXF in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, VO and VXF 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 VXF?

VXF has higher volatility (6.35%) compared to VO (4.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VO dropped -58.87% vs VXF's -58.03%.

Which ETF is better, VO or VXF?

On 10-year performance, VXF leads with 12.27% vs 11.71% for VO. On fees, VO is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VO has been the lower-risk option at 4.48%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VO or VXF?

Over the 10-year period, VXF has performed better with a 12.27% return vs 11.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VO or VXF?

VO is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.05% for VXF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VO or VXF?

VO has the higher dividend yield at 1.36%, compared with 1.02% for VXF.

What is the main difference between VO and VXF?

VO tracks CRSP US Mid Cap Index, while VXF tracks S&P Completion Index. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VO and 0.05% for VXF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VXF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.65 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.