PXQSX vs. PKSFX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

PXQSX (Virtus KAR Small-Cap Value Fund) and PKSFX (Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund) are both mutual funds - PXQSX is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Virtus, while PKSFX is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Virtus. Over the past 10 years, PXQSX returned 7.40%/yr vs 14.62%/yr for PKSFX. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PXQSX charges 0.96%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for PKSFX.

Performance

PXQSX vs. PKSFX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PXQSX achieves a 0.70% return, which is significantly lower than PKSFX's 2.63% return. Over the past 10 years, PXQSX has underperformed PKSFX with an annualized return of 7.40%, while PKSFX has yielded a comparatively higher 14.62% annualized return.

PXQSX

• 1D: -0.77%
• 1M: -4.02%
• YTD: 0.70%
• 6M: 1.17%
• 1Y: -2.38%
• 3Y*: 6.88%
• 5Y*: -0.49%
• 10Y*: 7.40%

PKSFX

• 1D: -0.52%
• 1M: -2.46%
• YTD: 2.63%
• 6M: 2.54%
• 1Y: 3.08%
• 3Y*: 10.57%
• 5Y*: 7.56%
• 10Y*: 14.62%

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

PXQSX vs. PKSFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PXQSX Virtus KAR Small-Cap Value Fund	0.70%	-4.50%	9.63%	19.10%	-24.29%	19.50%	28.16%	24.87%	-15.95%	18.90%
PKSFX Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund	2.63%	-2.58%	13.67%	32.32%	-10.77%	19.03%	21.38%	40.21%	-1.99%	34.98%

Correlation

The correlation between PXQSX and PKSFX is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 30, 2006	0.91

The correlation between PXQSX and PKSFX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PXQSX vs. PKSFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PXQSX

PXQSX Risk / Return Rank: 2
PXQSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
PXQSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
PXQSX Omega Ratio Rank: 2
PXQSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
PXQSX Martin Ratio Rank: 2

PKSFX

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

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.

PXQSX vs. PKSFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	PXQSX	PKSFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.15	0.20	-0.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.10	0.42	-0.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.99	1.05	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.19	0.27	-0.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.39	0.57	-0.96
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PXQSX vs. PKSFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PXQSX Sharpe Ratio is -0.15, which is lower than the PKSFX Sharpe Ratio of 0.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PXQSX and PKSFX, 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

	PXQSX	PKSFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.15	0.20	-0.35
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.02	0.42	-0.45
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.36	0.78	-0.42
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.35	0.56	-0.21

Drawdowns

PXQSX vs. PKSFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PXQSX drawdown since its inception was -55.56%, roughly equal to the maximum PKSFX drawdown of -54.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PXQSX and PKSFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PXQSX	PKSFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.56%	-54.46%	-1.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.25%	-11.19%	-2.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.87%	-21.82%	-1.05%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.49%	-22.02%	-9.47%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.65%	-33.45%	-4.20%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-13.47%	-8.44%	-5.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.29%	-7.17%	-3.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.28%	5.37%	+0.91%

Volatility

PXQSX vs. PKSFX - Volatility Comparison

Virtus KAR Small-Cap Value Fund (PXQSX) has a higher volatility of 4.52% compared to Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund (PKSFX) at 3.85%. This indicates that PXQSX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PKSFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PXQSX	PKSFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.52%	3.85%	+0.67%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.30%	11.00%	+1.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.76%	15.31%	+1.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.22%	17.93%	+2.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.51%	18.82%	+1.69%

PXQSX vs. PKSFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PXQSX has a 0.96% expense ratio, which is lower than PKSFX's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

PXQSX vs. PKSFX - Dividend Comparison

PXQSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.77%, less than PKSFX's 13.93% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PKSFX Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund	13.93%	14.30%	4.07%	4.12%	6.65%	12.05%	7.45%	4.03%	4.33%	0.17%	5.69%	19.83%
PXQSX Virtus KAR Small-Cap Value Fund	5.77%	5.81%	4.90%	2.99%	3.37%	1.76%	0.82%	0.80%	2.54%	5.32%	8.89%	7.58%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PXQSX and PKSFX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, PXQSX and PKSFX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, PXQSX or PKSFX?

PXQSX has higher volatility (4.52%) compared to PKSFX (3.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PXQSX dropped -55.56% vs PKSFX's -54.46%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PKSFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.20 vs -0.15), 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.