CIGIX vs. STEZX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

CIGIX (Calamos International Growth Fund) and STEZX (AB International Strategic Equities Portfolio) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, CIGIX returned 10.79%/yr vs 11.30%/yr for STEZX. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CIGIX charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.71%/yr for STEZX.

Performance

CIGIX vs. STEZX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Calamos International Growth Fund (CIGIX) and AB International Strategic Equities Portfolio (STEZX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CIGIX achieves a 35.71% return, which is significantly higher than STEZX's 22.80% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with CIGIX having a 10.79% annualized return and STEZX not far ahead at 11.30%.

CIGIX

• 1D: 3.08%
• 1M: 6.28%
• YTD: 35.71%
• 6M: 36.79%
• 1Y: 51.70%
• 3Y*: 24.90%
• 5Y*: 5.46%
• 10Y*: 10.79%

STEZX

• 1D: 1.85%
• 1M: 3.50%
• YTD: 22.80%
• 6M: 23.95%
• 1Y: 47.28%
• 3Y*: 26.65%
• 5Y*: 13.78%
• 10Y*: 11.30%

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

CIGIX vs. STEZX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CIGIX Calamos International Growth Fund	35.71%	23.11%	12.51%	15.33%	-30.54%	-8.98%	44.95%	29.69%	-20.93%	39.54%
STEZX AB International Strategic Equities Portfolio	22.80%	43.11%	12.75%	13.56%	-17.62%	10.32%	4.38%	19.93%	-14.94%	29.96%

Correlation

The correlation between CIGIX and STEZX is 0.90, 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	0.90
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 Jan 4, 2016	0.93

The correlation between CIGIX and STEZX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CIGIX vs. STEZX — Risk / Return Rank

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

CIGIX

CIGIX Risk / Return Rank: 59
CIGIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
CIGIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
CIGIX Omega Ratio Rank: 54
CIGIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
CIGIX Martin Ratio Rank: 62

STEZX

STEZX Risk / Return Rank: 84
STEZX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
STEZX Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
STEZX Omega Ratio Rank: 81
STEZX Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
STEZX Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

CIGIX vs. STEZX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Calamos International Growth Fund (CIGIX) and AB International Strategic Equities Portfolio (STEZX). 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.

	CIGIX	STEZX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.03	2.63	-0.60
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.72	3.43	-0.71
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.49	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.21	3.87	-0.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.54	16.11	-4.57

CIGIX vs. STEZX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CIGIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.03, which is comparable to the STEZX Sharpe Ratio of 2.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CIGIX and STEZX, 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

CIGIX vs. STEZX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CIGIX drawdown since its inception was -64.46%, which is greater than STEZX's maximum drawdown of -36.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CIGIX and STEZX.

Drawdown Indicators

	CIGIX	STEZX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.46%	-36.51%	-27.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.88%	-12.02%	-3.86%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.38%	-14.01%	-5.37%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-50.15%	-29.85%	-20.30%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-50.15%	-36.51%	-13.64%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.27%	-7.28%	-7.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.40%	2.88%	+1.52%

Volatility

CIGIX vs. STEZX - Volatility Comparison

Calamos International Growth Fund (CIGIX) has a higher volatility of 12.19% compared to AB International Strategic Equities Portfolio (STEZX) at 7.55%. This indicates that CIGIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than STEZX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CIGIX	STEZX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.19%	7.55%	+4.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.20%	15.53%	+6.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.03%	17.68%	+7.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.58%	16.59%	+4.99%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.23%	16.37%	+3.86%

CIGIX vs. STEZX - Expense Ratio Comparison

CIGIX has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than STEZX's 0.71% expense ratio.

Dividends

CIGIX vs. STEZX - Dividend Comparison

CIGIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.94%, less than STEZX's 10.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CIGIX Calamos International Growth Fund	9.94%	13.49%	4.54%	0.28%	0.00%	0.33%	5.42%	0.00%	13.25%	3.76%	0.00%	0.13%
STEZX AB International Strategic Equities Portfolio	10.22%	12.56%	2.45%	3.08%	4.12%	5.96%	1.29%	2.05%	3.23%	2.92%	1.72%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CIGIX and STEZX in my portfolio?

CIGIX and STEZX have a correlation of 0.90, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CIGIX or STEZX?

CIGIX has higher volatility (12.19%) compared to STEZX (7.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CIGIX dropped -64.46% vs STEZX's -36.51%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

STEZX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.63 vs 2.03), 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.