QUSIX vs. FSSAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

QUSIX (Pear Tree Polaris Foreign Value Small Cap Fund) and FSSAX (Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund) are both mutual funds - QUSIX is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund managed by Pear Tree Funds, while FSSAX is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Franklin Templeton. Over the past 10 years, QUSIX returned 8.27%/yr vs 12.99%/yr for FSSAX. At a 0.38 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. QUSIX charges 1.05%/yr vs 0.78%/yr for FSSAX.

Performance

QUSIX vs. FSSAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pear Tree Polaris Foreign Value Small Cap Fund (QUSIX) and Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund (FSSAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QUSIX achieves a 2.57% return, which is significantly lower than FSSAX's 12.87% return. Over the past 10 years, QUSIX has underperformed FSSAX with an annualized return of 8.27%, while FSSAX has yielded a comparatively higher 12.99% annualized return.

QUSIX

• 1D: -0.53%
• 1M: -0.74%
• YTD: 2.57%
• 6M: 3.19%
• 1Y: 9.52%
• 3Y*: 12.54%
• 5Y*: 4.80%
• 10Y*: 8.27%

FSSAX

• 1D: 0.74%
• 1M: 4.48%
• YTD: 12.87%
• 6M: 10.43%
• 1Y: 28.85%
• 3Y*: 16.73%
• 5Y*: 2.65%
• 10Y*: 12.99%

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

QUSIX vs. FSSAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
QUSIX Pear Tree Polaris Foreign Value Small Cap Fund	2.57%	26.42%	-1.98%	21.28%	-17.13%	15.56%	6.67%	20.71%	-18.81%	33.46%
FSSAX Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund	12.87%	7.88%	13.02%	31.05%	-30.29%	-0.24%	41.68%	42.14%	-3.08%	21.32%

Correlation

The correlation between QUSIX and FSSAX is 0.34, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.34
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.37
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.40
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.36
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2009	0.38

Return for Risk

QUSIX vs. FSSAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

QUSIX

QUSIX Risk / Return Rank: 9
QUSIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
QUSIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
QUSIX Omega Ratio Rank: 10
QUSIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
QUSIX Martin Ratio Rank: 8

FSSAX

FSSAX Risk / Return Rank: 38
FSSAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
FSSAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
FSSAX Omega Ratio Rank: 30
FSSAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
FSSAX Martin Ratio Rank: 48

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.

QUSIX vs. FSSAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pear Tree Polaris Foreign Value Small Cap Fund (QUSIX) and Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund (FSSAX). 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.

	QUSIX	FSSAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.75	1.56	-0.82
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.19	2.23	-1.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.26	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.79	2.50	-1.70
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.12	9.50	-7.38

QUSIX vs. FSSAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QUSIX Sharpe Ratio is 0.75, which is lower than the FSSAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.56. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QUSIX and FSSAX, 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

QUSIX vs. FSSAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QUSIX drawdown since its inception was -42.87%, smaller than the maximum FSSAX drawdown of -59.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QUSIX and FSSAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	QUSIX	FSSAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.87%	-59.61%	+16.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.09%	-11.99%	-0.10%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.33%	-29.48%	+15.15%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.21%	-42.58%	+10.37%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.87%	-42.80%	-0.07%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.34%	0.00%	-6.34%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.50%	-14.71%	+6.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.49%	3.14%	+1.35%

Volatility

QUSIX vs. FSSAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Pear Tree Polaris Foreign Value Small Cap Fund (QUSIX) is 3.52%, while Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund (FSSAX) has a volatility of 5.85%. This indicates that QUSIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FSSAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QUSIX	FSSAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.52%	5.85%	-2.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.50%	14.27%	-3.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.86%	19.17%	-6.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.39%	24.43%	-10.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.32%	23.98%	-9.66%

QUSIX vs. FSSAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

QUSIX has a 1.05% expense ratio, which is higher than FSSAX's 0.78% expense ratio.

Dividends

QUSIX vs. FSSAX - Dividend Comparison

QUSIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.85%, less than FSSAX's 6.77% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSSAX Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund	6.77%	7.64%	0.00%	0.00%	0.54%	16.49%	9.31%	12.17%	22.72%	1.77%	0.00%	1.92%
QUSIX Pear Tree Polaris Foreign Value Small Cap Fund	2.85%	2.92%	3.28%	2.48%	4.90%	2.43%	3.89%	2.96%	5.09%	3.00%	2.06%	2.20%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QUSIX and FSSAX in my portfolio?

QUSIX and FSSAX have a correlation of 0.34, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QUSIX or FSSAX?

FSSAX has higher volatility (5.85%) compared to QUSIX (3.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QUSIX dropped -42.87% vs FSSAX's -59.61%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FSSAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.56 vs 0.75), 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.