VXF vs. VKSIX

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

VXF (Vanguard Extended Market ETF) and VKSIX (Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Core Fund) are both funds - VXF is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the S&P Completion Index, while VKSIX is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Virtus. Over the past 5 years, VXF returned 7.00%/yr vs 0.11%/yr for VKSIX. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VXF charges 0.05%/yr vs 1.02%/yr for VKSIX.

Performance

VXF vs. VKSIX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VXF achieves a 15.52% return, which is significantly higher than VKSIX's -3.82% return.

VXF

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: 1.00%
• 6M: 10.19%
• YTD: 15.52%
• 1Y: 22.98%
• 3Y*: 17.62%
• 5Y*: 7.00%
• 10Y*: 11.92%

VKSIX

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

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

VXF vs. VKSIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
VXF Vanguard Extended Market ETF	15.52%	11.40%	16.89%	25.51%	-26.52%	12.31%	32.45%	27.96%	-12.03%
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%

Correlation

The correlation between VXF and VKSIX is 0.77, 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	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 22, 2018	0.88

The correlation between VXF and VKSIX shifts across timeframes, from 0.77 (1 year) to 0.88 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VXF vs. VKSIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VXF

VXF Risk / Return Rank: 50
VXF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
VXF Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
VXF Omega Ratio Rank: 43
VXF Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
VXF Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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

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.

VXF vs. VKSIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	VXF	VKSIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.30	-0.59	+1.89
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.88	-0.78	+2.66
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	0.92	+0.31
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.26	-0.56	+2.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.91	-1.05	+8.95

VXF vs. VKSIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VXF Sharpe Ratio is 1.30, which is higher than the VKSIX Sharpe Ratio of -0.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VXF and VKSIX, 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

VXF vs. VKSIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VXF drawdown since its inception was -58.03%, which is greater than VKSIX's maximum drawdown of -35.59%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VXF and VKSIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VXF	VKSIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.03%	-35.59%	-22.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.21%	-16.70%	+6.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.92%	-20.29%	-6.63%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.39%	-32.49%	-3.90%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.72%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.42%	-15.19%	+12.77%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.52%	-8.97%	-0.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.92%	8.94%	-6.02%

Volatility

VXF vs. VKSIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF) is 4.04%, while Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Core Fund (VKSIX) has a volatility of 4.68%. This indicates that VXF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VKSIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VXF	VKSIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.04%	4.68%	-0.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.26%	12.06%	+1.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.80%	15.96%	+1.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.42%	19.25%	+3.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.26%	20.91%	+1.35%

VXF vs. VKSIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VXF has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than VKSIX's 1.02% expense ratio.

Dividends

VXF vs. VKSIX - Dividend Comparison

VXF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.02%, more than VKSIX's 0.36% 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%
VXF Vanguard Extended Market ETF	1.02%	1.14%	1.09%	1.27%	1.15%	1.13%	1.07%	1.30%	1.66%	1.25%	1.43%	1.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VXF and VKSIX in my portfolio?

VXF and VKSIX have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VXF or VKSIX?

VKSIX has higher volatility (4.68%) compared to VXF (4.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VXF dropped -58.03% vs VKSIX's -35.59%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VXF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.30 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.