PQEMX vs. VIESX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PQEMX (PGIM Quant Solutions Emerging Markets Equity Fund) and VIESX (Virtus KAR Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. Over the past 5 years, PQEMX returned 11.71%/yr vs 1.32%/yr for VIESX. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PQEMX charges 1.20%/yr vs 1.51%/yr for VIESX.

Performance

PQEMX vs. VIESX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM Quant Solutions Emerging Markets Equity Fund (PQEMX) and Virtus KAR Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund (VIESX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PQEMX achieves a 33.04% return, which is significantly higher than VIESX's 2.20% return.

PQEMX

• 1D: 0.68%
• 1M: 8.78%
• YTD: 33.04%
• 6M: 34.74%
• 1Y: 61.61%
• 3Y*: 29.10%
• 5Y*: 11.71%
• 10Y*: —

VIESX

• 1D: -1.07%
• 1M: -1.70%
• YTD: 2.20%
• 6M: 2.89%
• 1Y: 3.45%
• 3Y*: 10.36%
• 5Y*: 1.32%
• 10Y*: 9.61%

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

PQEMX vs. VIESX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PQEMX PGIM Quant Solutions Emerging Markets Equity Fund	33.04%	35.22%	10.64%	13.61%	-16.02%	-0.90%	11.97%	15.18%	-16.59%	35.97%
VIESX Virtus KAR Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund	2.20%	13.61%	3.62%	21.83%	-22.92%	-1.62%	38.88%	18.28%	-5.40%	31.01%

Correlation

The correlation between PQEMX and VIESX is 0.62, 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	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.66
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2017	0.71

The correlation between PQEMX and VIESX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.62 to 0.71 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PQEMX vs. VIESX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PQEMX

PQEMX Risk / Return Rank: 90
PQEMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
PQEMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
PQEMX Omega Ratio Rank: 88
PQEMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
PQEMX Martin Ratio Rank: 93

VIESX

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

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.

PQEMX vs. VIESX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM Quant Solutions Emerging Markets Equity Fund (PQEMX) and Virtus KAR Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund (VIESX). 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.

	PQEMX	VIESX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.05	0.30	+2.75
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.70	0.51	+3.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.57	1.06	+0.51
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.73	0.33	+4.40
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.21	0.82	+17.39

PQEMX vs. VIESX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PQEMX Sharpe Ratio is 3.05, which is higher than the VIESX Sharpe Ratio of 0.30. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PQEMX and VIESX, 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

PQEMX vs. VIESX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PQEMX drawdown since its inception was -39.90%, which is greater than VIESX's maximum drawdown of -35.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PQEMX and VIESX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PQEMX	VIESX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.90%	-35.10%	-4.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.17%	-10.58%	-2.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.61%	-11.97%	-3.64%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.38%	-35.10%	+2.72%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.10%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-6.85%	+6.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.06%	-9.72%	-2.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.41%	4.23%	-0.82%

Volatility

PQEMX vs. VIESX - Volatility Comparison

PGIM Quant Solutions Emerging Markets Equity Fund (PQEMX) has a higher volatility of 10.66% compared to Virtus KAR Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund (VIESX) at 4.12%. This indicates that PQEMX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VIESX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PQEMX	VIESX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.66%	4.12%	+6.54%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.18%	9.28%	+8.90%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.44%	11.47%	+8.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.12%	13.23%	+3.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.54%	13.26%	+4.28%

PQEMX vs. VIESX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PQEMX has a 1.20% expense ratio, which is lower than VIESX's 1.51% expense ratio.

Dividends

PQEMX vs. VIESX - Dividend Comparison

PQEMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 14.18%, more than VIESX's 2.73% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PQEMX PGIM Quant Solutions Emerging Markets Equity Fund	14.18%	18.87%	2.76%	3.40%	4.08%	3.41%	1.39%	2.06%	3.04%	6.46%	0.00%	0.00%
VIESX Virtus KAR Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund	2.73%	2.79%	3.64%	0.00%	0.00%	8.80%	1.17%	2.06%	0.38%	0.83%	2.01%	2.24%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PQEMX and VIESX in my portfolio?

PQEMX and VIESX have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PQEMX or VIESX?

PQEMX has higher volatility (10.66%) compared to VIESX (4.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PQEMX dropped -39.90% vs VIESX's -35.10%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PQEMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.05 vs 0.30), 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.