VMGRX vs. PKSFX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

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 10.76%/yr vs 15.33%/yr for PKSFX. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VMGRX charges 0.33%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for PKSFX.

Performance

VMGRX vs. PKSFX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VMGRX achieves a 3.94% return, which is significantly lower than PKSFX's 6.08% return. Over the past 10 years, VMGRX has underperformed PKSFX with an annualized return of 10.76%, while PKSFX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.33% annualized return.

VMGRX

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: 3.36%
• YTD: 3.94%
• 6M: 2.01%
• 1Y: 9.47%
• 3Y*: 13.67%
• 5Y*: 3.23%
• 10Y*: 10.76%

PKSFX

• 1D: -0.29%
• 1M: 3.06%
• YTD: 6.08%
• 6M: 4.14%
• 1Y: 6.87%
• 3Y*: 11.38%
• 5Y*: 8.58%
• 10Y*: 15.33%

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

VMGRX vs. PKSFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VMGRX Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth Fund	3.94%	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	6.08%	-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 0.57, 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	0.57
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.70
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.78
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 0.57 - well below their long-term average of 0.82, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

VMGRX vs. PKSFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VMGRX

VMGRX Risk / Return Rank: 7
VMGRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
VMGRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
VMGRX Omega Ratio Rank: 7
VMGRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
VMGRX Martin Ratio Rank: 7

PKSFX

PKSFX Risk / Return Rank: 8
PKSFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
PKSFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
PKSFX Omega Ratio Rank: 7
PKSFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
PKSFX Martin Ratio Rank: 7

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.

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 ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.53	0.58	-0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.85	0.98	-0.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.10	1.11	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.55	0.80	-0.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.72	1.62	+0.10

VMGRX vs. PKSFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VMGRX Sharpe Ratio is 0.53, which is comparable to the PKSFX Sharpe Ratio of 0.58. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VMGRX and PKSFX, 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

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.

Drawdown Indicators

	VMGRX	PKSFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest 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 Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.27%	-5.36%	+5.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-24.45%	-7.17%	-17.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.15%	5.54%	+0.61%

Volatility

VMGRX vs. PKSFX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth Fund (VMGRX) has a higher volatility of 7.75% compared to Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund (PKSFX) at 4.11%. 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.

Volatility by Period

	VMGRX	PKSFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.75%	4.11%	+3.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.51%	11.31%	+5.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.11%	15.61%	+4.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.43%	17.96%	+5.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.41%	18.84%	+3.57%

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 17.07%, more than PKSFX's 13.48% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PKSFX Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund	13.48%	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	17.07%	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

Can I hold both VMGRX and PKSFX in my portfolio?

VMGRX and PKSFX have a correlation of 0.57, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VMGRX or PKSFX?

VMGRX has higher volatility (7.75%) compared to PKSFX (4.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VMGRX dropped -71.74% vs PKSFX's -54.46%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PKSFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.58 vs 0.53), 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.