AZBIX vs. PALAX

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

AZBIX (Virtus Small-Cap Fund) and PALAX (Virtus Global Allocation Fund) are both mutual funds - AZBIX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Allianz, while PALAX is a Global Allocation fund managed by Allianz. Over the past 10 years, AZBIX returned 11.65%/yr vs 7.34%/yr for PALAX. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AZBIX charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.52%/yr for PALAX.

Performance

AZBIX vs. PALAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus Small-Cap Fund (AZBIX) and Virtus Global Allocation Fund (PALAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AZBIX achieves a 20.10% return, which is significantly higher than PALAX's 8.55% return. Over the past 10 years, AZBIX has outperformed PALAX with an annualized return of 11.65%, while PALAX has yielded a comparatively lower 7.34% annualized return.

AZBIX

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 1.75%
• 6M: 14.18%
• YTD: 20.10%
• 1Y: 31.56%
• 3Y*: 17.08%
• 5Y*: 9.45%
• 10Y*: 11.65%

PALAX

• 1D: -0.60%
• 1M: 0.13%
• 6M: 6.58%
• YTD: 8.55%
• 1Y: 18.42%
• 3Y*: 11.27%
• 5Y*: 5.83%
• 10Y*: 7.34%

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

AZBIX vs. PALAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AZBIX Virtus Small-Cap Fund	20.10%	8.49%	19.06%	14.09%	-18.04%	18.92%	16.98%	24.13%	-9.25%	21.27%
PALAX Virtus Global Allocation Fund	8.55%	17.73%	6.39%	11.78%	-15.69%	10.82%	13.99%	17.93%	-8.72%	16.92%

Correlation

The correlation between AZBIX and PALAX is 0.77, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.78
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 2, 2013	0.78

The correlation between AZBIX and PALAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.77 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AZBIX vs. PALAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

AZBIX

AZBIX Risk / Return Rank: 72
AZBIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
AZBIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
AZBIX Omega Ratio Rank: 57
AZBIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
AZBIX Martin Ratio Rank: 82

PALAX

PALAX Risk / Return Rank: 75
PALAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
PALAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
PALAX Omega Ratio Rank: 75
PALAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
PALAX Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

AZBIX vs. PALAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Small-Cap Fund (AZBIX) and Virtus Global Allocation Fund (PALAX). 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.

	AZBIX	PALAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.88	2.07	-0.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.69	2.88	-0.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.38	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.49	2.73	+0.76
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.01	11.29	+0.73

AZBIX vs. PALAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AZBIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.88, which is comparable to the PALAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AZBIX and PALAX, 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

AZBIX vs. PALAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AZBIX drawdown since its inception was -40.80%, smaller than the maximum PALAX drawdown of -44.59%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AZBIX and PALAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	AZBIX	PALAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.80%	-44.59%	+3.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.33%	-6.93%	-2.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.01%	-11.92%	-17.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.85%	-27.75%	-2.10%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.80%	-27.75%	-13.05%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.69%	-1.02%	-1.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.65%	-6.67%	-0.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.70%	1.67%	+1.03%

Volatility

AZBIX vs. PALAX - Volatility Comparison

Virtus Small-Cap Fund (AZBIX) has a higher volatility of 4.28% compared to Virtus Global Allocation Fund (PALAX) at 2.55%. This indicates that AZBIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PALAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AZBIX	PALAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.28%	2.55%	+1.73%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.04%	7.70%	+5.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.30%	9.13%	+8.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.54%	11.94%	+8.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.33%	11.34%	+9.99%

AZBIX vs. PALAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

AZBIX has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than PALAX's 0.52% expense ratio.

Dividends

AZBIX vs. PALAX - Dividend Comparison

AZBIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.08%, less than PALAX's 9.26% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AZBIX Virtus Small-Cap Fund	4.08%	4.90%	10.82%	2.31%	4.78%	13.82%	0.45%	0.38%	9.62%	13.80%	0.03%	3.59%
PALAX Virtus Global Allocation Fund	9.26%	6.94%	3.07%	2.60%	6.29%	9.15%	6.14%	10.09%	6.19%	10.69%	1.61%	5.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AZBIX and PALAX in my portfolio?

AZBIX and PALAX have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AZBIX or PALAX?

AZBIX has higher volatility (4.28%) compared to PALAX (2.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AZBIX dropped -40.80% vs PALAX's -44.59%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PALAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.07 vs 1.88), 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.