FSTBX vs. BEARX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

FSTBX (Federated Hermes Global Allocation Fund) and BEARX (Federated Hermes Prudent Bear Fd) are both mutual funds - FSTBX is a Global Allocation fund managed by Federated, while BEARX is a Inverse Equities fund managed by Federated. Over the past 10 years, FSTBX returned 7.26%/yr vs -14.38%/yr for BEARX. At a correlation of -0.87, they often move in opposite directions. FSTBX charges 1.14%/yr vs 1.78%/yr for BEARX.

Performance

FSTBX vs. BEARX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Federated Hermes Global Allocation Fund (FSTBX) and Federated Hermes Prudent Bear Fd (BEARX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FSTBX achieves a 7.92% return, which is significantly higher than BEARX's -8.18% return. Over the past 10 years, FSTBX has outperformed BEARX with an annualized return of 7.26%, while BEARX has yielded a comparatively lower -14.38% annualized return.

FSTBX

• 1D: 0.25%
• 1M: 0.83%
• 6M: 5.95%
• YTD: 7.92%
• 1Y: 16.02%
• 3Y*: 13.05%
• 5Y*: 5.51%
• 10Y*: 7.26%

BEARX

• 1D: -0.57%
• 1M: -1.14%
• 6M: -6.95%
• YTD: -8.18%
• 1Y: -14.00%
• 3Y*: -15.27%
• 5Y*: -11.61%
• 10Y*: -14.38%

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

FSTBX vs. BEARX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FSTBX Federated Hermes Global Allocation Fund	7.92%	16.61%	9.08%	11.22%	-15.42%	8.54%	12.56%	17.87%	-8.60%	17.06%
BEARX Federated Hermes Prudent Bear Fd	-8.18%	-12.42%	-20.34%	-18.67%	17.78%	-23.78%	-22.95%	-19.95%	-5.96%	-15.76%

Correlation

The correlation between FSTBX and BEARX is -0.87, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.88
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.89
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2012	-0.87

The correlation between FSTBX and BEARX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -0.89 to -0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FSTBX vs. BEARX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSTBX

FSTBX Risk / Return Rank: 45
FSTBX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
FSTBX Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
FSTBX Omega Ratio Rank: 64
FSTBX Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
FSTBX Martin Ratio Rank: 43

BEARX

BEARX Risk / Return Rank: 0
BEARX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 0
BEARX Sortino Ratio Rank: 0
BEARX Omega Ratio Rank: 0
BEARX Calmar Ratio Rank: 0
BEARX Martin Ratio Rank: 0

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.

FSTBX vs. BEARX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Federated Hermes Global Allocation Fund (FSTBX) and Federated Hermes Prudent Bear Fd (BEARX). 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.

	FSTBX	BEARX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.37	-1.15	+2.52
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.95	-1.63	+3.58
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	0.80	+0.53
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.02	-0.86	+2.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.19	-1.73	+8.92

FSTBX vs. BEARX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSTBX Sharpe Ratio is 1.37, which is higher than the BEARX Sharpe Ratio of -1.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSTBX and BEARX, 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

FSTBX vs. BEARX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSTBX drawdown since its inception was -31.34%, smaller than the maximum BEARX drawdown of -95.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSTBX and BEARX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSTBX	BEARX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.34%	-95.75%	+64.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.03%	-16.55%	+8.52%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.88%	-44.46%	+33.58%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.34%	-52.48%	+21.14%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.34%	-79.22%	+47.88%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.17%	-95.69%	+95.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.92%	-61.15%	+54.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.26%	8.22%	-5.96%

Volatility

FSTBX vs. BEARX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Federated Hermes Global Allocation Fund (FSTBX) is 3.41%, while Federated Hermes Prudent Bear Fd (BEARX) has a volatility of 4.71%. This indicates that FSTBX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BEARX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FSTBX	BEARX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.41%	4.71%	-1.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.05%	10.19%	-2.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.85%	12.46%	-0.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.88%	17.12%	-3.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.98%	16.68%	-3.70%

FSTBX vs. BEARX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSTBX has a 1.14% expense ratio, which is lower than BEARX's 1.78% expense ratio.

Dividends

FSTBX vs. BEARX - Dividend Comparison

FSTBX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.86%, less than BEARX's 7.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BEARX Federated Hermes Prudent Bear Fd	7.31%	6.71%	0.00%	13.32%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.62%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FSTBX Federated Hermes Global Allocation Fund	5.86%	6.35%	2.01%	1.53%	1.72%	15.46%	2.28%	2.55%	5.79%	1.43%	1.87%	1.14%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSTBX and BEARX in my portfolio?

FSTBX and BEARX have a correlation of -0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FSTBX or BEARX?

BEARX has higher volatility (4.71%) compared to FSTBX (3.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSTBX dropped -31.34% vs BEARX's -95.75%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FSTBX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.37 vs -1.15), 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.