FSSAX vs. QUSIX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

FSSAX (Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund) and QUSIX (Pear Tree Polaris Foreign Value Small Cap Fund) are both mutual funds - FSSAX is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Franklin Templeton, while QUSIX is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund managed by Pear Tree Funds. Over the past 10 years, FSSAX returned 12.86%/yr vs 8.13%/yr for QUSIX. At a 0.38 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FSSAX charges 0.78%/yr vs 1.05%/yr for QUSIX.

Performance

FSSAX vs. QUSIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund (FSSAX) and Pear Tree Polaris Foreign Value Small Cap Fund (QUSIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FSSAX achieves a 11.59% return, which is significantly higher than QUSIX's 1.20% return. Over the past 10 years, FSSAX has outperformed QUSIX with an annualized return of 12.86%, while QUSIX has yielded a comparatively lower 8.13% annualized return.

FSSAX

• 1D: -1.13%
• 1M: 3.30%
• YTD: 11.59%
• 6M: 8.94%
• 1Y: 25.25%
• 3Y*: 16.29%
• 5Y*: 2.21%
• 10Y*: 12.86%

QUSIX

• 1D: -1.33%
• 1M: -2.06%
• YTD: 1.20%
• 6M: 1.54%
• 1Y: 6.43%
• 3Y*: 12.04%
• 5Y*: 4.49%
• 10Y*: 8.13%

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

FSSAX vs. QUSIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FSSAX Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund	11.59%	7.88%	13.02%	31.05%	-30.29%	-0.24%	41.68%	42.14%	-3.08%	21.32%
QUSIX Pear Tree Polaris Foreign Value Small Cap Fund	1.20%	26.42%	-1.98%	21.28%	-17.13%	15.56%	6.67%	20.71%	-18.81%	33.46%

Correlation

The correlation between FSSAX and QUSIX is 0.35, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.35
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.37
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.40
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.36
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2009	0.38

Return for Risk

FSSAX vs. QUSIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSSAX

FSSAX Risk / Return Rank: 36
FSSAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
FSSAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
FSSAX Omega Ratio Rank: 28
FSSAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
FSSAX Martin Ratio Rank: 46

QUSIX

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

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.

FSSAX vs. QUSIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund (FSSAX) and Pear Tree Polaris Foreign Value Small Cap Fund (QUSIX). 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.

	FSSAX	QUSIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.44	0.63	+0.80
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.07	1.02	+1.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.12	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.30	0.67	+1.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.74	1.80	+6.94

FSSAX vs. QUSIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSSAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.44, which is higher than the QUSIX Sharpe Ratio of 0.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSSAX and QUSIX, 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

FSSAX vs. QUSIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSSAX drawdown since its inception was -59.61%, which is greater than QUSIX's maximum drawdown of -42.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSSAX and QUSIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSSAX	QUSIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.61%	-42.87%	-16.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.99%	-12.09%	+0.10%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.48%	-14.33%	-15.15%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-42.58%	-32.21%	-10.37%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.80%	-42.87%	+0.07%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.13%	-7.59%	+6.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.71%	-8.50%	-6.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.14%	4.51%	-1.37%

Volatility

FSSAX vs. QUSIX - Volatility Comparison

Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund (FSSAX) has a higher volatility of 6.00% compared to Pear Tree Polaris Foreign Value Small Cap Fund (QUSIX) at 3.74%. This indicates that FSSAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than QUSIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FSSAX	QUSIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.00%	3.74%	+2.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.30%	10.57%	+3.73%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.17%	12.90%	+6.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.44%	14.40%	+10.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.95%	14.19%	+9.76%

FSSAX vs. QUSIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSSAX has a 0.78% expense ratio, which is lower than QUSIX's 1.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

FSSAX vs. QUSIX - Dividend Comparison

FSSAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.85%, more than QUSIX's 2.89% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSSAX Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund	6.85%	7.64%	0.00%	0.00%	0.54%	16.49%	9.31%	12.17%	22.72%	1.77%	0.00%	1.92%
QUSIX Pear Tree Polaris Foreign Value Small Cap Fund	2.89%	2.92%	3.28%	2.48%	4.90%	2.43%	3.89%	2.96%	5.09%	3.00%	2.06%	2.20%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSSAX and QUSIX in my portfolio?

FSSAX and QUSIX have a correlation of 0.35, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FSSAX or QUSIX?

FSSAX has higher volatility (6.00%) compared to QUSIX (3.74%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSSAX dropped -59.61% vs QUSIX's -42.87%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FSSAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.44 vs 0.63), 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.