AVEMX vs. DNLAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

AVEMX (Ave Maria Value Fund) and DNLAX (BNY Mellon Natural Resources Fund Class A) are both mutual funds - AVEMX is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Ave Maria Mutual Funds, while DNLAX is a Energy Equities fund managed by BNY Mellon. Over the past 10 years, AVEMX returned 10.68%/yr vs 12.89%/yr for DNLAX. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AVEMX charges 0.97%/yr vs 1.14%/yr for DNLAX.

Performance

AVEMX vs. DNLAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Ave Maria Value Fund (AVEMX) and BNY Mellon Natural Resources Fund Class A (DNLAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AVEMX achieves a 7.48% return, which is significantly lower than DNLAX's 17.88% return. Over the past 10 years, AVEMX has underperformed DNLAX with an annualized return of 10.68%, while DNLAX has yielded a comparatively higher 12.89% annualized return.

AVEMX

• 1D: 0.79%
• 1M: -3.46%
• YTD: 7.48%
• 6M: 4.91%
• 1Y: 5.70%
• 3Y*: 13.32%
• 5Y*: 8.72%
• 10Y*: 10.68%

DNLAX

• 1D: -1.50%
• 1M: -5.13%
• YTD: 17.88%
• 6M: 17.93%
• 1Y: 35.36%
• 3Y*: 12.45%
• 5Y*: 16.46%
• 10Y*: 12.89%

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

AVEMX vs. DNLAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AVEMX Ave Maria Value Fund	7.48%	2.82%	21.43%	3.49%	4.19%	25.15%	6.20%	20.51%	-8.70%	17.75%
DNLAX BNY Mellon Natural Resources Fund Class A	17.88%	14.75%	0.86%	1.33%	33.83%	38.00%	6.30%	16.33%	-17.78%	13.69%

Correlation

The correlation between AVEMX and DNLAX is 0.64, 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	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.72
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 31, 2003	0.75

The correlation between AVEMX and DNLAX shifts across timeframes, from 0.64 (1 year) to 0.77 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

AVEMX vs. DNLAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVEMX

AVEMX Risk / Return Rank: 5
AVEMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
AVEMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
AVEMX Omega Ratio Rank: 5
AVEMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
AVEMX Martin Ratio Rank: 6

DNLAX

DNLAX Risk / Return Rank: 59
DNLAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
DNLAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
DNLAX Omega Ratio Rank: 40
DNLAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
DNLAX Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

AVEMX vs. DNLAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Ave Maria Value Fund (AVEMX) and BNY Mellon Natural Resources Fund Class A (DNLAX). 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.

	AVEMX	DNLAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.33	1.84	-1.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.56	2.46	-1.90
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.07	1.31	-0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.57	4.55	-3.99
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.23	13.44	-12.21

AVEMX vs. DNLAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVEMX Sharpe Ratio is 0.33, which is lower than the DNLAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVEMX and DNLAX, 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

AVEMX vs. DNLAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVEMX drawdown since its inception was -59.76%, smaller than the maximum DNLAX drawdown of -69.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVEMX and DNLAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVEMX	DNLAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.76%	-69.14%	+9.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.85%	-7.67%	-2.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.64%	-32.37%	+13.73%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.64%	-32.37%	+13.73%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.76%	-54.45%	+14.69%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.14%	-7.67%	-1.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.61%	-21.52%	+12.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.54%	2.60%	+1.94%

Volatility

AVEMX vs. DNLAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Ave Maria Value Fund (AVEMX) is 4.67%, while BNY Mellon Natural Resources Fund Class A (DNLAX) has a volatility of 6.54%. This indicates that AVEMX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DNLAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AVEMX	DNLAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.67%	6.54%	-1.87%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.38%	14.38%	-2.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.77%	19.02%	-2.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.50%	25.68%	-7.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.50%	25.54%	-7.04%

AVEMX vs. DNLAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVEMX has a 0.97% expense ratio, which is lower than DNLAX's 1.14% expense ratio.

Dividends

AVEMX vs. DNLAX - Dividend Comparison

AVEMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.31%, less than DNLAX's 1.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVEMX Ave Maria Value Fund	0.31%	0.34%	8.81%	4.42%	1.15%	8.07%	3.57%	5.27%	10.76%	7.84%	0.00%	0.12%
DNLAX BNY Mellon Natural Resources Fund Class A	1.86%	2.19%	7.75%	12.54%	9.80%	5.04%	0.91%	1.95%	1.53%	0.40%	1.26%	0.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVEMX and DNLAX in my portfolio?

AVEMX and DNLAX have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AVEMX or DNLAX?

DNLAX has higher volatility (6.54%) compared to AVEMX (4.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVEMX dropped -59.76% vs DNLAX's -69.14%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DNLAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.84 vs 0.33), 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.