AHSAX vs. THW

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

AHSAX (Alger Health Sciences Fund) and THW (abrdn World Healthcare Fund) are both Health & Biotech Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, AHSAX returned 9.16%/yr vs 9.83%/yr for THW. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AHSAX charges 1.05%/yr vs 1.54%/yr for THW.

Performance

AHSAX vs. THW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alger Health Sciences Fund (AHSAX) and abrdn World Healthcare Fund (THW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AHSAX achieves a 3.95% return, which is significantly lower than THW's 4.83% return. Over the past 10 years, AHSAX has underperformed THW with an annualized return of 9.16%, while THW has yielded a comparatively higher 9.83% annualized return.

AHSAX

• 1D: 1.15%
• 1M: 3.58%
• YTD: 3.95%
• 6M: 2.16%
• 1Y: 28.11%
• 3Y*: 4.35%
• 5Y*: -1.77%
• 10Y*: 9.16%

THW

• 1D: 0.79%
• 1M: -0.31%
• YTD: 4.83%
• 6M: 5.29%
• 1Y: 40.30%
• 3Y*: 8.02%
• 5Y*: 5.85%
• 10Y*: 9.83%

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

AHSAX vs. THW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AHSAX Alger Health Sciences Fund	3.95%	10.14%	1.17%	-4.26%	-17.04%	3.26%	30.99%	22.02%	5.71%	33.06%
THW abrdn World Healthcare Fund	4.83%	31.10%	5.35%	-11.52%	-1.21%	12.03%	26.40%	32.98%	-5.40%	16.95%

Correlation

The correlation between AHSAX and THW is 0.59, 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	0.59
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.58
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.58
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 26, 2015	0.56

The correlation between AHSAX and THW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.56 to 0.59 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AHSAX vs. THW — Risk / Return Rank

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

AHSAX

AHSAX Risk / Return Rank: 48
AHSAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
AHSAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
AHSAX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
AHSAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
AHSAX Martin Ratio Rank: 46

THW

THW Risk / Return Rank: 61
THW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
THW Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
THW Omega Ratio Rank: 47
THW Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
THW Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

AHSAX vs. THW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alger Health Sciences Fund (AHSAX) and abrdn World Healthcare Fund (THW). 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.

	AHSAX	THW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.82	2.01	-0.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.61	2.74	-0.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.34	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.97	3.59	-0.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.10	12.73	-3.63

AHSAX vs. THW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AHSAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.82, which is comparable to the THW Sharpe Ratio of 2.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AHSAX and THW, 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

AHSAX vs. THW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AHSAX drawdown since its inception was -46.23%, which is greater than THW's maximum drawdown of -37.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AHSAX and THW.

Drawdown Indicators

	AHSAX	THW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.23%	-37.36%	-8.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.67%	-11.28%	+1.61%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.11%	-28.37%	+5.26%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-45.04%	-31.53%	-13.51%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.04%	-37.36%	-7.68%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-24.40%	-0.85%	-23.55%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.73%	-9.68%	-5.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.15%	3.17%	-0.02%

Volatility

AHSAX vs. THW - Volatility Comparison

Alger Health Sciences Fund (AHSAX) and abrdn World Healthcare Fund (THW) have volatilities of 5.94% and 5.97%, 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

	AHSAX	THW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.94%	5.97%	-0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.41%	13.37%	-0.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.76%	20.19%	-4.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.16%	18.70%	+5.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.35%	21.21%	+2.14%

AHSAX vs. THW - Expense Ratio Comparison

AHSAX has a 1.05% expense ratio, which is lower than THW's 1.54% expense ratio.

Dividends

AHSAX vs. THW - Dividend Comparison

AHSAX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while THW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.95%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AHSAX Alger Health Sciences Fund	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	27.18%	11.68%	6.98%	7.82%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
THW abrdn World Healthcare Fund	10.95%	10.96%	12.72%	12.00%	9.56%	8.60%	8.85%	10.11%	12.08%	10.29%	10.91%	3.69%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AHSAX and THW in my portfolio?

AHSAX and THW have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AHSAX or THW?

THW has higher volatility (5.97%) compared to AHSAX (5.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AHSAX dropped -46.23% vs THW's -37.36%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

THW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.01 vs 1.82), 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.