Virtus International Small-Cap Fund Institutional Class is a mutual fund designed to provide capital appreciation by investing primarily in equity securities of small-cap companies located outside the United States. The fund follows a systematic, bottom-up approach that emphasizes identifying international firms with smaller market capitalizations and above-average earnings growth potential, particularly those operating in strong growth sectors. The portfolio is broadly diversified, typically holding over 120 positions spanning developed and emerging markets across Europe, Asia, and other regions, with a focus on value characteristics—such as low valuations and high dividend yields—within the foreign small/mid-cap segment. The fund’s investment process incorporates behavioral finance and quantitative analysis, aiming to exploit market inefficiencies while maintaining proactive risk controls to manage volatility. This institutional share class is intended for large-scale investors and employs a strategy benchmarked to the MSCI ACWI Ex US Small Cap Index. Since its inception in 2003, Virtus International Small-Cap Fund Institutional Class has served as a vehicle for investors seeking diversified exposure to international small-cap equities, playing a significant role in global asset allocation strategies and portfolio diversification for institutions and sophisticated investors.