ACAAX vs. SPECX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

ACAAX (Alger Capital Appreciation Fund) and SPECX (Alger Spectra Fund) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds from Alger. Over the past 10 years, ACAAX returned 19.53%/yr vs 17.64%/yr for SPECX. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. ACAAX charges 1.15%/yr vs 1.39%/yr for SPECX.

Performance

ACAAX vs. SPECX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alger Capital Appreciation Fund (ACAAX) and Alger Spectra Fund (SPECX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ACAAX achieves a 14.02% return, which is significantly higher than SPECX's 11.86% return. Over the past 10 years, ACAAX has outperformed SPECX with an annualized return of 19.53%, while SPECX has yielded a comparatively lower 17.64% annualized return.

ACAAX

• 1D: -1.28%
• 1M: 7.39%
• YTD: 14.02%
• 6M: 12.57%
• 1Y: 39.59%
• 3Y*: 36.84%
• 5Y*: 17.59%
• 10Y*: 19.53%

SPECX

• 1D: -1.44%
• 1M: 6.79%
• YTD: 11.86%
• 6M: 10.51%
• 1Y: 35.61%
• 3Y*: 34.22%
• 5Y*: 15.22%
• 10Y*: 17.64%

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

ACAAX vs. SPECX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ACAAX Alger Capital Appreciation Fund	14.02%	30.80%	49.55%	42.99%	-36.90%	18.17%	41.78%	33.14%	-0.95%	31.31%
SPECX Alger Spectra Fund	11.86%	29.16%	47.52%	41.34%	-39.37%	12.61%	43.66%	32.15%	-0.82%	31.11%

Correlation

The correlation between ACAAX and SPECX is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	1.00
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 1997	0.99

The correlation between ACAAX and SPECX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ACAAX vs. SPECX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ACAAX

ACAAX Risk / Return Rank: 37
ACAAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
ACAAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
ACAAX Omega Ratio Rank: 38
ACAAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
ACAAX Martin Ratio Rank: 30

SPECX

SPECX Risk / Return Rank: 29
SPECX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
SPECX Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
SPECX Omega Ratio Rank: 30
SPECX Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
SPECX Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

ACAAX vs. SPECX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alger Capital Appreciation Fund (ACAAX) and Alger Spectra Fund (SPECX). 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.

	ACAAX	SPECX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.96	1.70	+0.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.56	2.26	+0.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.28	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.15	1.85	+0.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.93	5.87	+1.07
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ACAAX vs. SPECX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ACAAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.96, which is comparable to the SPECX Sharpe Ratio of 1.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ACAAX and SPECX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ACAAX	SPECX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.96	1.70	+0.26
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.61	0.47	+0.14
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.77	0.64	+0.14
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.51	0.50	+0.01

Drawdowns

ACAAX vs. SPECX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ACAAX drawdown since its inception was -70.29%, roughly equal to the maximum SPECX drawdown of -72.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ACAAX and SPECX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ACAAX	SPECX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-70.29%	-72.19%	+1.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.11%	-20.03%	+0.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.79%	-27.91%	+0.12%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-48.73%	-54.82%	+6.09%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-48.73%	-54.82%	+6.09%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.70%	-2.18%	+0.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-22.96%	-24.04%	+1.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.92%	6.31%	-0.39%

Volatility

ACAAX vs. SPECX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Alger Capital Appreciation Fund (ACAAX) is 5.24%, while Alger Spectra Fund (SPECX) has a volatility of 5.91%. This indicates that ACAAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPECX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ACAAX	SPECX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.24%	5.91%	-0.67%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.84%	16.71%	-0.87%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.99%	21.86%	-0.87%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.90%	32.66%	-3.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.39%	27.85%	-2.46%

ACAAX vs. SPECX - Expense Ratio Comparison

ACAAX has a 1.15% expense ratio, which is lower than SPECX's 1.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

ACAAX vs. SPECX - Dividend Comparison

ACAAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.59%, more than SPECX's 6.68% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ACAAX Alger Capital Appreciation Fund	8.59%	9.80%	12.93%	7.19%	4.42%	23.67%	15.64%	8.17%	11.59%	6.76%	0.84%	8.28%
SPECX Alger Spectra Fund	6.68%	7.47%	6.49%	0.00%	2.70%	34.41%	9.19%	7.20%	12.09%	6.14%	0.00%	8.80%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ACAAX and SPECX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, ACAAX and SPECX 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, ACAAX or SPECX?

SPECX has higher volatility (5.91%) compared to ACAAX (5.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ACAAX dropped -70.29% vs SPECX's -72.19%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ACAAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.96 vs 1.70), 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.