VKSFX vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VKSFX (Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Value Fund) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both funds - VKSFX is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Virtus, while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Over the past 3 years, VKSFX returned 5.94%/yr vs 22.74%/yr for VUG. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VKSFX charges 0.94%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

VKSFX vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Value Fund (VKSFX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VKSFX achieves a -1.40% return, which is significantly lower than VUG's 3.52% return.

VKSFX

• 1D: -0.50%
• 1M: 0.51%
• YTD: -1.40%
• 6M: -3.04%
• 1Y: -3.10%
• 3Y*: 5.94%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VUG

• 1D: -2.12%
• 1M: -3.95%
• YTD: 3.52%
• 6M: 2.23%
• 1Y: 20.05%
• 3Y*: 22.74%
• 5Y*: 12.80%
• 10Y*: 18.02%

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

VKSFX vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
VKSFX Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Value Fund	-1.40%	-3.61%	10.24%	16.94%	-20.43%	4.02%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	3.52%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	8.31%

Correlation

The correlation between VKSFX and VUG is 0.34, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.34
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.49
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 4, 2021	0.66

Over the past year, the correlation between VKSFX and VUG has dropped to 0.34 - well below their long-term average of 0.66, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

VKSFX vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

VKSFX

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

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 31
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 33
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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.

VKSFX vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Value Fund (VKSFX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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.

	VKSFX	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.11	1.19	-1.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.06	1.67	-1.73
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.99	1.21	-0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.14	1.22	-1.36
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.27	4.15	-4.41

VKSFX vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VKSFX Sharpe Ratio is -0.11, which is lower than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VKSFX and VUG, 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

VKSFX vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VKSFX drawdown since its inception was -25.46%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VKSFX and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	VKSFX	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.46%	-50.68%	+25.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.36%	-16.53%	+5.17%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.84%	-22.85%	+2.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.61%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.52%	-6.88%	-5.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.67%	-7.09%	-3.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.90%	4.84%	+1.06%

Volatility

VKSFX vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Value Fund (VKSFX) is 3.02%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 6.86%. This indicates that VKSFX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VKSFX	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.02%	6.86%	-3.84%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.12%	13.44%	-3.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.42%	16.91%	-2.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.09%	22.39%	-4.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.09%	21.51%	-3.42%

VKSFX vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

VKSFX has a 0.94% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

VKSFX vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

VKSFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.24%, less than VUG's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VKSFX Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Value Fund	0.24%	0.23%	0.54%	0.70%	0.46%	0.48%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.39%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VKSFX and VUG in my portfolio?

VKSFX and VUG have a correlation of 0.34, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VKSFX or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (6.86%) compared to VKSFX (3.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VKSFX dropped -25.46% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.19 vs -0.11), 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.