CLFFX vs. ARFFX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

CLFFX (Clifford Capital Partners Fund) and ARFFX (Ariel Focus Fund) are both Mid Cap Value Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, CLFFX returned 11.01%/yr vs 10.35%/yr for ARFFX. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CLFFX charges 1.15%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for ARFFX.

Performance

CLFFX vs. ARFFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Clifford Capital Partners Fund (CLFFX) and Ariel Focus Fund (ARFFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CLFFX achieves a 9.60% return, which is significantly higher than ARFFX's 8.39% return. Over the past 10 years, CLFFX has outperformed ARFFX with an annualized return of 11.01%, while ARFFX has yielded a comparatively lower 10.35% annualized return.

CLFFX

• 1D: 0.81%
• 1M: 0.61%
• YTD: 9.60%
• 6M: 8.17%
• 1Y: 25.05%
• 3Y*: 15.40%
• 5Y*: 7.08%
• 10Y*: 11.01%

ARFFX

• 1D: -0.26%
• 1M: 0.37%
• YTD: 8.39%
• 6M: 7.53%
• 1Y: 33.38%
• 3Y*: 15.74%
• 5Y*: 8.40%
• 10Y*: 10.35%

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

CLFFX vs. ARFFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CLFFX Clifford Capital Partners Fund	9.60%	18.10%	9.08%	4.68%	-4.08%	19.72%	10.51%	23.74%	-9.25%	10.63%
ARFFX Ariel Focus Fund	8.39%	21.00%	13.39%	6.98%	-9.12%	21.14%	6.90%	25.62%	-13.23%	15.01%

Correlation

The correlation between CLFFX and ARFFX is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 3, 2014	0.83

The correlation between CLFFX and ARFFX shifts across timeframes, from 0.72 (1 year) to 0.85 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

CLFFX vs. ARFFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

CLFFX

CLFFX Risk / Return Rank: 47
CLFFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
CLFFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
CLFFX Omega Ratio Rank: 40
CLFFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
CLFFX Martin Ratio Rank: 50

ARFFX

ARFFX Risk / Return Rank: 76
ARFFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
ARFFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
ARFFX Omega Ratio Rank: 72
ARFFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
ARFFX Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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.

CLFFX vs. ARFFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Clifford Capital Partners Fund (CLFFX) and Ariel Focus Fund (ARFFX). 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.

	CLFFX	ARFFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.80	2.47	-0.67
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.58	3.51	-0.93
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.43	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.75	4.22	-1.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.77	10.64	-0.87

CLFFX vs. ARFFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CLFFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.80, which is comparable to the ARFFX Sharpe Ratio of 2.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CLFFX and ARFFX, 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

CLFFX vs. ARFFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CLFFX drawdown since its inception was -40.20%, smaller than the maximum ARFFX drawdown of -57.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CLFFX and ARFFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	CLFFX	ARFFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.20%	-57.66%	+17.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.51%	-8.02%	-1.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.03%	-23.39%	+7.36%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.08%	-24.50%	+5.42%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.20%	-43.22%	+3.02%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.28%	-4.31%	+3.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.00%	-9.43%	+3.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.64%	3.18%	-0.54%

Volatility

CLFFX vs. ARFFX - Volatility Comparison

Clifford Capital Partners Fund (CLFFX) has a higher volatility of 4.71% compared to Ariel Focus Fund (ARFFX) at 4.18%. This indicates that CLFFX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ARFFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CLFFX	ARFFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.71%	4.18%	+0.53%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.64%	9.58%	+1.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.53%	13.71%	+0.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.86%	18.54%	-1.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.48%	19.88%	-0.40%

CLFFX vs. ARFFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

CLFFX has a 1.15% expense ratio, which is higher than ARFFX's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

CLFFX vs. ARFFX - Dividend Comparison

CLFFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.18%, less than ARFFX's 11.70% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ARFFX Ariel Focus Fund	11.70%	12.68%	2.27%	3.33%	8.30%	3.30%	2.41%	1.03%	7.61%	5.76%	1.04%	13.91%
CLFFX Clifford Capital Partners Fund	1.18%	1.29%	1.21%	4.93%	1.99%	4.30%	2.08%	1.59%	5.70%	5.09%	0.41%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CLFFX and ARFFX in my portfolio?

CLFFX and ARFFX have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CLFFX or ARFFX?

CLFFX has higher volatility (4.71%) compared to ARFFX (4.18%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CLFFX dropped -40.20% vs ARFFX's -57.66%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ARFFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.47 vs 1.80), 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.