ALARX vs. WSTCX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ALARX (Alger Capital Appreciation Institutional Fund) and WSTCX (Delaware Ivy Science and Technology Fund) are both mutual funds - ALARX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Alger, while WSTCX is a Technology Equities fund managed by Ivy Funds. Over the past 10 years, ALARX returned 20.14%/yr vs 28.73%/yr for WSTCX. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ALARX charges 1.12%/yr vs 2.14%/yr for WSTCX.

Performance

ALARX vs. WSTCX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alger Capital Appreciation Institutional Fund (ALARX) and Delaware Ivy Science and Technology Fund (WSTCX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ALARX achieves a 15.10% return, which is significantly lower than WSTCX's 44.87% return. Over the past 10 years, ALARX has underperformed WSTCX with an annualized return of 20.14%, while WSTCX has yielded a comparatively higher 28.73% annualized return.

ALARX

• 1D: -1.72%
• 1M: 3.56%
• YTD: 15.10%
• 6M: 13.07%
• 1Y: 40.37%
• 3Y*: 36.60%
• 5Y*: 16.85%
• 10Y*: 20.14%

WSTCX

• 1D: -0.34%
• 1M: 11.29%
• YTD: 44.87%
• 6M: 43.48%
• 1Y: 75.55%
• 3Y*: 68.65%
• 5Y*: 32.23%
• 10Y*: 28.73%

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

ALARX vs. WSTCX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ALARX Alger Capital Appreciation Institutional Fund	15.10%	31.75%	49.44%	42.82%	-36.88%	18.38%	41.50%	33.13%	-0.82%	31.11%
WSTCX Delaware Ivy Science and Technology Fund	44.87%	32.86%	117.81%	39.18%	-33.22%	12.80%	35.09%	49.22%	-5.97%	31.79%

Correlation

The correlation between ALARX and WSTCX is 0.87, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 31, 1997	0.90

The correlation between ALARX and WSTCX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ALARX vs. WSTCX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ALARX

ALARX Risk / Return Rank: 40
ALARX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
ALARX Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
ALARX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
ALARX Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
ALARX Martin Ratio Rank: 35

WSTCX

WSTCX Risk / Return Rank: 87
WSTCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
WSTCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
WSTCX Omega Ratio Rank: 81
WSTCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
WSTCX Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

ALARX vs. WSTCX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alger Capital Appreciation Institutional Fund (ALARX) and Delaware Ivy Science and Technology Fund (WSTCX). 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.

	ALARX	WSTCX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.85	2.99	-1.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.43	3.48	-1.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.49	-0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.25	4.66	-2.40
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.33	16.54	-9.21

ALARX vs. WSTCX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ALARX Sharpe Ratio is 1.85, which is lower than the WSTCX Sharpe Ratio of 2.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ALARX and WSTCX, 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

ALARX vs. WSTCX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ALARX drawdown since its inception was -68.32%, which is greater than WSTCX's maximum drawdown of -60.92%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ALARX and WSTCX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ALARX	WSTCX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-68.32%	-60.92%	-7.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.65%	-16.84%	-1.81%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.77%	-44.66%	+16.89%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-46.86%	-60.92%	+14.06%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.86%	-60.92%	+14.06%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.86%	-0.34%	-1.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-20.94%	-18.37%	-2.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.72%	4.72%	+1.00%

Volatility

ALARX vs. WSTCX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Alger Capital Appreciation Institutional Fund (ALARX) is 9.32%, while Delaware Ivy Science and Technology Fund (WSTCX) has a volatility of 12.37%. This indicates that ALARX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than WSTCX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ALARX	WSTCX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.32%	12.37%	-3.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.71%	21.69%	-3.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.79%	26.31%	-3.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.08%	74.64%	-46.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.94%	55.16%	-30.22%

ALARX vs. WSTCX - Expense Ratio Comparison

ALARX has a 1.12% expense ratio, which is lower than WSTCX's 2.14% expense ratio.

Dividends

ALARX vs. WSTCX - Dividend Comparison

ALARX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.07%, less than WSTCX's 9.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ALARX Alger Capital Appreciation Institutional Fund	6.07%	6.99%	13.06%	8.09%	3.90%	19.40%	16.62%	10.34%	12.39%	6.75%	0.00%	7.71%
WSTCX Delaware Ivy Science and Technology Fund	9.22%	13.35%	81.76%	21.98%	57.60%	61.50%	11.27%	13.85%	16.72%	7.61%	0.00%	2.85%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ALARX and WSTCX in my portfolio?

ALARX and WSTCX have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ALARX or WSTCX?

WSTCX has higher volatility (12.37%) compared to ALARX (9.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ALARX dropped -68.32% vs WSTCX's -60.92%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

WSTCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.99 vs 1.85), 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.