AZBIX vs. VRTIX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

AZBIX (Virtus Small-Cap Fund) and VRTIX (Vanguard Russell 2000 Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, AZBIX returned 12.44%/yr vs 11.79%/yr for VRTIX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. AZBIX charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VRTIX.

Performance

AZBIX vs. VRTIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus Small-Cap Fund (AZBIX) and Vanguard Russell 2000 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with AZBIX having a 20.50% return and VRTIX slightly higher at 21.03%. Over the past 10 years, AZBIX has outperformed VRTIX with an annualized return of 12.44%, while VRTIX has yielded a comparatively lower 11.79% annualized return.

AZBIX

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: 2.87%
• YTD: 20.50%
• 6M: 17.74%
• 1Y: 35.92%
• 3Y*: 18.84%
• 5Y*: 8.38%
• 10Y*: 12.44%

VRTIX

• 1D: 0.37%
• 1M: 2.39%
• YTD: 21.03%
• 6M: 17.96%
• 1Y: 41.69%
• 3Y*: 19.50%
• 5Y*: 6.47%
• 10Y*: 11.79%

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

AZBIX vs. VRTIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AZBIX Virtus Small-Cap Fund	20.50%	8.49%	19.06%	14.09%	-18.04%	18.92%	16.98%	24.13%	-9.25%	21.27%
VRTIX Vanguard Russell 2000 Index Fund Institutional Shares	21.03%	12.55%	11.59%	17.01%	-20.40%	14.71%	20.46%	25.60%	-10.92%	14.77%

Correlation

The correlation between AZBIX and VRTIX is 0.95 - 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 2, 2013	0.96

The correlation between AZBIX and VRTIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AZBIX vs. VRTIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

AZBIX

AZBIX Risk / Return Rank: 74
AZBIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
AZBIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
AZBIX Omega Ratio Rank: 58
AZBIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
AZBIX Martin Ratio Rank: 83

VRTIX

VRTIX Risk / Return Rank: 73
VRTIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
VRTIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VRTIX Omega Ratio Rank: 55
VRTIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
VRTIX Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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. VRTIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Small-Cap Fund (AZBIX) and Vanguard Russell 2000 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTIX). 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	VRTIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.01	2.05	-0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.84	2.83	+0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.34	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.73	3.66	+0.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.98	12.95	+0.03

AZBIX vs. VRTIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AZBIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.01, which is comparable to the VRTIX Sharpe Ratio of 2.05. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AZBIX and VRTIX, 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. VRTIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AZBIX drawdown since its inception was -40.80%, roughly equal to the maximum VRTIX drawdown of -41.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AZBIX and VRTIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	AZBIX	VRTIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.80%	-41.69%	+0.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.33%	-10.99%	+1.66%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.01%	-27.72%	-1.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.85%	-31.98%	+2.13%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.80%	-41.69%	+0.89%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.90%	-0.59%	-0.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.68%	-8.37%	+0.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.67%	3.10%	-0.43%

Volatility

AZBIX vs. VRTIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Virtus Small-Cap Fund (AZBIX) is 5.80%, while Vanguard Russell 2000 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTIX) has a volatility of 6.46%. This indicates that AZBIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VRTIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AZBIX	VRTIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.80%	6.46%	-0.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.94%	14.35%	-1.41%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.32%	19.71%	-2.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.57%	22.68%	-2.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.37%	23.48%	-2.11%

AZBIX vs. VRTIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

AZBIX has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than VRTIX's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

AZBIX vs. VRTIX - Dividend Comparison

AZBIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.07%, more than VRTIX's 1.10% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AZBIX Virtus Small-Cap Fund	4.07%	4.90%	10.82%	2.31%	4.78%	13.82%	0.45%	0.38%	9.62%	13.80%	0.03%	3.59%
VRTIX Vanguard Russell 2000 Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.10%	1.00%	1.23%	1.46%	1.50%	1.05%	1.14%	1.36%	1.49%	1.24%	1.33%	1.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AZBIX and VRTIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, AZBIX and VRTIX 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.

Which is riskier, AZBIX or VRTIX?

VRTIX has higher volatility (6.46%) compared to AZBIX (5.80%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AZBIX dropped -40.80% vs VRTIX's -41.69%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VRTIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.04 vs 2.01), 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.