PHSKX vs. PSTAX

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

PHSKX (Virtus KAR Mid-Cap Growth Fund) and PSTAX (Virtus KAR Capital Growth Fund) are both mutual funds - PHSKX is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Virtus, while PSTAX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Virtus. Over the past 10 years, PHSKX returned 10.43%/yr vs 13.18%/yr for PSTAX. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PHSKX charges 1.24%/yr vs 1.20%/yr for PSTAX.

Performance

PHSKX vs. PSTAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus KAR Mid-Cap Growth Fund (PHSKX) and Virtus KAR Capital Growth Fund (PSTAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PHSKX achieves a -4.46% return, which is significantly lower than PSTAX's 4.85% return. Over the past 10 years, PHSKX has underperformed PSTAX with an annualized return of 10.43%, while PSTAX has yielded a comparatively higher 13.18% annualized return.

PHSKX

• 1D: -0.43%
• 1M: 2.05%
• 6M: -6.89%
• YTD: -4.46%
• 1Y: -9.02%
• 3Y*: 0.53%
• 5Y*: -4.02%
• 10Y*: 10.43%

PSTAX

• 1D: -0.24%
• 1M: -1.38%
• 6M: 4.17%
• YTD: 4.85%
• 1Y: 5.72%
• 3Y*: 14.27%
• 5Y*: 5.15%
• 10Y*: 13.18%

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

PHSKX vs. PSTAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PHSKX Virtus KAR Mid-Cap Growth Fund	-4.46%	-3.58%	7.43%	22.00%	-33.46%	1.23%	63.29%	44.03%	7.44%	33.54%
PSTAX Virtus KAR Capital Growth Fund	4.85%	6.85%	25.19%	34.35%	-35.74%	11.70%	46.13%	42.83%	-8.07%	35.13%

Correlation

The correlation between PHSKX and PSTAX is 0.86, 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	0.86
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 1996	0.91

The correlation between PHSKX and PSTAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PHSKX vs. PSTAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PHSKX

PHSKX Risk / Return Rank: 1
PHSKX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
PHSKX Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
PHSKX Omega Ratio Rank: 1
PHSKX Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
PHSKX Martin Ratio Rank: 1

PSTAX

PSTAX Risk / Return Rank: 6
PSTAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
PSTAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
PSTAX Omega Ratio Rank: 6
PSTAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
PSTAX Martin Ratio Rank: 6

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.

PHSKX vs. PSTAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus KAR Mid-Cap Growth Fund (PHSKX) and Virtus KAR Capital Growth Fund (PSTAX). 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.

	PHSKX	PSTAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.42	0.33	-0.75
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.46	0.58	-1.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.95	1.07	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.35	0.31	-0.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.76	0.97	-1.73

PHSKX vs. PSTAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PHSKX Sharpe Ratio is -0.42, which is lower than the PSTAX Sharpe Ratio of 0.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PHSKX and PSTAX, 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

PHSKX vs. PSTAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PHSKX drawdown since its inception was -81.79%, which is greater than PSTAX's maximum drawdown of -76.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PHSKX and PSTAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PHSKX	PSTAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-81.79%	-76.37%	-5.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.77%	-19.58%	-4.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.26%	-29.63%	+2.37%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-46.87%	-44.54%	-2.33%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.87%	-44.54%	-2.33%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-28.89%	-6.03%	-22.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-29.38%	-31.82%	+2.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	10.84%	6.33%	+4.51%

Volatility

PHSKX vs. PSTAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Virtus KAR Mid-Cap Growth Fund (PHSKX) is 5.42%, while Virtus KAR Capital Growth Fund (PSTAX) has a volatility of 7.04%. This indicates that PHSKX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PSTAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PHSKX	PSTAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.42%	7.04%	-1.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.64%	16.26%	-0.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.62%	18.87%	+0.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.92%	25.48%	-0.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.55%	23.77%	-0.22%

PHSKX vs. PSTAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PHSKX has a 1.24% expense ratio, which is higher than PSTAX's 1.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

PHSKX vs. PSTAX - Dividend Comparison

PHSKX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 48.51%, more than PSTAX's 7.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PHSKX Virtus KAR Mid-Cap Growth Fund	48.51%	46.34%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	1.53%	0.10%	0.62%	2.19%	6.10%	1.60%	1.54%
PSTAX Virtus KAR Capital Growth Fund	7.23%	7.58%	14.19%	6.07%	23.19%	7.73%	3.15%	2.71%	11.57%	6.28%	8.98%	4.59%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PHSKX and PSTAX in my portfolio?

PHSKX and PSTAX have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PHSKX or PSTAX?

PSTAX has higher volatility (7.04%) compared to PHSKX (5.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PHSKX dropped -81.79% vs PSTAX's -76.37%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PSTAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.33 vs -0.42), 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.