VIDMX vs. EFA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VIDMX (Virtus KAR Developing Markets Fund) and EFA (iShares MSCI EAFE ETF) are both funds - VIDMX is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund managed by Virtus, while EFA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Index (Net). Over the past 3 years, VIDMX returned 15.71%/yr vs 16.44%/yr for EFA. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VIDMX charges 1.31%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for EFA.

Performance

VIDMX vs. EFA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus KAR Developing Markets Fund (VIDMX) and iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VIDMX achieves a 7.50% return, which is significantly lower than EFA's 8.42% return.

VIDMX

• 1D: 0.71%
• 1M: 0.27%
• YTD: 7.50%
• 6M: 7.11%
• 1Y: 17.76%
• 3Y*: 15.71%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

EFA

• 1D: -0.86%
• 1M: 3.40%
• YTD: 8.42%
• 6M: 10.94%
• 1Y: 21.06%
• 3Y*: 16.44%
• 5Y*: 8.29%
• 10Y*: 9.11%

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

VIDMX vs. EFA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
VIDMX Virtus KAR Developing Markets Fund	7.50%	27.21%	5.26%	15.44%	-21.26%	-5.95%
EFA iShares MSCI EAFE ETF	8.42%	31.55%	3.49%	18.36%	-14.39%	0.51%

Correlation

The correlation between VIDMX and EFA is 0.59, 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	0.59
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 25, 2021	0.68

The correlation between VIDMX and EFA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.59 to 0.68 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VIDMX vs. EFA — Risk / Return Rank

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

VIDMX

VIDMX Risk / Return Rank: 23
VIDMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
VIDMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
VIDMX Omega Ratio Rank: 25
VIDMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
VIDMX Martin Ratio Rank: 23

EFA

EFA Risk / Return Rank: 39
EFA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
EFA Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
EFA Omega Ratio Rank: 38
EFA Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
EFA Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

VIDMX vs. EFA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus KAR Developing Markets Fund (VIDMX) and iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA). 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.

	VIDMX	EFA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.43	1.41	+0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.04	2.04	0.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.26	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.62	1.85	-0.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.80	6.94	-1.14
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VIDMX vs. EFA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VIDMX Sharpe Ratio is 1.43, which is comparable to the EFA Sharpe Ratio of 1.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VIDMX and EFA, 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

	VIDMX	EFA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.43	1.41	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.51	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.53	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.29	0.31	-0.02

Drawdowns

VIDMX vs. EFA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VIDMX drawdown since its inception was -35.00%, smaller than the maximum EFA drawdown of -61.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VIDMX and EFA.

Drawdown Indicators

	VIDMX	EFA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.00%	-61.04%	+26.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.07%	-11.42%	+0.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.97%	-14.05%	+1.08%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.53%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.19%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.83%	-1.46%	-1.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.06%	-11.93%	-1.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.09%	3.04%	+0.05%

Volatility

VIDMX vs. EFA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Virtus KAR Developing Markets Fund (VIDMX) is 3.04%, while iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA) has a volatility of 4.98%. This indicates that VIDMX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EFA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VIDMX	EFA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.04%	4.98%	-1.94%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.80%	12.51%	-2.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.60%	15.05%	-2.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.78%	16.48%	-1.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.78%	17.26%	-2.48%

VIDMX vs. EFA - Expense Ratio Comparison

VIDMX has a 1.31% expense ratio, which is higher than EFA's 0.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

VIDMX vs. EFA - Dividend Comparison

VIDMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.37%, less than EFA's 3.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EFA iShares MSCI EAFE ETF	3.12%	3.38%	3.24%	2.98%	2.69%	3.33%	2.13%	3.10%	3.39%	2.57%	3.07%	2.76%
VIDMX Virtus KAR Developing Markets Fund	2.37%	2.55%	1.94%	2.32%	1.30%	0.56%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VIDMX and EFA in my portfolio?

VIDMX and EFA have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VIDMX or EFA?

EFA has higher volatility (4.98%) compared to VIDMX (3.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VIDMX dropped -35.00% vs EFA's -61.04%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VIDMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.43 vs 1.41), 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.