VKSIX vs. QQQ

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

VKSIX (Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Core Fund) and QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) are both funds - VKSIX is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Virtus, while QQQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. Over the past 5 years, VKSIX returned -0.31%/yr vs 15.10%/yr for QQQ. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VKSIX charges 1.02%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for QQQ.

Performance

VKSIX vs. QQQ - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VKSIX achieves a -4.29% return, which is significantly lower than QQQ's 16.13% return.

VKSIX

• 1D: 0.43%
• 1M: 1.81%
• 6M: -9.22%
• YTD: -4.29%
• 1Y: -9.79%
• 3Y*: 1.85%
• 5Y*: -0.31%
• 10Y*: —

QQQ

• 1D: -1.90%
• 1M: -1.22%
• 6M: 13.75%
• YTD: 16.13%
• 1Y: 29.05%
• 3Y*: 24.08%
• 5Y*: 15.10%
• 10Y*: 21.19%

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

VKSIX vs. QQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
VKSIX Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Core Fund	-4.29%	-4.36%	9.07%	23.61%	-23.83%	19.54%	33.45%	38.81%	-6.68%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	16.13%	20.77%	25.58%	54.86%	-32.58%	27.42%	48.62%	38.96%	-6.95%

Correlation

The correlation between VKSIX and QQQ is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.59
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 22, 2018	0.74

Over the past year, the correlation between VKSIX and QQQ has dropped to 0.46 - well below their long-term average of 0.73, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

VKSIX vs. QQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

VKSIX

VKSIX Risk / Return Rank: 1
VKSIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
VKSIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
VKSIX Omega Ratio Rank: 1
VKSIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
VKSIX Martin Ratio Rank: 1

QQQ

QQQ Risk / Return Rank: 58
QQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
QQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
QQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 56
QQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
QQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

VKSIX vs. QQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Core Fund (VKSIX) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ). 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.

	VKSIX	QQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.68	1.57	-2.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.91	2.13	-3.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.90	1.28	-0.37
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.65	2.44	-3.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.21	8.74	-9.95

VKSIX vs. QQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VKSIX Sharpe Ratio is -0.68, which is lower than the QQQ Sharpe Ratio of 1.57. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VKSIX and QQQ, 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

VKSIX vs. QQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VKSIX drawdown since its inception was -35.59%, smaller than the maximum QQQ drawdown of -82.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VKSIX and QQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	VKSIX	QQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.59%	-82.97%	+47.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.70%	-11.96%	-4.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.29%	-22.77%	+2.48%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.49%	-35.12%	+2.63%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.12%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-15.60%	-4.51%	-11.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.97%	-32.67%	+23.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.91%	3.33%	+5.58%

Volatility

VKSIX vs. QQQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Core Fund (VKSIX) is 5.04%, while Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) has a volatility of 8.69%. This indicates that VKSIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QQQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VKSIX	QQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.04%	8.69%	-3.65%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.10%	15.40%	-3.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.97%	18.61%	-2.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.25%	22.80%	-3.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.92%	22.44%	-1.52%

VKSIX vs. QQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

VKSIX has a 1.02% expense ratio, which is higher than QQQ's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

VKSIX vs. QQQ - Dividend Comparison

VKSIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.36%, less than QQQ's 0.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	0.43%	0.45%	0.56%	0.62%	0.80%	0.43%	0.55%	0.74%	0.91%	0.84%	1.06%	0.99%
VKSIX Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Core Fund	0.36%	0.34%	0.43%	0.00%	0.00%	1.13%	0.01%	0.00%	1.47%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VKSIX and QQQ in my portfolio?

VKSIX and QQQ have a correlation of 0.46, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VKSIX or QQQ?

QQQ has higher volatility (8.69%) compared to VKSIX (5.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VKSIX dropped -35.59% vs QQQ's -82.97%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.57 vs -0.68), 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.