VMGRX vs. PKSFX
VMGRX (Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth Fund) and PKSFX (Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund) are both Mid Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, VMGRX returned 9.56%/yr vs 15.13%/yr for PKSFX. Their correlation of 0.82 means they have usually moved in the same direction. VMGRX charges 0.33%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for PKSFX.
Performance
VMGRX vs. PKSFX - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VMGRX achieves a -2.94% return, which is significantly lower than PKSFX's 7.13% return. Over the past 10 years, VMGRX has underperformed PKSFX with an annualized return of 9.56%, while PKSFX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.13% annualized return.
VMGRX
- 1D
- -0.54%
- 1M
- -6.80%
- 6M
- 0.00%
- YTD
- -2.94%
- 1Y
- -0.29%
- 3Y*
- 8.59%
- 5Y*
- 1.18%
- 10Y*
- 9.56%
- ALL TIME*
- 8.37%
PKSFX
- 1D
- -0.21%
- 1M
- -2.87%
- 6M
- -0.76%
- YTD
- 7.13%
- 1Y
- 5.83%
- 3Y*
- 8.78%
- 5Y*
- 8.12%
- 10Y*
- 15.13%
- ALL TIME*
- 10.84%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
VMGRX vs. PKSFX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VMGRX Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth Fund | -2.94% | 8.80% | 17.73% | 24.15% | -30.13% | 9.21% | 33.40% | 32.06% | -3.52% | 21.60% |
PKSFX Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund | 7.13% | -2.58% | 13.67% | 32.32% | -10.77% | 19.03% | 21.38% | 40.21% | -1.99% | 34.98% |
Correlation
The correlation between VMGRX and PKSFX is 0.50, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most. | 0.50 |
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history. | 0.67 |
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period. | 0.75 |
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions. | 0.77 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 31, 1997 | 0.82 |
Over the past year, the correlation between VMGRX and PKSFX has dropped to 0.50 - well below their long-term average of 0.82, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
VMGRX vs. PKSFX — Risk / Return Rank
VMGRX
PKSFX
VMGRX vs. PKSFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth Fund (VMGRX) and Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund (PKSFX). 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.
| VMGRX | PKSFX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.37 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.53 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.00 | 1.06 | -0.06 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | -0.09 | 0.41 | -0.50 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | -0.27 | 0.82 | -1.08 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
VMGRX vs. PKSFX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VMGRX drawdown since its inception was -71.74%, which is greater than PKSFX's maximum drawdown of -54.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VMGRX and PKSFX.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| VMGRX | PKSFX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -71.74% | -54.46% | -17.28% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -19.09% | -11.19% | -7.90% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -26.85% | -21.82% | -5.03% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -39.71% | -22.02% | -17.69% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -39.71% | -33.45% | -6.26% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -8.71% | -4.43% | -4.28% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -24.38% | -7.15% | -17.23% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 6.39% | 5.62% | +0.77% |
Volatility
VMGRX vs. PKSFX - Volatility Comparison
Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth Fund (VMGRX) has a higher volatility of 7.34% compared to Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund (PKSFX) at 4.20%. This indicates that VMGRX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PKSFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| VMGRX | PKSFX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 7.34% | 4.20% | +3.14% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 17.69% | 11.00% | +6.69% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 21.23% | 15.68% | +5.55% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 23.60% | 17.99% | +5.61% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 22.42% | 18.80% | +3.62% |
VMGRX vs. PKSFX - Expense Ratio Comparison
VMGRX has a 0.33% expense ratio, which is lower than PKSFX's 1.00% expense ratio.
Dividends
VMGRX vs. PKSFX - Dividend Comparison
VMGRX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 18.28%, more than PKSFX's 13.35% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PKSFX Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund | 13.35% | 14.30% | 4.07% | 4.12% | 6.65% | 12.05% | 7.45% | 4.03% | 4.33% | 0.17% | 5.69% | 19.83% |
VMGRX Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth Fund | 18.28% | 17.74% | 1.80% | 0.39% | 0.26% | 34.53% | 6.30% | 10.43% | 14.53% | 3.13% | 0.67% | 8.20% |
Frequently Asked Questions
VMGRX and PKSFX have a correlation of 0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
VMGRX has higher volatility (7.34%) compared to PKSFX (4.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VMGRX dropped -71.74% vs PKSFX's -54.46%.
PKSFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.29 vs -0.08), 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.
Find the right allocation for VMGRX and PKSFX
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer