VFSNX vs. QISIX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VFSNX (Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares) and QISIX (Pear Tree Polaris International Opportunities Fund) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. Over the past 5 years, VFSNX returned 6.40%/yr vs 4.26%/yr for QISIX. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VFSNX charges 0.11%/yr vs 1.22%/yr for QISIX.

Performance

VFSNX vs. QISIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VFSNX) and Pear Tree Polaris International Opportunities Fund (QISIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VFSNX achieves a 10.43% return, which is significantly lower than QISIX's 20.85% return.

VFSNX

• 1D: 0.42%
• 1M: -0.55%
• YTD: 10.43%
• 6M: 10.96%
• 1Y: 26.42%
• 3Y*: 15.62%
• 5Y*: 6.40%
• 10Y*: 8.19%

QISIX

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: 6.24%
• YTD: 20.85%
• 6M: 21.03%
• 1Y: 27.78%
• 3Y*: 12.24%
• 5Y*: 4.26%
• 10Y*: —

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

VFSNX vs. QISIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
VFSNX Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	10.43%	29.97%	2.63%	15.18%	-21.26%	12.74%	11.92%	12.33%
QISIX Pear Tree Polaris International Opportunities Fund	20.85%	18.14%	-5.09%	16.38%	-19.17%	3.48%	13.72%	18.84%

Correlation

The correlation between VFSNX and QISIX is 0.58, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.58
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.66
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 7, 2019	0.71

The correlation between VFSNX and QISIX shifts across timeframes, from 0.58 (1 year) to 0.71 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VFSNX vs. QISIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VFSNX

VFSNX Risk / Return Rank: 42
VFSNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
VFSNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
VFSNX Omega Ratio Rank: 45
VFSNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
VFSNX Martin Ratio Rank: 41

QISIX

QISIX Risk / Return Rank: 50
QISIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
QISIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
QISIX Omega Ratio Rank: 53
QISIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
QISIX Martin Ratio Rank: 41

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.

VFSNX vs. QISIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VFSNX) and Pear Tree Polaris International Opportunities Fund (QISIX). 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.

	VFSNX	QISIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.82	1.94	-0.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.51	2.93	-0.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.37	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.22	2.52	-0.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.30	8.42	-0.12

VFSNX vs. QISIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VFSNX Sharpe Ratio is 1.82, which is comparable to the QISIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VFSNX and QISIX, 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

VFSNX vs. QISIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VFSNX drawdown since its inception was -43.65%, which is greater than QISIX's maximum drawdown of -41.11%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VFSNX and QISIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VFSNX	QISIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.65%	-41.11%	-2.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.47%	-10.48%	-0.99%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.70%	-15.47%	+0.77%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.75%	-37.79%	+4.04%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.65%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.27%	-0.31%	-1.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.47%	-12.02%	+2.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.07%	3.13%	-0.06%

Volatility

VFSNX vs. QISIX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VFSNX) has a higher volatility of 5.45% compared to Pear Tree Polaris International Opportunities Fund (QISIX) at 5.02%. This indicates that VFSNX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than QISIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VFSNX	QISIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.45%	5.02%	+0.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.10%	11.60%	+0.50%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.04%	13.67%	+0.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.15%	14.99%	+0.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.79%	16.05%	-0.26%

VFSNX vs. QISIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VFSNX has a 0.11% expense ratio, which is lower than QISIX's 1.22% expense ratio.

Dividends

VFSNX vs. QISIX - Dividend Comparison

VFSNX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.14%, more than QISIX's 1.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QISIX Pear Tree Polaris International Opportunities Fund	1.56%	1.89%	3.29%	1.27%	1.66%	2.52%	0.68%	0.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VFSNX Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	3.14%	3.36%	3.41%	3.11%	2.26%	2.70%	1.90%	3.25%	2.81%	2.85%	2.93%	2.69%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VFSNX and QISIX in my portfolio?

VFSNX and QISIX have a correlation of 0.58, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VFSNX or QISIX?

VFSNX has higher volatility (5.45%) compared to QISIX (5.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VFSNX dropped -43.65% vs QISIX's -41.11%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QISIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.94 vs 1.82), 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.