QTUM vs. PKSFX

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

QTUM (Defiance Quantum ETF) and PKSFX (Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund) are both funds - QTUM is a Technology Equities fund tracking the BlueStar Machine Learning and Quantum Computing Index, while PKSFX is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Virtus. Over the past 5 years, QTUM returned 27.81%/yr vs 7.60%/yr for PKSFX. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QTUM charges 0.40%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for PKSFX.

Performance

QTUM vs. PKSFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM) 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, QTUM achieves a 44.14% return, which is significantly higher than PKSFX's 2.84% return.

QTUM

• 1D: 3.25%
• 1M: 8.85%
• YTD: 44.14%
• 6M: 39.20%
• 1Y: 80.80%
• 3Y*: 48.48%
• 5Y*: 27.81%
• 10Y*: —

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%

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

QTUM vs. PKSFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
QTUM Defiance Quantum ETF	44.14%	36.65%	50.54%	39.86%	-28.80%	35.18%	42.05%	47.99%	-19.44%
PKSFX Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund	2.84%	-2.58%	13.67%	32.32%	-10.77%	19.03%	21.38%	40.21%	-16.59%

Correlation

The correlation between QTUM and PKSFX 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	0.54
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 5, 2018	0.68

Over the past year, the correlation between QTUM and PKSFX has dropped to 0.45 - well below their long-term average of 0.68, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

QTUM vs. PKSFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

QTUM

QTUM Risk / Return Rank: 89
QTUM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
QTUM Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
QTUM Omega Ratio Rank: 85
QTUM Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
QTUM Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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

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.

QTUM vs. PKSFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM) 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.

	QTUM	PKSFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.94	0.24	+2.70
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.42	0.47	+2.94
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.05	+0.42
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.32	0.32	+5.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.76	0.67	+19.09
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

QTUM vs. PKSFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QTUM Sharpe Ratio is 2.94, which is higher than the PKSFX Sharpe Ratio of 0.24. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QTUM 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

	QTUM	PKSFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.94	0.24	+2.70
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.04	0.43	+0.62
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.77	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.03	0.56	+0.47

Drawdowns

QTUM vs. PKSFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QTUM drawdown since its inception was -38.45%, smaller than the maximum PKSFX drawdown of -54.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QTUM and PKSFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	QTUM	PKSFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.45%	-54.46%	+16.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.26%	-11.19%	-4.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.39%	-21.82%	-3.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.45%	-22.02%	-16.43%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.45%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.53%	-8.26%	+1.73%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.25%	-7.17%	-1.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.10%	5.42%	-1.32%

Volatility

QTUM vs. PKSFX - Volatility Comparison

Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM) has a higher volatility of 13.41% compared to Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund (PKSFX) at 3.68%. This indicates that QTUM'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

	QTUM	PKSFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.41%	3.68%	+9.73%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.31%	10.95%	+11.36%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.73%	15.28%	+12.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.85%	17.93%	+8.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.34%	18.81%	+8.53%

QTUM vs. PKSFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

QTUM has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is lower than PKSFX's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

QTUM vs. PKSFX - Dividend Comparison

QTUM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.74%, less than PKSFX's 13.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PKSFX Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund	13.91%	14.30%	4.07%	4.12%	6.65%	12.05%	7.45%	4.03%	4.33%	0.17%	5.69%	19.83%
QTUM Defiance Quantum ETF	0.74%	1.01%	0.61%	0.81%	1.46%	0.48%	0.42%	0.61%	0.21%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QTUM and PKSFX in my portfolio?

QTUM and PKSFX 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, QTUM or PKSFX?

QTUM has higher volatility (13.41%) compared to PKSFX (3.68%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QTUM dropped -38.45% vs PKSFX's -54.46%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QTUM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.94 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.