KMID vs. VSHY

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

KMID (Virtus KAR Mid-Cap ETF) and VSHY (Virtus Newfleet Short Duration High Yield Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - KMID is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Virtus, while VSHY is a High Yield Bonds fund actively managed by Virtus. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, KMID returned 0.73% vs 6.83% for VSHY. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. KMID charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for VSHY.

Performance

KMID vs. VSHY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus KAR Mid-Cap ETF (KMID) and Virtus Newfleet Short Duration High Yield Bond ETF (VSHY). 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 KMID having a 1.86% return and VSHY slightly higher at 1.90%.

KMID

• 1D: 0.52%
• 1M: 0.10%
• YTD: 1.86%
• 6M: 1.78%
• 1Y: 0.73%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VSHY

• 1D: 0.15%
• 1M: 0.31%
• YTD: 1.90%
• 6M: 2.04%
• 1Y: 6.83%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

KMID vs. VSHY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
KMID Virtus KAR Mid-Cap ETF	1.86%	0.31%	-2.93%
VSHY Virtus Newfleet Short Duration High Yield Bond ETF	1.90%	6.87%	0.57%

Correlation

The correlation between KMID and VSHY is 0.55, 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	0.55
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 17, 2024	0.57

The correlation between KMID and VSHY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.55 to 0.57 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

KMID vs. VSHY — Risk / Return Rank

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

KMID

KMID Risk / Return Rank: 10
KMID Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
KMID Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
KMID Omega Ratio Rank: 9
KMID Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
KMID Martin Ratio Rank: 10

VSHY

VSHY Risk / Return Rank: 70
VSHY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
VSHY Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
VSHY Omega Ratio Rank: 66
VSHY Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
VSHY Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

KMID vs. VSHY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus KAR Mid-Cap ETF (KMID) and Virtus Newfleet Short Duration High Yield Bond ETF (VSHY). 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.

	KMID	VSHY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.05	2.02	-1.97
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.18	3.05	-2.87
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.02	1.39	-0.37
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.07	3.95	-3.88
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.17	14.76	-14.58
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

KMID vs. VSHY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KMID Sharpe Ratio is 0.05, which is lower than the VSHY Sharpe Ratio of 2.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KMID and VSHY, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	KMID	VSHY	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.05	2.02	-1.97
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.03	1.89	-1.92

Drawdowns

KMID vs. VSHY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KMID drawdown since its inception was -18.89%, which is greater than VSHY's maximum drawdown of -4.55%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KMID and VSHY.

Drawdown Indicators

	KMID	VSHY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.89%	-4.55%	-14.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.71%	-1.73%	-8.98%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.28%	-0.18%	-5.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.77%	-0.42%	-5.35%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.27%	0.46%	+3.81%

Volatility

KMID vs. VSHY - Volatility Comparison

Virtus KAR Mid-Cap ETF (KMID) has a higher volatility of 3.78% compared to Virtus Newfleet Short Duration High Yield Bond ETF (VSHY) at 1.31%. This indicates that KMID's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VSHY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KMID	VSHY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.78%	1.31%	+2.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.17%	2.65%	+8.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.34%	3.40%	+10.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.91%	4.40%	+12.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.91%	4.40%	+12.51%

KMID vs. VSHY - Expense Ratio Comparison

KMID has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than VSHY's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

KMID vs. VSHY - Dividend Comparison

KMID's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.11%, less than VSHY's 6.40% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
KMID Virtus KAR Mid-Cap ETF	0.11%	0.06%	0.05%	0.00%
VSHY Virtus Newfleet Short Duration High Yield Bond ETF	6.40%	6.14%	6.81%	1.36%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KMID and VSHY in my portfolio?

KMID and VSHY have a correlation of 0.55, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KMID or VSHY?

KMID has higher volatility (3.78%) compared to VSHY (1.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KMID dropped -18.89% vs VSHY's -4.55%.

Which ETF is better, KMID or VSHY?

On 1-year performance, VSHY leads with 6.83% vs 0.73% for KMID. On fees, VSHY is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, VSHY has been the lower-risk option at 1.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KMID or VSHY?

Over the 1-year period, VSHY has performed better with a 6.83% return vs 0.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KMID or VSHY?

VSHY is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for KMID.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, KMID or VSHY?

VSHY has the higher dividend yield at 6.40%, compared with 0.11% for KMID.

What is the main difference between KMID and VSHY?

KMID is categorized as Mid Cap Growth Equities, while VSHY is High Yield Bonds. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for KMID and 0.40% for VSHY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSHY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.02 vs 0.05), 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.