VSEQX vs. VFIAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VSEQX (Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund) and VFIAX (Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - VSEQX is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while VFIAX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 10 years, VSEQX returned 13.34%/yr vs 15.54%/yr for VFIAX. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VSEQX charges 0.17%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VFIAX.

Performance

VSEQX vs. VFIAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund (VSEQX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSEQX achieves a 17.04% return, which is significantly higher than VFIAX's 10.17% return. Over the past 10 years, VSEQX has underperformed VFIAX with an annualized return of 13.34%, while VFIAX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.54% annualized return.

VSEQX

• 1D: 1.01%
• 1M: 2.91%
• YTD: 17.04%
• 6M: 14.56%
• 1Y: 36.52%
• 3Y*: 20.35%
• 5Y*: 12.89%
• 10Y*: 13.34%

VFIAX

• 1D: 1.09%
• 1M: 0.46%
• YTD: 10.17%
• 6M: 9.67%
• 1Y: 27.15%
• 3Y*: 20.95%
• 5Y*: 14.06%
• 10Y*: 15.54%

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

VSEQX vs. VFIAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VSEQX Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund	17.04%	15.32%	16.67%	19.31%	-11.90%	30.83%	10.26%	26.76%	-11.86%	12.36%
VFIAX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares	10.17%	17.83%	24.97%	26.24%	-18.16%	28.65%	18.32%	31.46%	-4.45%	21.78%

Correlation

The correlation between VSEQX and VFIAX is 0.82, 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	0.82
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 13, 2000	0.90

The correlation between VSEQX and VFIAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

VSEQX vs. VFIAX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VSEQX	VFIAX
Technology	17.4%	39.1%
Industrials	16.5%	7.6%
Financial Services	14.8%	10.9%
Healthcare	10.9%	8.3%
Consumer Cyclical	10.4%	9.8%
Real Estate	6.8%	1.8%
Energy	6.0%	3.2%
Utilities	4.9%	2.5%
Basic Materials	4.8%	1.7%
Consumer Defensive	3.4%	4.5%
Communication Services	3.3%	10.5%

Return for Risk

VSEQX vs. VFIAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSEQX

VSEQX Risk / Return Rank: 82
VSEQX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
VSEQX Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
VSEQX Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VSEQX Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
VSEQX Martin Ratio Rank: 94

VFIAX

VFIAX Risk / Return Rank: 66
VFIAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VFIAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
VFIAX Omega Ratio Rank: 61
VFIAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VFIAX Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

VSEQX vs. VFIAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund (VSEQX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX). 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.

	VSEQX	VFIAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.41	2.17	+0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.32	2.93	+0.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.39	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.84	3.03	+1.81
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.59	13.72	+4.87

VSEQX vs. VFIAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSEQX Sharpe Ratio is 2.41, which is comparable to the VFIAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSEQX and VFIAX, 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

VSEQX vs. VFIAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSEQX drawdown since its inception was -63.55%, which is greater than VFIAX's maximum drawdown of -55.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSEQX and VFIAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSEQX	VFIAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.55%	-55.20%	-8.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.60%	-8.90%	+1.30%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.73%	-18.75%	-5.98%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.73%	-24.53%	-0.20%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.08%	-33.83%	-10.25%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.59%	-1.36%	+0.77%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.05%	-9.38%	+0.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.98%	1.96%	+0.02%

Volatility

VSEQX vs. VFIAX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund (VSEQX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX) have volatilities of 4.63% and 4.77%, 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

	VSEQX	VFIAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.63%	4.77%	-0.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.10%	9.91%	+1.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.31%	12.47%	+2.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.98%	17.00%	+2.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.44%	18.11%	+3.33%

VSEQX vs. VFIAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

VSEQX vs. VFIAX - Dividend Comparison

VSEQX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.53%, more than VFIAX's 1.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VFIAX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.03%	1.12%	1.24%	1.45%	1.68%	1.24%	1.53%	1.87%	2.05%	1.78%	2.02%	2.10%
VSEQX Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund	9.53%	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 VSEQX and VFIAX in my portfolio?

VSEQX and VFIAX have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VSEQX or VFIAX?

VFIAX has higher volatility (4.77%) compared to VSEQX (4.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSEQX dropped -63.55% vs VFIAX's -55.20%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSEQX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.41 vs 2.17), 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.