VSPMX vs. VSEQX
VSPMX (Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Index Fund Institutional Shares) and VSEQX (Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds from Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VSPMX returned 11.10%/yr vs 13.35%/yr for VSEQX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VSPMX charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.17%/yr for VSEQX.
Performance
VSPMX vs. VSEQX - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VSPMX achieves a 15.26% return, which is significantly lower than VSEQX's 20.10% return. Over the past 10 years, VSPMX has underperformed VSEQX with an annualized return of 11.10%, while VSEQX has yielded a comparatively higher 13.35% annualized return.
VSPMX
- 1D
- 1.24%
- 1M
- -0.21%
- 6M
- 10.08%
- YTD
- 15.26%
- 1Y
- 20.89%
- 3Y*
- 14.35%
- 5Y*
- 8.46%
- 10Y*
- 11.10%
VSEQX
- 1D
- 1.30%
- 1M
- 2.29%
- 6M
- 15.81%
- YTD
- 20.10%
- 1Y
- 33.66%
- 3Y*
- 20.48%
- 5Y*
- 12.58%
- 10Y*
- 13.35%
VSPMX vs. VSEQX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VSPMX Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Index Fund Institutional Shares | 15.26% | 7.11% | 12.83% | 17.42% | -13.12% | 24.66% | 13.53% | 26.12% | -11.14% | 16.18% |
VSEQX Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund | 20.10% | 15.32% | 16.67% | 19.31% | -11.90% | 30.83% | 10.26% | 26.76% | -11.86% | 12.36% |
Correlation
The correlation between VSPMX and VSEQX is 0.96 - 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 | 0.96 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.97 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.98 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.98 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2012 | 0.98 |
The correlation between VSPMX and VSEQX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
VSPMX vs. VSEQX — Risk / Return Rank
VSPMX
VSEQX
VSPMX vs. VSEQX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSPMX) and Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund (VSEQX). 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.
| VSPMX | VSEQX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.86 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -1.07 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.23 | 1.37 | -0.14 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.33 | 4.33 | -2.00 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 8.45 | 16.63 | -8.18 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
VSPMX vs. VSEQX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VSPMX drawdown since its inception was -42.04%, smaller than the maximum VSEQX drawdown of -63.55%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSPMX and VSEQX.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| VSPMX | VSEQX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -42.04% | -63.55% | +21.51% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -8.82% | -7.60% | -1.22% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -24.27% | -24.73% | +0.46% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -24.27% | -24.73% | +0.46% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -42.04% | -44.08% | +2.04% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.76% | -0.44% | -1.32% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -5.06% | -9.04% | +3.98% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.43% | 1.98% | +0.45% |
Volatility
VSPMX vs. VSEQX - Volatility Comparison
Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSPMX) has a higher volatility of 4.65% compared to Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund (VSEQX) at 3.99%. This indicates that VSPMX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VSEQX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| VSPMX | VSEQX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.65% | 3.99% | +0.66% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 11.65% | 11.02% | +0.63% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 15.77% | 15.24% | +0.53% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 19.66% | 19.94% | -0.28% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 20.96% | 21.35% | -0.39% |
VSPMX vs. VSEQX - Expense Ratio Comparison
VSPMX has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than VSEQX's 0.17% 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
VSPMX vs. VSEQX - Dividend Comparison
VSPMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.21%, less than VSEQX's 9.29% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VSEQX Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund | 9.29% | 11.16% | 11.36% | 6.11% | 11.77% | 21.36% | 1.77% | 2.92% | 10.34% | 7.05% | 3.13% | 12.28% |
VSPMX Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Index Fund Institutional Shares | 1.21% | 1.07% | 1.32% | 1.26% | 1.59% | 1.15% | 1.24% | 1.49% | 1.64% | 1.27% | 1.54% | 1.52% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.96, VSPMX and VSEQX 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.
VSPMX has higher volatility (4.65%) compared to VSEQX (3.99%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSPMX dropped -42.04% vs VSEQX's -63.55%.
VSEQX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 1.30), 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.
Find the right allocation for VSPMX and VSEQX
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer