VRTIX vs. AZBIX

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

VRTIX (Vanguard Russell 2000 Index Fund Institutional Shares) and AZBIX (Virtus Small-Cap Fund) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, VRTIX returned 10.87%/yr vs 11.69%/yr for AZBIX. Their 0.96 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. VRTIX charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.89%/yr for AZBIX.

Performance

VRTIX vs. AZBIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Russell 2000 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTIX) and Virtus Small-Cap Fund (AZBIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with VRTIX having a 18.90% return and AZBIX slightly higher at 19.04%. Over the past 10 years, VRTIX has underperformed AZBIX with an annualized return of 10.87%, while AZBIX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.69% annualized return.

VRTIX

• 1D: -0.49%
• 1M: -2.12%
• 6M: 11.72%
• YTD: 18.90%
• 1Y: 37.06%
• 3Y*: 15.22%
• 5Y*: 7.09%
• 10Y*: 10.87%
• ALL TIME*: 11.43%

AZBIX

• 1D: -0.61%
• 1M: -1.54%
• 6M: 12.74%
• YTD: 19.04%
• 1Y: 32.54%
• 3Y*: 16.26%
• 5Y*: 8.45%
• 10Y*: 11.69%
• ALL TIME*: 10.91%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
AZBIX Virtus Small-Cap Fund	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00
VRTIX Vanguard Russell 2000 Index Fund Institutional Shares	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00

VRTIX vs. AZBIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VRTIX Vanguard Russell 2000 Index Fund Institutional Shares	18.90%	12.55%	11.59%	17.01%	-20.40%	14.71%	20.46%	25.60%	-10.92%	14.77%
AZBIX Virtus Small-Cap Fund	19.04%	8.49%	19.06%	14.09%	-18.04%	18.92%	16.98%	24.13%	-9.25%	21.27%

Correlation

The correlation between VRTIX and AZBIX is 0.95 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 2, 2013	0.96

The correlation between VRTIX and AZBIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VRTIX vs. AZBIX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

VRTIX

VRTIX Risk / Return Rank: 76
VRTIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
VRTIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
VRTIX Omega Ratio Rank: 63
VRTIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
VRTIX Martin Ratio Rank: 85

AZBIX

AZBIX Risk / Return Rank: 77
AZBIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
AZBIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
AZBIX Omega Ratio Rank: 64
AZBIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
AZBIX Martin Ratio Rank: 85

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

VRTIX vs. AZBIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Russell 2000 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTIX) and Virtus Small-Cap Fund (AZBIX). 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.

	VRTIX	AZBIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.78	1.78	0.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.53	2.57	-0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.30	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.13	3.31	-0.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.11	11.10	+0.01

VRTIX vs. AZBIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VRTIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.78, which is comparable to the AZBIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VRTIX and AZBIX, 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

VRTIX vs. AZBIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VRTIX drawdown since its inception was -41.69%, roughly equal to the maximum AZBIX drawdown of -40.80%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VRTIX and AZBIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VRTIX	AZBIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.69%	-40.80%	-0.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.99%	-9.33%	-1.66%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.72%	-29.01%	+1.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.98%	-29.85%	-2.13%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.69%	-40.80%	-0.89%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.03%	-3.55%	+0.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.33%	-7.64%	-0.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.10%	2.78%	+0.32%

Volatility

VRTIX vs. AZBIX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Russell 2000 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTIX) and Virtus Small-Cap Fund (AZBIX) have volatilities of 3.83% and 3.96%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VRTIX	AZBIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.83%	3.96%	-0.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.15%	13.13%	+1.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.41%	17.44%	+1.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.56%	20.49%	+2.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.43%	21.34%	+2.09%

VRTIX vs. AZBIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VRTIX has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than AZBIX's 0.89% expense ratio.

Dividends

VRTIX vs. AZBIX - Dividend Comparison

VRTIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.12%, less than AZBIX's 4.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AZBIX Virtus Small-Cap Fund	4.12%	4.90%	10.82%	2.31%	4.78%	13.82%	0.45%	0.38%	9.62%	13.80%	0.03%	3.59%
VRTIX Vanguard Russell 2000 Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.12%	1.00%	1.23%	1.46%	1.50%	1.05%	1.14%	1.36%	1.49%	1.24%	1.33%	1.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VRTIX and AZBIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, VRTIX and AZBIX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, VRTIX or AZBIX?

AZBIX has higher volatility (3.96%) compared to VRTIX (3.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VRTIX dropped -41.69% vs AZBIX's -40.80%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AZBIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.78 vs 1.78), 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.