VIDMX vs. ESCIX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VIDMX (Virtus KAR Developing Markets Fund) and ESCIX (Ashmore Emerging Markets Small Cap Equity Fund) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. Over the past 3 years, VIDMX returned 15.71%/yr vs 15.58%/yr for ESCIX. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VIDMX charges 1.31%/yr vs 1.52%/yr for ESCIX.

Performance

VIDMX vs. ESCIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus KAR Developing Markets Fund (VIDMX) and Ashmore Emerging Markets Small Cap Equity Fund (ESCIX). 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 ESCIX's 8.91% return.

VIDMX

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

ESCIX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.00%
• YTD: 8.91%
• 6M: 10.18%
• 1Y: 27.86%
• 3Y*: 15.58%
• 5Y*: 4.92%
• 10Y*: 9.82%

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

VIDMX vs. ESCIX - 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%
ESCIX Ashmore Emerging Markets Small Cap Equity Fund	8.91%	26.07%	3.55%	19.64%	-24.45%	-3.51%

Correlation

The correlation between VIDMX and ESCIX is 0.54, 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	0.54
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 25, 2021	0.68

The correlation between VIDMX and ESCIX shifts across timeframes, from 0.54 (1 year) to 0.68 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VIDMX vs. ESCIX — 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

ESCIX

ESCIX Risk / Return Rank: 86
ESCIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
ESCIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
ESCIX Omega Ratio Rank: 84
ESCIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
ESCIX Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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. ESCIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus KAR Developing Markets Fund (VIDMX) and Ashmore Emerging Markets Small Cap Equity Fund (ESCIX). 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	ESCIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.43	2.63	-1.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.04	3.77	-1.73
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.57	-0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.62	5.31	-3.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.80	19.40	-13.60
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. ESCIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VIDMX Sharpe Ratio is 1.43, which is lower than the ESCIX Sharpe Ratio of 2.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VIDMX and ESCIX, 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	ESCIX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.43	2.63	-1.20
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.32	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.56	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.29	0.39	-0.09

Drawdowns

VIDMX vs. ESCIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VIDMX drawdown since its inception was -35.00%, smaller than the maximum ESCIX drawdown of -48.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VIDMX and ESCIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VIDMX	ESCIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.00%	-48.76%	+13.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.07%	-5.70%	-5.37%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.97%	-19.97%	+7.00%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-36.59%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-48.76%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.83%	-0.74%	-2.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.06%	-13.33%	+0.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.09%	1.52%	+1.57%

Volatility

VIDMX vs. ESCIX - Volatility Comparison

Virtus KAR Developing Markets Fund (VIDMX) has a higher volatility of 3.04% compared to Ashmore Emerging Markets Small Cap Equity Fund (ESCIX) at 0.00%. This indicates that VIDMX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ESCIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VIDMX	ESCIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.04%	0.00%	+3.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.80%	7.42%	+2.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.60%	11.53%	+1.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.78%	15.66%	-0.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.78%	17.60%	-2.82%

VIDMX vs. ESCIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VIDMX has a 1.31% expense ratio, which is lower than ESCIX's 1.52% expense ratio.

Dividends

VIDMX vs. ESCIX - Dividend Comparison

VIDMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.37%, more than ESCIX's 0.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
ESCIX Ashmore Emerging Markets Small Cap Equity Fund	0.42%	0.91%	0.00%	0.56%	0.60%	0.00%	0.00%	0.13%	0.11%	1.66%	1.16%
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%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VIDMX and ESCIX in my portfolio?

VIDMX and ESCIX have a correlation of 0.54, 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 ESCIX?

VIDMX has higher volatility (3.04%) compared to ESCIX (0.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VIDMX dropped -35.00% vs ESCIX's -48.76%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ESCIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.63 vs 1.43), 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.