RTSSX vs. AZBIX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

RTSSX (Russell Investment Tax-Managed U.S. Mid & Small Cap Fund) and AZBIX (Virtus Small-Cap Fund) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, RTSSX returned 9.64%/yr vs 12.10%/yr for AZBIX. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. RTSSX charges 1.20%/yr vs 0.89%/yr for AZBIX.

Performance

RTSSX vs. AZBIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Russell Investment Tax-Managed U.S. Mid & Small Cap Fund (RTSSX) and Virtus Small-Cap Fund (AZBIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RTSSX achieves a 18.09% return, which is significantly lower than AZBIX's 20.26% return. Over the past 10 years, RTSSX has underperformed AZBIX with an annualized return of 9.64%, while AZBIX has yielded a comparatively higher 12.10% annualized return.

RTSSX

• 1D: 1.73%
• 1M: 4.51%
• YTD: 18.09%
• 6M: 15.61%
• 1Y: 32.25%
• 3Y*: 13.52%
• 5Y*: 5.77%
• 10Y*: 9.64%

AZBIX

• 1D: 1.89%
• 1M: 3.92%
• YTD: 20.26%
• 6M: 17.27%
• 1Y: 37.50%
• 3Y*: 18.11%
• 5Y*: 9.33%
• 10Y*: 12.10%

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

RTSSX vs. AZBIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RTSSX Russell Investment Tax-Managed U.S. Mid & Small Cap Fund	18.09%	5.24%	7.21%	16.62%	-19.12%	19.88%	15.34%	23.91%	-8.63%	14.71%
AZBIX Virtus Small-Cap Fund	20.26%	8.49%	19.06%	14.09%	-18.04%	18.92%	16.98%	24.13%	-9.25%	21.27%

Correlation

The correlation between RTSSX and AZBIX is 0.94, 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	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 2, 2013	0.95

The correlation between RTSSX and AZBIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

RTSSX vs. AZBIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

RTSSX

RTSSX Risk / Return Rank: 56
RTSSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
RTSSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
RTSSX Omega Ratio Rank: 42
RTSSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
RTSSX Martin Ratio Rank: 65

AZBIX

AZBIX Risk / Return Rank: 69
AZBIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
AZBIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
AZBIX Omega Ratio Rank: 53
AZBIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
AZBIX Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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.

RTSSX vs. AZBIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Russell Investment Tax-Managed U.S. Mid & Small Cap Fund (RTSSX) and Virtus Small-Cap Fund (AZBIX). 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.

	RTSSX	AZBIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.89	2.15	-0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.72	3.02	-0.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.37	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.30	3.98	-0.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.88	13.89	-2.01

RTSSX vs. AZBIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RTSSX Sharpe Ratio is 1.89, which is comparable to the AZBIX Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RTSSX and AZBIX, 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

RTSSX vs. AZBIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RTSSX drawdown since its inception was -57.98%, which is greater than AZBIX's maximum drawdown of -40.80%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RTSSX and AZBIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	RTSSX	AZBIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-57.98%	-40.80%	-17.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.80%	-9.33%	-0.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.38%	-29.01%	+1.63%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.43%	-29.85%	+1.42%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.79%	-40.80%	+0.01%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.29%	-7.69%	-4.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.72%	2.67%	+0.05%

Volatility

RTSSX vs. AZBIX - Volatility Comparison

Russell Investment Tax-Managed U.S. Mid & Small Cap Fund (RTSSX) and Virtus Small-Cap Fund (AZBIX) have volatilities of 5.58% and 5.83%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RTSSX	AZBIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.58%	5.83%	-0.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.70%	12.87%	-0.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.15%	17.27%	-0.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.65%	20.57%	+0.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.33%	21.40%	-0.07%

RTSSX vs. AZBIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

RTSSX has a 1.20% expense ratio, which is higher than AZBIX's 0.89% expense ratio.

Dividends

RTSSX vs. AZBIX - Dividend Comparison

RTSSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.40%, less than AZBIX's 4.07% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AZBIX Virtus Small-Cap Fund	4.07%	4.90%	10.82%	2.31%	4.78%	13.82%	0.45%	0.38%	9.62%	13.80%	0.03%	3.59%
RTSSX Russell Investment Tax-Managed U.S. Mid & Small Cap Fund	0.40%	0.47%	0.72%	0.11%	0.25%	0.10%	0.36%	0.31%	0.00%	0.55%	0.00%	0.51%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RTSSX and AZBIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, RTSSX and AZBIX 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, RTSSX or AZBIX?

AZBIX has higher volatility (5.83%) compared to RTSSX (5.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RTSSX dropped -57.98% vs AZBIX's -40.80%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AZBIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 1.89), 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.