EVCGX vs. TDF

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

EVCGX (Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund) and TDF (Templeton Dragon Fund Inc.) are both China Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, EVCGX returned 4.81%/yr vs 4.95%/yr for TDF. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined.

Performance

EVCGX vs. TDF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund (EVCGX) and Templeton Dragon Fund Inc. (TDF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EVCGX achieves a -9.92% return, which is significantly lower than TDF's -3.46% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with EVCGX having a 4.81% annualized return and TDF not far ahead at 4.95%.

EVCGX

• 1D: -1.83%
• 1M: -5.08%
• YTD: -9.92%
• 6M: -10.72%
• 1Y: -3.65%
• 3Y*: 5.10%
• 5Y*: -7.16%
• 10Y*: 4.81%

TDF

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: -1.92%
• YTD: -3.46%
• 6M: -4.47%
• 1Y: 9.74%
• 3Y*: 8.37%
• 5Y*: -9.43%
• 10Y*: 4.95%

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

EVCGX vs. TDF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EVCGX Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund	-9.92%	26.06%	9.30%	-17.33%	-22.53%	-9.61%	25.22%	23.32%	-9.90%	49.26%
TDF Templeton Dragon Fund Inc.	-3.46%	37.70%	5.44%	-20.06%	-32.93%	-18.02%	52.98%	27.97%	-11.80%	42.09%

Correlation

The correlation between EVCGX and TDF is 0.83, 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	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 15, 1995	0.66

The correlation between EVCGX and TDF shifts across timeframes, from 0.66 (all time) to 0.87 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

EVCGX vs. TDF — Risk / Return Rank

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

EVCGX

EVCGX Risk / Return Rank: 3
EVCGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
EVCGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
EVCGX Omega Ratio Rank: 3
EVCGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
EVCGX Martin Ratio Rank: 3

TDF

TDF Risk / Return Rank: 8
TDF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
TDF Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
TDF Omega Ratio Rank: 8
TDF Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
TDF Martin Ratio Rank: 8

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.

EVCGX vs. TDF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund (EVCGX) and Templeton Dragon Fund Inc. (TDF). 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.

	EVCGX	TDF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.08	0.54	-0.62
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.02	0.90	-0.88
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.00	1.11	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.09	0.70	-0.79
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.18	1.77	-1.94

EVCGX vs. TDF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EVCGX Sharpe Ratio is -0.08, which is lower than the TDF Sharpe Ratio of 0.54. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EVCGX and TDF, 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

EVCGX vs. TDF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EVCGX drawdown since its inception was -68.37%, roughly equal to the maximum TDF drawdown of -68.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EVCGX and TDF.

Drawdown Indicators

	EVCGX	TDF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-68.37%	-68.15%	-0.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.61%	-13.95%	-3.66%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.32%	-28.25%	+0.93%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-53.13%	-61.85%	+8.72%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-56.84%	-66.87%	+10.03%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-36.96%	-47.58%	+10.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-28.07%	-22.61%	-5.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.54%	5.53%	+3.01%

Volatility

EVCGX vs. TDF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund (EVCGX) is 5.69%, while Templeton Dragon Fund Inc. (TDF) has a volatility of 6.15%. This indicates that EVCGX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than TDF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EVCGX	TDF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.69%	6.15%	-0.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.89%	13.42%	+0.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.71%	18.36%	+0.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.75%	27.25%	-1.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.14%	23.96%	-1.82%

Dividends

EVCGX vs. TDF - Dividend Comparison

EVCGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.76%, less than TDF's 4.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EVCGX Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund	1.76%	1.58%	2.15%	8.47%	6.09%	5.43%	9.85%	3.19%	9.89%	11.34%	0.94%	6.33%
TDF Templeton Dragon Fund Inc.	4.24%	3.55%	1.36%	0.00%	12.73%	14.13%	24.72%	10.75%	12.43%	7.95%	10.34%	22.49%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EVCGX and TDF in my portfolio?

EVCGX and TDF have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EVCGX or TDF?

TDF has higher volatility (6.15%) compared to EVCGX (5.69%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EVCGX dropped -68.37% vs TDF's -68.15%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TDF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.54 vs -0.08), 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.