ALGRX vs. SPECX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

ALGRX (Alger Focus Equity Fund) and SPECX (Alger Spectra Fund) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds from Alger. Over the past 10 years, ALGRX returned 21.66%/yr vs 17.64%/yr for SPECX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. ALGRX charges 0.89%/yr vs 1.39%/yr for SPECX.

Performance

ALGRX vs. SPECX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alger Focus Equity Fund (ALGRX) 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, ALGRX achieves a 15.62% return, which is significantly higher than SPECX's 11.86% return. Over the past 10 years, ALGRX has outperformed SPECX with an annualized return of 21.66%, while SPECX has yielded a comparatively lower 17.64% annualized return.

ALGRX

• 1D: -1.29%
• 1M: 7.05%
• YTD: 15.62%
• 6M: 14.20%
• 1Y: 47.00%
• 3Y*: 41.01%
• 5Y*: 20.23%
• 10Y*: 21.66%

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)

ALGRX vs. SPECX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ALGRX Alger Focus Equity Fund	15.62%	39.68%	51.77%	44.20%	-35.94%	20.06%	45.82%	33.93%	1.39%	28.68%
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 ALGRX 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	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 22, 1995	0.97

The correlation between ALGRX and SPECX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ALGRX vs. SPECX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ALGRX

ALGRX Risk / Return Rank: 50
ALGRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
ALGRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
ALGRX Omega Ratio Rank: 45
ALGRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
ALGRX Martin Ratio Rank: 45

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.

ALGRX vs. SPECX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alger Focus Equity Fund (ALGRX) 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.

	ALGRX	SPECX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.28	1.70	+0.58
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.91	2.26	+0.65
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.28	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.77	1.85	+0.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.42	5.87	+3.55
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ALGRX vs. SPECX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ALGRX Sharpe Ratio is 2.28, which is higher than the SPECX Sharpe Ratio of 1.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ALGRX 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

	ALGRX	SPECX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.28	1.70	+0.58
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78	0.47	+0.31
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.91	0.64	+0.27
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.46	0.50	-0.04

Drawdowns

ALGRX vs. SPECX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ALGRX drawdown since its inception was -62.64%, smaller than the maximum SPECX drawdown of -72.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ALGRX and SPECX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ALGRX	SPECX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.64%	-72.19%	+9.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.55%	-20.03%	+2.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.96%	-27.91%	+0.95%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.57%	-54.82%	+11.25%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.57%	-54.82%	+11.25%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.83%	-2.18%	+0.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.80%	-24.04%	+5.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.15%	6.31%	-1.16%

Volatility

ALGRX vs. SPECX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Alger Focus Equity Fund (ALGRX) is 5.28%, while Alger Spectra Fund (SPECX) has a volatility of 5.91%. This indicates that ALGRX 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

	ALGRX	SPECX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.28%	5.91%	-0.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.07%	16.71%	-0.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.40%	21.86%	-0.46%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.16%	32.66%	-6.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.98%	27.85%	-3.87%

ALGRX vs. SPECX - Expense Ratio Comparison

ALGRX has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is lower than SPECX's 1.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

ALGRX vs. SPECX - Dividend Comparison

ALGRX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.78%, more than SPECX's 6.68% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ALGRX Alger Focus Equity Fund	6.78%	7.84%	0.00%	0.10%	0.06%	13.98%	6.25%	2.08%	5.38%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
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 ALGRX and SPECX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, ALGRX 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, ALGRX or SPECX?

SPECX has higher volatility (5.91%) compared to ALGRX (5.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ALGRX dropped -62.64% vs SPECX's -72.19%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ALGRX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 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.