VISAX vs. MERFX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

VISAX (Virtus KAR International Small-Mid Cap Fund Class A) and MERFX (The Merger Fund) are both mutual funds - VISAX is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI All Country World ex USA Small-Mid Cap Index, while MERFX is a Event Driven fund managed by Virtus. Over the past 10 years, VISAX returned 7.94%/yr vs 3.99%/yr for MERFX. At a 0.32 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VISAX charges 1.44%/yr vs 1.50%/yr for MERFX.

Performance

VISAX vs. MERFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus KAR International Small-Mid Cap Fund Class A (VISAX) and The Merger Fund (MERFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VISAX achieves a -0.93% return, which is significantly lower than MERFX's 1.39% return. Over the past 10 years, VISAX has outperformed MERFX with an annualized return of 7.94%, while MERFX has yielded a comparatively lower 3.99% annualized return.

VISAX

• 1D: -1.41%
• 1M: -1.46%
• YTD: -0.93%
• 6M: -0.78%
• 1Y: -5.76%
• 3Y*: 9.07%
• 5Y*: -1.59%
• 10Y*: 7.94%

MERFX

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 0.34%
• YTD: 1.39%
• 6M: 1.45%
• 1Y: 4.90%
• 3Y*: 6.07%
• 5Y*: 3.11%
• 10Y*: 3.99%

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

VISAX vs. MERFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VISAX Virtus KAR International Small-Mid Cap Fund Class A	-0.93%	13.92%	3.87%	21.99%	-34.52%	5.48%	24.02%	27.25%	-7.04%	28.20%
MERFX The Merger Fund	1.39%	8.11%	3.27%	4.17%	0.71%	-0.19%	4.87%	5.96%	7.68%	2.39%

Correlation

The correlation between VISAX and MERFX is 0.32, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.32
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.24
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.28
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.29
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2013	0.32

Return for Risk

VISAX vs. MERFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VISAX

VISAX Risk / Return Rank: 2
VISAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
VISAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
VISAX Omega Ratio Rank: 2
VISAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
VISAX Martin Ratio Rank: 2

MERFX

MERFX Risk / Return Rank: 97
MERFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
MERFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
MERFX Omega Ratio Rank: 96
MERFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
MERFX Martin Ratio Rank: 99

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.

VISAX vs. MERFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus KAR International Small-Mid Cap Fund Class A (VISAX) and The Merger Fund (MERFX). 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.

	VISAX	MERFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.35	3.22	-3.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.42	5.92	-6.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.95	1.77	-0.81
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.30	9.61	-9.90
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.65	42.53	-43.17

VISAX vs. MERFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VISAX Sharpe Ratio is -0.35, which is lower than the MERFX Sharpe Ratio of 3.22. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VISAX and MERFX, 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

VISAX vs. MERFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VISAX drawdown since its inception was -50.44%, which is greater than MERFX's maximum drawdown of -20.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VISAX and MERFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VISAX	MERFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.44%	-20.82%	-29.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.06%	-0.52%	-14.54%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.68%	-3.36%	-12.32%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-50.44%	-4.94%	-45.50%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-50.44%	-9.35%	-41.09%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-13.77%	0.00%	-13.77%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.50%	-2.66%	-8.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.92%	0.12%	+6.80%

Volatility

VISAX vs. MERFX - Volatility Comparison

Virtus KAR International Small-Mid Cap Fund Class A (VISAX) has a higher volatility of 4.12% compared to The Merger Fund (MERFX) at 0.73%. This indicates that VISAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MERFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VISAX	MERFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.12%	0.73%	+3.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.62%	1.13%	+9.49%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.84%	1.55%	+11.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.25%	3.45%	+12.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.43%	3.75%	+11.68%

VISAX vs. MERFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VISAX has a 1.44% expense ratio, which is lower than MERFX's 1.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

VISAX vs. MERFX - Dividend Comparison

VISAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.33%, less than MERFX's 7.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MERFX The Merger Fund	7.31%	7.42%	3.24%	2.59%	3.50%	0.27%	3.31%	1.34%	4.52%	0.59%	0.32%	1.25%
VISAX Virtus KAR International Small-Mid Cap Fund Class A	3.33%	3.30%	1.78%	0.00%	0.00%	8.03%	0.90%	1.75%	1.12%	1.68%	2.54%	3.17%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VISAX and MERFX in my portfolio?

VISAX and MERFX have a correlation of 0.32, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VISAX or MERFX?

VISAX has higher volatility (4.12%) compared to MERFX (0.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VISAX dropped -50.44% vs MERFX's -20.82%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MERFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.22 vs -0.35), 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.