PKSFX vs. ^GSPC

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

PKSFX (Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund) is Mid Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Virtus, while ^GSPC (S&P 500 Index) is an index. Over the past 10 years, PKSFX returned 14.50%/yr vs 13.45%/yr for ^GSPC. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure.

Performance

PKSFX vs. ^GSPC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund (PKSFX) and S&P 500 Index (^GSPC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PKSFX achieves a 2.84% return, which is significantly lower than ^GSPC's 8.18% return. Over the past 10 years, PKSFX has outperformed ^GSPC with an annualized return of 14.50%, while ^GSPC has yielded a comparatively lower 13.45% annualized return.

PKSFX

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: -1.88%
• YTD: 2.84%
• 6M: 3.24%
• 1Y: 3.19%
• 3Y*: 10.39%
• 5Y*: 7.60%
• 10Y*: 14.50%

^GSPC

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: 0.09%
• YTD: 8.18%
• 6M: 8.17%
• 1Y: 23.42%
• 3Y*: 19.88%
• 5Y*: 11.91%
• 10Y*: 13.45%

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

PKSFX vs. ^GSPC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PKSFX Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund	2.84%	-2.58%	13.67%	32.32%	-10.77%	19.03%	21.38%	40.21%	-1.99%	34.98%
^GSPC S&P 500 Index	8.18%	16.39%	23.31%	24.23%	-19.44%	26.89%	16.26%	28.88%	-6.24%	19.42%

Correlation

The correlation between PKSFX and ^GSPC is 0.57, 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	0.57
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.66
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 18, 1996	0.81

Over the past year, the correlation between PKSFX and ^GSPC has dropped to 0.57 - well below their long-term average of 0.81, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

PKSFX vs. ^GSPC — Risk / Return Rank

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

PKSFX

PKSFX Risk / Return Rank: 5
PKSFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
PKSFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
PKSFX Omega Ratio Rank: 4
PKSFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
PKSFX Martin Ratio Rank: 4

^GSPC

^GSPC Risk / Return Rank: 68
^GSPC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
^GSPC Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
^GSPC Omega Ratio Rank: 71
^GSPC Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
^GSPC Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

PKSFX vs. ^GSPC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund (PKSFX) and S&P 500 Index (^GSPC). 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.

	PKSFX	^GSPC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.24	1.94	-1.70
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.47	2.63	-2.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.05	1.35	-0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.32	2.59	-2.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.67	11.84	-11.18
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PKSFX vs. ^GSPC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PKSFX Sharpe Ratio is 0.24, which is lower than the ^GSPC Sharpe Ratio of 1.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PKSFX and ^GSPC, 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

	PKSFX	^GSPC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.24	1.94	-1.70
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.43	0.71	-0.28
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.77	0.75	+0.03
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.56	0.47	+0.09

Drawdowns

PKSFX vs. ^GSPC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PKSFX drawdown since its inception was -54.46%, roughly equal to the maximum ^GSPC drawdown of -56.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PKSFX and ^GSPC.

Drawdown Indicators

	PKSFX	^GSPC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.46%	-56.78%	+2.32%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.19%	-9.10%	-2.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.82%	-18.90%	-2.92%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.02%	-25.43%	+3.41%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.45%	-33.92%	+0.47%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.26%	-2.68%	-5.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.17%	-10.72%	+3.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.42%	1.98%	+3.44%

Volatility

PKSFX vs. ^GSPC - Volatility Comparison

Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund (PKSFX) and S&P 500 Index (^GSPC) have volatilities of 3.68% and 3.80%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PKSFX	^GSPC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.68%	3.80%	-0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.95%	9.41%	+1.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.28%	12.17%	+3.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.93%	16.94%	+0.99%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.81%	18.09%	+0.72%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PKSFX and ^GSPC in my portfolio?

PKSFX and ^GSPC have a correlation of 0.57, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PKSFX or ^GSPC?

^GSPC has higher volatility (3.80%) compared to PKSFX (3.68%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PKSFX dropped -54.46% vs ^GSPC's -56.78%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

^GSPC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.94 vs 0.24), 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.