VKSIX vs. VTI

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

VKSIX (Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Core Fund) and VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) are both funds - VKSIX is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Virtus, while VTI is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Total Market Index. Over the past 5 years, VKSIX returned 0.11%/yr vs 12.17%/yr for VTI. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VKSIX charges 1.02%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTI.

Performance

VKSIX vs. VTI - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VKSIX achieves a -3.82% return, which is significantly lower than VTI's 11.37% return.

VKSIX

• 1D: 0.49%
• 1M: 2.31%
• 6M: -8.51%
• YTD: -3.82%
• 1Y: -9.31%
• 3Y*: 1.85%
• 5Y*: 0.11%
• 10Y*: —

VTI

• 1D: 0.37%
• 1M: 1.60%
• 6M: 9.07%
• YTD: 11.37%
• 1Y: 22.02%
• 3Y*: 19.91%
• 5Y*: 12.17%
• 10Y*: 14.71%

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

VKSIX vs. VTI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
VKSIX Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Core Fund	-3.82%	-4.36%	9.07%	23.61%	-23.83%	19.54%	33.45%	38.81%	-6.68%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	11.37%	17.10%	23.81%	26.05%	-19.52%	25.68%	21.08%	30.67%	-7.05%

Correlation

The correlation between VKSIX and VTI is 0.65, 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	0.65
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.76
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 22, 2018	0.86

Over the past year, the correlation between VKSIX and VTI has dropped to 0.65 - well below their long-term average of 0.86, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

VKSIX vs. VTI — 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

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 67
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 65
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VTI 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.

VKSIX vs. VTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Core Fund (VKSIX) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). 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	VTI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.59	1.73	-2.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.78	2.38	-3.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.92	1.31	-0.39
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.56	2.48	-3.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.05	10.86	-11.91

VKSIX vs. VTI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VKSIX Sharpe Ratio is -0.59, which is lower than the VTI Sharpe Ratio of 1.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VKSIX and VTI, 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. VTI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VKSIX drawdown since its inception was -35.59%, smaller than the maximum VTI drawdown of -55.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VKSIX and VTI.

Drawdown Indicators

	VKSIX	VTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.59%	-55.45%	+19.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.70%	-8.92%	-7.78%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.29%	-19.30%	-0.99%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.49%	-25.36%	-7.13%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-15.19%	-0.57%	-14.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.97%	-8.00%	-0.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.94%	2.03%	+6.91%

Volatility

VKSIX vs. VTI - Volatility Comparison

Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Core Fund (VKSIX) has a higher volatility of 4.68% compared to Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) at 3.75%. This indicates that VKSIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VTI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VKSIX	VTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.68%	3.75%	+0.93%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.06%	10.12%	+1.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.96%	12.82%	+3.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.25%	17.51%	+1.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.91%	18.29%	+2.62%

VKSIX vs. VTI - Expense Ratio Comparison

VKSIX has a 1.02% expense ratio, which is higher than VTI's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

VKSIX vs. VTI - Dividend Comparison

VKSIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.36%, less than VTI's 1.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	1.05%	1.12%	1.27%	1.44%	1.66%	1.21%	1.42%	1.78%	2.04%	1.71%	1.92%	1.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VKSIX and VTI in my portfolio?

VKSIX and VTI have a correlation of 0.65, 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 VTI?

VKSIX has higher volatility (4.68%) compared to VTI (3.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VKSIX dropped -35.59% vs VTI's -55.45%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.73 vs -0.59), 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.