The 5 Best Mid Cap ETFs (3 From Vanguard) for 2023

Mid-cap stocks have exhibited higher returns than large-caps historically. Below we'll review the 5 best mid-cap ETFs to access the middle segment of the market in 2023.

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In a hurry? Here's the list:

1. VO – Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF
2. VOE – Vanguard Mid-Cap Value ETF
3. VOT – Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF
4. SCHM – Schwab US Mid-Cap ETF
5. IJH – iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF

Introduction – Why Mid Caps?

Mid-cap stocks are often referred to as the “forgotten size segment” or the “orphaned index,” due to the fact that large-caps and small-caps get all the press. Many investors tilt large-cap or small-cap, altogether ignoring or forgetting about mid-caps, or simply relegating them to their limited exposure in a total market index fund.

Small-cap stocks are usually companies in their early stages of growth. Large-caps are well-established, “stable” companies. Mid-caps, of course, are somewhere in the middle. Investors assume that mid-cap stocks carry more risk and return than small-caps, and less risk and return than large-caps, and understandably so, as this is how the Size factor premium should play out on paper. Returns going back to 1972 tell a slightly different story:

At least for the period 1972 through July 2020, mid-caps as a whole have achieved higher general and risk-adjusted returns than small-caps, with lower volatility.

So now that we know mid-caps are probably a solid investment, let's explore the 5 best mid cap ETFs.

The 5 Best Mid Cap ETFs

Below are the 5 best mid cap ETFs from various providers:

VO – Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF

The Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) is the most popular ETF for the mid cap market segment, and for good reason. The fund has over $100 billion in assets and a low expense ratio of 0.04%. This ETF gets you broad exposure to the mid-cap range of stocks with over 350 holdings, and seeks to track the CRSP US Mid Cap Index.

VOE – Vanguard Mid-Cap Value ETF

Prefer to tilt Value? Mid cap Value stocks have beaten mid cap Growth stocks historically, and with lower volatility and smaller drawdowns. The Vanguard Mid-Cap Value ETF (VOE) is the most popular ETF for this market segment. It holds over 200 mid cap value stocks. The fund seeks to track the CRSP US Mid Cap Value Index and has an expense ratio of 0.07%.

VOT – Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF

Want to bet on mid cap Growth stocks instead? The Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) tracks the CRSP US Mid Cap Growth Index and has over 150 holdings and an expense ratio of 0.07%.

SCHM – Schwab US Mid-Cap ETF

The Schwab US Mid-Cap ETF (SCHM) is another great low-fee option for investing in mid-cap stocks. This ETF tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Mid-Cap Total Stock Market Index and has an expense ratio of just 0.04%.

IJH – iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF

The iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF (IJH), as the name suggests, seeks to track the S&P MidCap 400 Index. The fund has over $40 billion in assets, 400 holdings, and an expense ratio of 0.05%.

Where to Buy These Mid Cap ETFs

M1 Finance offers all these mid cap ETFs. The broker has zero trade commissions, zero account fees, and offers fractional shares, dynamic rebalancing, and a sleek, user-friendly interface and mobile app. I wrote a comprehensive review of M1 Finance here.

Canadians can find the above ETFs on Questrade or Interactive Brokers. Investors outside North America can use eToro or possibly Interactive Brokers.

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Disclosures:  I am long VOE.

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Disclaimer:  While I love diving into investing-related data and playing around with backtests, this is not financial advice, investing advice, or tax advice. The information on this website is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Investment products discussed (ETFs, mutual funds, etc.) are for illustrative purposes only. It is not a recommendation to buy, sell, or otherwise transact in any of the products mentioned. I always attempt to ensure the accuracy of information presented but that accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Do your own due diligence. All investing involves risk, including the risk of losing the money you invest. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Opinions are my own and do not represent those of other parties mentioned. Read my lengthier disclaimer here.