PSTAX vs. VKSFX

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

PSTAX (Virtus KAR Capital Growth Fund) and VKSFX (Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Value Fund) are both mutual funds - PSTAX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Virtus, while VKSFX is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Virtus. Over the past 3 years, PSTAX returned 14.27%/yr vs 4.78%/yr for VKSFX. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PSTAX charges 1.20%/yr vs 0.94%/yr for VKSFX.

Performance

PSTAX vs. VKSFX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PSTAX achieves a 4.85% return, which is significantly higher than VKSFX's 1.50% return.

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%

VKSFX

• 1D: 0.39%
• 1M: 1.39%
• 6M: -5.13%
• YTD: 1.50%
• 1Y: -1.42%
• 3Y*: 4.78%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PSTAX vs. VKSFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
PSTAX Virtus KAR Capital Growth Fund	4.85%	6.85%	25.19%	34.35%	-35.74%	4.25%
VKSFX Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Value Fund	1.50%	-3.61%	10.24%	16.94%	-20.43%	4.02%

Correlation

The correlation between PSTAX and VKSFX is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.45
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 4, 2021	0.72

Over the past year, the correlation between PSTAX and VKSFX has dropped to 0.45 - well below their long-term average of 0.72, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

PSTAX vs. VKSFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

VKSFX

VKSFX Risk / Return Rank: 3
VKSFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
VKSFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
VKSFX Omega Ratio Rank: 3
VKSFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
VKSFX Martin Ratio Rank: 3

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.

PSTAX vs. VKSFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	PSTAX	VKSFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.33	-0.05	+0.38
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.58	0.03	+0.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.07	1.00	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.31	-0.07	+0.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.97	-0.12	+1.09

PSTAX vs. VKSFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSTAX Sharpe Ratio is 0.33, which is higher than the VKSFX Sharpe Ratio of -0.05. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSTAX and VKSFX, 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

PSTAX vs. VKSFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSTAX drawdown since its inception was -76.37%, which is greater than VKSFX's maximum drawdown of -25.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSTAX and VKSFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSTAX	VKSFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-76.37%	-25.46%	-50.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.58%	-11.36%	-8.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.63%	-20.84%	-8.79%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-44.54%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.54%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.03%	-9.96%	+3.93%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-31.82%	-10.66%	-21.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.33%	6.10%	+0.23%

Volatility

PSTAX vs. VKSFX - Volatility Comparison

Virtus KAR Capital Growth Fund (PSTAX) has a higher volatility of 7.04% compared to Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Value Fund (VKSFX) at 3.65%. This indicates that PSTAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VKSFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSTAX	VKSFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.04%	3.65%	+3.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.26%	9.97%	+6.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.87%	14.38%	+4.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.48%	18.03%	+7.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.77%	18.03%	+5.74%

PSTAX vs. VKSFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSTAX has a 1.20% expense ratio, which is higher than VKSFX's 0.94% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSTAX vs. VKSFX - Dividend Comparison

PSTAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.23%, more than VKSFX's 0.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
VKSFX Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Value Fund	0.23%	0.23%	0.54%	0.70%	0.46%	0.48%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSTAX and VKSFX in my portfolio?

PSTAX and VKSFX have a correlation of 0.45, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PSTAX or VKSFX?

PSTAX has higher volatility (7.04%) compared to VKSFX (3.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSTAX dropped -76.37% vs VKSFX's -25.46%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PSTAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.33 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.