PKSFX vs. VKSIX

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

PKSFX (Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund) and VKSIX (Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Core Fund) are both Mid Cap Growth Equities funds from Virtus. Over the past 5 years, PKSFX returned 8.12%/yr vs -0.67%/yr for VKSIX. Their correlation of 0.89 means they have usually moved in the same direction. PKSFX charges 1.00%/yr vs 1.02%/yr for VKSIX.

Performance

PKSFX vs. VKSIX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PKSFX achieves a 7.13% return, which is significantly higher than VKSIX's -4.34% return.

PKSFX

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: -2.87%
• 6M: -0.76%
• YTD: 7.13%
• 1Y: 5.83%
• 3Y*: 8.78%
• 5Y*: 8.12%
• 10Y*: 15.13%
• ALL TIME*: 10.84%

VKSIX

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: -1.28%
• 6M: -6.80%
• YTD: -4.34%
• 1Y: -10.41%
• 3Y*: 1.45%
• 5Y*: -0.67%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 8.26%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
PKSFX Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00
VKSIX Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Core Fund	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00

PKSFX vs. VKSIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
PKSFX Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund	7.13%	-2.58%	13.67%	32.32%	-10.77%	19.03%	21.38%	40.21%	-10.18%
VKSIX Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Core Fund	-4.34%	-4.36%	9.07%	23.61%	-23.83%	19.54%	33.45%	38.81%	-6.68%

Correlation

The correlation between PKSFX and VKSIX is 0.83, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.88
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 22, 2018	0.89

The correlation between PKSFX and VKSIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PKSFX vs. VKSIX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

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: 8
PKSFX Martin Ratio Rank: 7

VKSIX

VKSIX Risk / Return Rank: 1
VKSIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
VKSIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
VKSIX Omega Ratio Rank: 1
VKSIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 0
VKSIX Martin Ratio Rank: 0

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

PKSFX vs. VKSIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund (PKSFX) and Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Core Fund (VKSIX). 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.

	PKSFX	VKSIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.29	-0.69	+0.98
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.56	-0.93	+1.50
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	0.90	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.41	-0.71	+1.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.82	-1.32	+2.13

PKSFX vs. VKSIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PKSFX Sharpe Ratio is 0.29, which is higher than the VKSIX Sharpe Ratio of -0.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PKSFX and VKSIX, 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

PKSFX vs. VKSIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PKSFX drawdown since its inception was -54.46%, which is greater than VKSIX's maximum drawdown of -35.59%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PKSFX and VKSIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PKSFX	VKSIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.46%	-35.59%	-18.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.19%	-15.71%	+4.52%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.82%	-20.29%	-1.53%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.02%	-32.49%	+10.47%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.45%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.43%	-15.65%	+11.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.15%	-9.01%	+1.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.62%	8.44%	-2.82%

Volatility

PKSFX vs. VKSIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund (PKSFX) is 4.20%, while Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Core Fund (VKSIX) has a volatility of 4.88%. This indicates that PKSFX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VKSIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PKSFX	VKSIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.20%	4.88%	-0.68%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.00%	12.18%	-1.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.68%	16.22%	-0.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.99%	19.28%	-1.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.80%	20.89%	-2.09%

PKSFX vs. VKSIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PKSFX has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is lower than VKSIX's 1.02% expense ratio.

Dividends

PKSFX vs. VKSIX - Dividend Comparison

PKSFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 13.35%, more than VKSIX's 0.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PKSFX Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund	13.35%	14.30%	4.07%	4.12%	6.65%	12.05%	7.45%	4.03%	4.33%	0.17%	5.69%	19.83%
VKSIX Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Core Fund	0.36%	0.34%	0.43%	0.00%	0.00%	1.13%	0.01%	0.00%	1.47%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PKSFX and VKSIX in my portfolio?

PKSFX and VKSIX 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, PKSFX or VKSIX?

VKSIX has higher volatility (4.88%) compared to PKSFX (4.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PKSFX dropped -54.46% vs VKSIX's -35.59%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PKSFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.29 vs -0.69), 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.