VYMSX vs. VSEQX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VYMSX (Voya Mid Cap Research Enhanced Index Fund) and VSEQX (Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, VYMSX returned 10.42%/yr vs 13.04%/yr for VSEQX. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VYMSX charges 0.82%/yr vs 0.17%/yr for VSEQX.

Performance

VYMSX vs. VSEQX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Voya Mid Cap Research Enhanced Index Fund (VYMSX) and Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund (VSEQX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with VYMSX having a 15.34% return and VSEQX slightly lower at 15.17%. Over the past 10 years, VYMSX has underperformed VSEQX with an annualized return of 10.42%, while VSEQX has yielded a comparatively higher 13.04% annualized return.

VYMSX

• 1D: 1.37%
• 1M: 5.11%
• YTD: 15.34%
• 6M: 14.36%
• 1Y: 25.10%
• 3Y*: 16.95%
• 5Y*: 8.45%
• 10Y*: 10.42%

VSEQX

• 1D: -0.76%
• 1M: 1.34%
• YTD: 15.17%
• 6M: 15.25%
• 1Y: 34.45%
• 3Y*: 21.05%
• 5Y*: 11.70%
• 10Y*: 13.04%

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

VYMSX vs. VSEQX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VYMSX Voya Mid Cap Research Enhanced Index Fund	15.34%	6.79%	14.92%	17.35%	-14.63%	27.47%	8.26%	28.18%	-14.55%	13.43%
VSEQX Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund	15.17%	15.32%	16.67%	19.31%	-11.90%	30.83%	10.26%	26.76%	-11.86%	12.36%

Correlation

The correlation between VYMSX and VSEQX is 0.84, 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	0.84
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 5, 1999	0.96

The correlation between VYMSX and VSEQX shifts across timeframes, from 0.84 (1 year) to 0.95 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VYMSX vs. VSEQX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VYMSX

VYMSX Risk / Return Rank: 43
VYMSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
VYMSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
VYMSX Omega Ratio Rank: 31
VYMSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
VYMSX Martin Ratio Rank: 56

VSEQX

VSEQX Risk / Return Rank: 69
VSEQX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
VSEQX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VSEQX Omega Ratio Rank: 52
VSEQX Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
VSEQX Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

VYMSX vs. VSEQX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Voya Mid Cap Research Enhanced Index Fund (VYMSX) 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.

	VYMSX	VSEQX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.75	2.28	-0.53
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.50	3.17	-0.67
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.40	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.88	4.51	-1.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.25	17.34	-6.09
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VYMSX vs. VSEQX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VYMSX Sharpe Ratio is 1.75, which is comparable to the VSEQX Sharpe Ratio of 2.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VYMSX and VSEQX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VYMSX	VSEQX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.75	2.28	-0.53
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.37	0.59	-0.22
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.46	0.61	-0.15
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.40	0.50	-0.09

Drawdowns

VYMSX vs. VSEQX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VYMSX drawdown since its inception was -57.85%, smaller than the maximum VSEQX drawdown of -63.55%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VYMSX and VSEQX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VYMSX	VSEQX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-57.85%	-63.55%	+5.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.34%	-7.60%	-2.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.02%	-24.73%	+0.71%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.71%	-24.73%	-6.98%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.69%	-44.08%	+0.39%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.76%	+0.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.16%	-9.06%	-0.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.57%	1.97%	+0.60%

Volatility

VYMSX vs. VSEQX - Volatility Comparison

Voya Mid Cap Research Enhanced Index Fund (VYMSX) has a higher volatility of 4.81% compared to Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund (VSEQX) at 3.71%. This indicates that VYMSX'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.

Volatility by Period

	VYMSX	VSEQX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.81%	3.71%	+1.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.33%	10.63%	+1.70%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.08%	15.05%	+2.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.33%	19.95%	+3.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.91%	21.42%	+1.49%

VYMSX vs. VSEQX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VYMSX has a 0.82% expense ratio, which is higher than VSEQX's 0.17% expense ratio.

Dividends

VYMSX vs. VSEQX - Dividend Comparison

VYMSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 25.81%, more than VSEQX's 9.69% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VSEQX Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund	9.69%	11.16%	11.36%	6.11%	11.77%	21.36%	1.77%	2.92%	10.34%	7.05%	3.13%	12.28%
VYMSX Voya Mid Cap Research Enhanced Index Fund	25.81%	29.77%	11.50%	0.96%	6.78%	14.81%	0.79%	2.00%	13.24%	7.58%	1.83%	6.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VYMSX and VSEQX in my portfolio?

VYMSX and VSEQX have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VYMSX or VSEQX?

VYMSX has higher volatility (4.81%) compared to VSEQX (3.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VYMSX dropped -57.85% vs VSEQX's -63.55%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSEQX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 vs 1.75), 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.