FSLSX vs. PKSFX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

FSLSX (Fidelity Value Strategies Fund) and PKSFX (Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund) are both mutual funds - FSLSX is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund managed by Fidelity, while PKSFX is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Virtus. Over the past 10 years, FSLSX returned 11.65%/yr vs 15.02%/yr for PKSFX. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FSLSX charges 0.86%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for PKSFX.

Performance

FSLSX vs. PKSFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Value Strategies Fund (FSLSX) and Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund (PKSFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FSLSX achieves a 21.92% return, which is significantly higher than PKSFX's 5.24% return. Over the past 10 years, FSLSX has underperformed PKSFX with an annualized return of 11.65%, while PKSFX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.02% annualized return.

FSLSX

• 1D: 2.62%
• 1M: 4.68%
• YTD: 21.92%
• 6M: 11.69%
• 1Y: 30.10%
• 3Y*: 15.49%
• 5Y*: 9.20%
• 10Y*: 11.65%

PKSFX

• 1D: 1.99%
• 1M: 4.75%
• YTD: 5.24%
• 6M: 3.27%
• 1Y: 7.92%
• 3Y*: 10.79%
• 5Y*: 7.97%
• 10Y*: 15.02%

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

FSLSX vs. PKSFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FSLSX Fidelity Value Strategies Fund	21.92%	0.24%	9.25%	20.54%	-7.37%	33.32%	8.24%	34.54%	-16.90%	17.49%
PKSFX Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund	5.24%	-2.58%	13.67%	32.32%	-10.77%	19.03%	21.38%	40.21%	-1.99%	34.98%

Correlation

The correlation between FSLSX and PKSFX is 0.83, 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	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 18, 1996	0.85

The correlation between FSLSX and PKSFX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FSLSX vs. PKSFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSLSX

FSLSX Risk / Return Rank: 52
FSLSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
FSLSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
FSLSX Omega Ratio Rank: 42
FSLSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
FSLSX Martin Ratio Rank: 59

PKSFX

PKSFX Risk / Return Rank: 8
PKSFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
PKSFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
PKSFX Omega Ratio Rank: 7
PKSFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
PKSFX Martin Ratio Rank: 7

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.

FSLSX vs. PKSFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Value Strategies Fund (FSLSX) and Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund (PKSFX). 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.

	FSLSX	PKSFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.50	0.40	+1.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.03	0.71	+1.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.08	+0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.92	0.55	+2.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.49	1.12	+8.37

FSLSX vs. PKSFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSLSX Sharpe Ratio is 1.50, which is higher than the PKSFX Sharpe Ratio of 0.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSLSX and PKSFX, 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

FSLSX vs. PKSFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSLSX drawdown since its inception was -69.87%, which is greater than PKSFX's maximum drawdown of -54.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSLSX and PKSFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSLSX	PKSFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-69.87%	-54.46%	-15.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.79%	-11.19%	+1.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.81%	-21.82%	-4.99%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.81%	-22.02%	-4.79%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.98%	-33.45%	-14.53%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.12%	-6.12%	+6.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.27%	-7.17%	-1.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.00%	5.48%	-2.48%

Volatility

FSLSX vs. PKSFX - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Value Strategies Fund (FSLSX) has a higher volatility of 5.24% compared to Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund (PKSFX) at 4.40%. This indicates that FSLSX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PKSFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FSLSX	PKSFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.24%	4.40%	+0.84%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.94%	11.32%	+3.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.04%	15.57%	+3.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.57%	17.98%	+2.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.94%	18.83%	+3.11%

FSLSX vs. PKSFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSLSX has a 0.86% expense ratio, which is lower than PKSFX's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

FSLSX vs. PKSFX - Dividend Comparison

FSLSX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while PKSFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 13.59%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSLSX Fidelity Value Strategies Fund	0.00%	0.00%	10.41%	2.49%	2.13%	7.29%	0.84%	4.84%	14.59%	6.57%	19.71%	1.26%
PKSFX Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund	13.59%	14.30%	4.07%	4.12%	6.65%	12.05%	7.45%	4.03%	4.33%	0.17%	5.69%	19.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSLSX and PKSFX in my portfolio?

FSLSX and PKSFX have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FSLSX or PKSFX?

FSLSX has higher volatility (5.24%) compared to PKSFX (4.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSLSX dropped -69.87% vs PKSFX's -54.46%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FSLSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.50 vs 0.40), 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.