ALOIX vs. VUG

Last updated Jul 11, 2026

ALOIX (Virtus International Small-Cap Fund) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both funds - ALOIX is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund managed by Allianz, while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Over the past 10 years, ALOIX returned 8.35%/yr vs 17.80%/yr for VUG. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ALOIX charges 1.04%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

ALOIX vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus International Small-Cap Fund (ALOIX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ALOIX achieves a 12.66% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 7.73% return. Over the past 10 years, ALOIX has underperformed VUG with an annualized return of 8.35%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively higher 17.80% annualized return.

ALOIX

• 1D: 0.58%
• 1M: -0.64%
• 6M: 10.41%
• YTD: 12.66%
• 1Y: 30.95%
• 3Y*: 19.12%
• 5Y*: 6.45%
• 10Y*: 8.35%

VUG

• 1D: 0.48%
• 1M: 2.61%
• 6M: 7.03%
• YTD: 7.73%
• 1Y: 19.25%
• 3Y*: 23.65%
• 5Y*: 12.96%
• 10Y*: 17.80%

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

ALOIX vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ALOIX Virtus International Small-Cap Fund	12.66%	36.22%	2.65%	19.43%	-26.96%	6.02%	15.92%	24.57%	-22.78%	37.59%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	7.73%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between ALOIX and VUG is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.46
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.58
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.60

The correlation between ALOIX and VUG shifts across timeframes, from 0.46 (3 years) to 0.62 (10 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

ALOIX vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

ALOIX

ALOIX Risk / Return Rank: 81
ALOIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
ALOIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
ALOIX Omega Ratio Rank: 81
ALOIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
ALOIX Martin Ratio Rank: 77

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 34
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 36
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

ALOIX vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus International Small-Cap Fund (ALOIX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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.

	ALOIX	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.26	1.12	+1.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.04	1.60	+1.44
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.20	+0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.03	1.16	+1.87
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.96	3.83	+7.14

ALOIX vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ALOIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.26, which is higher than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ALOIX and VUG, 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

ALOIX vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ALOIX drawdown since its inception was -79.29%, which is greater than VUG's maximum drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ALOIX and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	ALOIX	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-79.29%	-50.68%	-28.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.07%	-16.53%	+6.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.03%	-22.85%	+8.82%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.41%	-35.61%	-3.80%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.79%	-35.61%	-7.18%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.64%	-3.09%	+0.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-34.75%	-7.08%	-27.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.77%	4.99%	-2.22%

Volatility

ALOIX vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Virtus International Small-Cap Fund (ALOIX) is 4.94%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 6.54%. This indicates that ALOIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ALOIX	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.94%	6.54%	-1.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.41%	13.81%	-2.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.46%	17.08%	-3.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.08%	22.42%	-7.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.41%	21.50%	-5.09%

ALOIX vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

ALOIX has a 1.04% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

ALOIX vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

ALOIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.03%, more than VUG's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ALOIX Virtus International Small-Cap Fund	4.03%	4.54%	3.50%	4.93%	1.25%	19.08%	1.38%	1.62%	18.17%	1.52%	1.04%	0.54%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.39%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ALOIX and VUG in my portfolio?

ALOIX and VUG have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ALOIX or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (6.54%) compared to ALOIX (4.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ALOIX dropped -79.29% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ALOIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.26 vs 1.12), 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.