VIESX vs. DWGAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VIESX (Virtus KAR Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund) and DWGAX (American Funds Developing World Growth and Income Fund) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. Over the past 10 years, VIESX returned 9.55%/yr vs 8.35%/yr for DWGAX. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VIESX charges 1.51%/yr vs 1.23%/yr for DWGAX.

Performance

VIESX vs. DWGAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus KAR Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund (VIESX) and American Funds Developing World Growth and Income Fund (DWGAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VIESX achieves a 3.30% return, which is significantly lower than DWGAX's 21.66% return. Over the past 10 years, VIESX has outperformed DWGAX with an annualized return of 9.55%, while DWGAX has yielded a comparatively lower 8.35% annualized return.

VIESX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -0.65%
• YTD: 3.30%
• 6M: 4.58%
• 1Y: 4.57%
• 3Y*: 10.01%
• 5Y*: 1.69%
• 10Y*: 9.55%

DWGAX

• 1D: 1.25%
• 1M: 5.03%
• YTD: 21.66%
• 6M: 22.99%
• 1Y: 43.53%
• 3Y*: 19.41%
• 5Y*: 6.29%
• 10Y*: 8.35%

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

VIESX vs. DWGAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VIESX Virtus KAR Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund	3.30%	13.61%	3.62%	21.83%	-22.92%	-1.62%	38.88%	18.28%	-5.40%	31.01%
DWGAX American Funds Developing World Growth and Income Fund	21.66%	34.25%	3.57%	11.28%	-23.47%	0.50%	12.07%	23.50%	-14.90%	27.69%

Correlation

The correlation between VIESX and DWGAX is 0.67, 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	0.67
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.68
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 11, 2014	0.74

The correlation between VIESX and DWGAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.67 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VIESX vs. DWGAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VIESX

VIESX Risk / Return Rank: 5
VIESX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
VIESX Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
VIESX Omega Ratio Rank: 5
VIESX Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
VIESX Martin Ratio Rank: 5

DWGAX

DWGAX Risk / Return Rank: 76
DWGAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
DWGAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
DWGAX Omega Ratio Rank: 79
DWGAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
DWGAX Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

VIESX vs. DWGAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus KAR Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund (VIESX) and American Funds Developing World Growth and Income Fund (DWGAX). 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.

	VIESX	DWGAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.36	2.52	-2.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.59	3.31	-2.71
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.07	1.47	-0.40
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.39	3.22	-2.83
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.98	11.96	-10.98

VIESX vs. DWGAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VIESX Sharpe Ratio is 0.36, which is lower than the DWGAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VIESX and DWGAX, 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

VIESX vs. DWGAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VIESX drawdown since its inception was -35.10%, smaller than the maximum DWGAX drawdown of -38.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VIESX and DWGAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VIESX	DWGAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.10%	-38.71%	+3.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.58%	-13.26%	+2.68%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.97%	-14.68%	+2.71%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.10%	-38.06%	+2.96%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.10%	-38.71%	+3.61%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.85%	-0.36%	-5.49%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.73%	-13.88%	+4.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.21%	3.57%	+0.64%

Volatility

VIESX vs. DWGAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Virtus KAR Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund (VIESX) is 4.15%, while American Funds Developing World Growth and Income Fund (DWGAX) has a volatility of 8.15%. This indicates that VIESX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DWGAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VIESX	DWGAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.15%	8.15%	-4.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.25%	14.82%	-5.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.40%	16.95%	-5.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.22%	16.59%	-3.37%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.25%	16.60%	-3.35%

VIESX vs. DWGAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VIESX has a 1.51% expense ratio, which is higher than DWGAX's 1.23% expense ratio.

Dividends

VIESX vs. DWGAX - Dividend Comparison

VIESX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.70%, more than DWGAX's 1.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DWGAX American Funds Developing World Growth and Income Fund	1.31%	1.87%	1.12%	1.63%	1.09%	1.01%	1.46%	1.81%	2.28%	2.02%	2.01%	2.05%
VIESX Virtus KAR Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund	2.70%	2.79%	3.64%	0.00%	0.00%	8.80%	1.17%	2.06%	0.38%	0.83%	2.01%	2.24%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VIESX and DWGAX in my portfolio?

VIESX and DWGAX have a correlation of 0.67, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VIESX or DWGAX?

DWGAX has higher volatility (8.15%) compared to VIESX (4.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VIESX dropped -35.10% vs DWGAX's -38.71%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DWGAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.52 vs 0.36), 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.