VISAX vs. VYM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VISAX (Virtus KAR International Small-Mid Cap Fund Class A) and VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) are both funds - VISAX is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI All Country World ex USA Small-Mid Cap Index, while VYM is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VISAX returned 8.09%/yr vs 11.98%/yr for VYM. A 0.53 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VISAX charges 1.44%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VYM.

Performance

VISAX vs. VYM - 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 Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VISAX achieves a 0.49% return, which is significantly lower than VYM's 11.51% return. Over the past 10 years, VISAX has underperformed VYM with an annualized return of 8.09%, while VYM has yielded a comparatively higher 11.98% annualized return.

VISAX

• 1D: -1.11%
• 1M: -0.05%
• YTD: 0.49%
• 6M: 0.64%
• 1Y: -3.10%
• 3Y*: 9.59%
• 5Y*: -1.27%
• 10Y*: 8.09%

VYM

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: 0.26%
• YTD: 11.51%
• 6M: 10.83%
• 1Y: 24.08%
• 3Y*: 18.41%
• 5Y*: 11.88%
• 10Y*: 11.98%

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

VISAX vs. VYM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VISAX Virtus KAR International Small-Mid Cap Fund Class A	0.49%	13.92%	3.87%	21.99%	-34.52%	5.48%	24.02%	27.25%	-7.04%	28.20%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	11.51%	15.42%	17.60%	6.57%	-0.43%	26.20%	1.15%	24.06%	-5.92%	16.42%

Correlation

The correlation between VISAX and VYM is 0.55, 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	0.55
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.51
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.57
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.55
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2013	0.53

The correlation between VISAX and VYM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.51 to 0.57 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VISAX vs. VYM — 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

VYM

VYM Risk / Return Rank: 75
VYM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
VYM Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
VYM Omega Ratio Rank: 75
VYM Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
VYM Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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. VYM - 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 Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM). 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	VYM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.23	2.33	-2.56
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.24	3.33	-3.58
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.97	1.42	-0.45
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.19	3.61	-3.81
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.42	13.43	-13.85

VISAX vs. VYM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VISAX Sharpe Ratio is -0.23, which is lower than the VYM Sharpe Ratio of 2.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VISAX and VYM, 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. VYM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VISAX drawdown since its inception was -50.44%, smaller than the maximum VYM drawdown of -56.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VISAX and VYM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VISAX	VYM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.44%	-56.98%	+6.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.06%	-6.69%	-8.37%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.68%	-14.46%	-1.22%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-50.44%	-15.84%	-34.60%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-50.44%	-35.21%	-15.23%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.53%	-1.28%	-11.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.50%	-7.18%	-4.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.90%	1.80%	+5.10%

Volatility

VISAX vs. VYM - Volatility Comparison

Virtus KAR International Small-Mid Cap Fund Class A (VISAX) has a higher volatility of 3.86% compared to Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) at 3.02%. This indicates that VISAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VYM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VISAX	VYM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.86%	3.02%	+0.84%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.56%	7.64%	+2.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.79%	10.39%	+2.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.23%	13.93%	+2.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.46%	16.32%	-0.86%

VISAX vs. VYM - Expense Ratio Comparison

VISAX has a 1.44% expense ratio, which is higher than VYM's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

VISAX vs. VYM - Dividend Comparison

VISAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.29%, more than VYM's 2.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VISAX Virtus KAR International Small-Mid Cap Fund Class A	3.29%	3.30%	1.78%	0.00%	0.00%	8.03%	0.90%	1.75%	1.12%	1.68%	2.54%	3.17%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	2.30%	2.44%	2.74%	3.12%	3.01%	2.76%	3.18%	3.03%	3.40%	2.80%	2.91%	3.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VISAX and VYM in my portfolio?

VISAX and VYM have a correlation of 0.55, 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 VYM?

VISAX has higher volatility (3.86%) compared to VYM (3.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VISAX dropped -50.44% vs VYM's -56.98%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.33 vs -0.23), 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.