VIMCX vs. ARGFX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VIMCX (Virtus KAR Mid-Cap Core Fund) and ARGFX (Ariel Fund) are both mutual funds - VIMCX is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Virtus, while ARGFX is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund managed by Ariel Investments. Over the past 10 years, VIMCX returned 10.67%/yr vs 10.14%/yr for ARGFX. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VIMCX charges 0.95%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for ARGFX.

Performance

VIMCX vs. ARGFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus KAR Mid-Cap Core Fund (VIMCX) and Ariel Fund (ARGFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VIMCX achieves a 0.17% return, which is significantly lower than ARGFX's 8.20% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VIMCX having a 10.67% annualized return and ARGFX not far behind at 10.14%.

VIMCX

• 1D: 1.50%
• 1M: 1.36%
• YTD: 0.17%
• 6M: -1.71%
• 1Y: 1.51%
• 3Y*: 5.69%
• 5Y*: 3.21%
• 10Y*: 10.67%

ARGFX

• 1D: 1.77%
• 1M: 5.18%
• YTD: 8.20%
• 6M: 6.74%
• 1Y: 30.83%
• 3Y*: 13.37%
• 5Y*: 6.54%
• 10Y*: 10.14%

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

VIMCX vs. ARGFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VIMCX Virtus KAR Mid-Cap Core Fund	0.17%	0.72%	5.20%	22.64%	-19.75%	25.28%	26.11%	31.74%	-4.18%	24.95%
ARGFX Ariel Fund	8.20%	14.08%	11.56%	15.78%	-18.68%	30.29%	10.05%	24.64%	-13.59%	15.99%

Correlation

The correlation between VIMCX and ARGFX is 0.84, 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	0.84
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 23, 2009	0.86

The correlation between VIMCX and ARGFX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VIMCX vs. ARGFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VIMCX

VIMCX Risk / Return Rank: 3
VIMCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
VIMCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
VIMCX Omega Ratio Rank: 3
VIMCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
VIMCX Martin Ratio Rank: 3

ARGFX

ARGFX Risk / Return Rank: 40
ARGFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
ARGFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
ARGFX Omega Ratio Rank: 34
ARGFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
ARGFX Martin Ratio Rank: 36

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.

VIMCX vs. ARGFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus KAR Mid-Cap Core Fund (VIMCX) and Ariel Fund (ARGFX). 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.

	VIMCX	ARGFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.09	1.68	-1.58
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.25	2.47	-2.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.03	1.29	-0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.12	2.59	-2.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.31	7.60	-7.29

VIMCX vs. ARGFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VIMCX Sharpe Ratio is 0.09, which is lower than the ARGFX Sharpe Ratio of 1.68. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VIMCX and ARGFX, 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

VIMCX vs. ARGFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VIMCX drawdown since its inception was -33.92%, smaller than the maximum ARGFX drawdown of -71.02%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VIMCX and ARGFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VIMCX	ARGFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.92%	-71.02%	+37.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.14%	-12.36%	+0.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.32%	-28.07%	+7.75%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.42%	-33.00%	+4.58%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.92%	-45.29%	+11.37%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.36%	-0.51%	-5.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.89%	-8.45%	+3.56%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.75%	4.21%	+0.54%

Volatility

VIMCX vs. ARGFX - Volatility Comparison

Virtus KAR Mid-Cap Core Fund (VIMCX) has a higher volatility of 5.54% compared to Ariel Fund (ARGFX) at 5.19%. This indicates that VIMCX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ARGFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VIMCX	ARGFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.54%	5.19%	+0.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.67%	13.71%	-1.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.23%	19.14%	-2.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.22%	22.48%	-4.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.74%	22.83%	-4.09%

VIMCX vs. ARGFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VIMCX has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is lower than ARGFX's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

VIMCX vs. ARGFX - Dividend Comparison

VIMCX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.41%, less than ARGFX's 10.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ARGFX Ariel Fund	10.91%	11.80%	5.49%	5.09%	9.01%	5.56%	5.33%	5.81%	10.35%	6.30%	6.56%	16.28%
VIMCX Virtus KAR Mid-Cap Core Fund	4.41%	4.41%	0.00%	2.36%	0.23%	1.58%	0.67%	0.94%	0.77%	0.29%	0.00%	0.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VIMCX and ARGFX in my portfolio?

VIMCX and ARGFX have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VIMCX or ARGFX?

VIMCX has higher volatility (5.54%) compared to ARGFX (5.19%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VIMCX dropped -33.92% vs ARGFX's -71.02%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ARGFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.68 vs 0.09), 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.