FTCHX vs. ALTEX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FTCHX (Invesco Technology Fund) and ALTEX (Firsthand Alternative Energy Fund) are both Technology Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, FTCHX returned 20.73%/yr vs 14.28%/yr for ALTEX. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FTCHX charges 0.91%/yr vs 1.98%/yr for ALTEX.

Performance

FTCHX vs. ALTEX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco Technology Fund (FTCHX) and Firsthand Alternative Energy Fund (ALTEX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTCHX achieves a 45.55% return, which is significantly lower than ALTEX's 66.80% return. Over the past 10 years, FTCHX has outperformed ALTEX with an annualized return of 20.73%, while ALTEX has yielded a comparatively lower 14.28% annualized return.

FTCHX

• 1D: 2.84%
• 1M: 16.63%
• YTD: 45.55%
• 6M: 45.54%
• 1Y: 77.74%
• 3Y*: 39.52%
• 5Y*: 18.13%
• 10Y*: 20.73%

ALTEX

• 1D: 6.08%
• 1M: 7.97%
• YTD: 66.80%
• 6M: 37.64%
• 1Y: 87.90%
• 3Y*: 15.23%
• 5Y*: 5.82%
• 10Y*: 14.28%

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

FTCHX vs. ALTEX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FTCHX Invesco Technology Fund	45.55%	20.77%	34.49%	47.38%	-39.96%	13.00%	46.14%	35.62%	-0.88%	34.78%
ALTEX Firsthand Alternative Energy Fund	66.80%	6.62%	-6.79%	-2.31%	-18.26%	-5.09%	83.88%	55.04%	-18.56%	27.35%

Correlation

The correlation between FTCHX and ALTEX is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.68
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 31, 2007	0.71

The correlation between FTCHX and ALTEX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.68 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FTCHX vs. ALTEX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTCHX

FTCHX Risk / Return Rank: 82
FTCHX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
FTCHX Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
FTCHX Omega Ratio Rank: 67
FTCHX Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
FTCHX Martin Ratio Rank: 93

ALTEX

ALTEX Risk / Return Rank: 56
ALTEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
ALTEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
ALTEX Omega Ratio Rank: 53
ALTEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
ALTEX Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

FTCHX vs. ALTEX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco Technology Fund (FTCHX) and Firsthand Alternative Energy Fund (ALTEX). 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.

	FTCHX	ALTEX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.92	2.44	+0.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.35	2.66	+0.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.40	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.62	3.37	+2.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.36	8.88	+11.48
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FTCHX vs. ALTEX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTCHX Sharpe Ratio is 2.92, which is comparable to the ALTEX Sharpe Ratio of 2.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTCHX and ALTEX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FTCHX	ALTEX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.92	2.44	+0.49
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.63	0.09	+0.55
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.79	0.28	+0.51
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.38	0.09	+0.29

Drawdowns

FTCHX vs. ALTEX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTCHX drawdown since its inception was -87.78%, which is greater than ALTEX's maximum drawdown of -75.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTCHX and ALTEX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTCHX	ALTEX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-87.78%	-75.48%	-12.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.29%	-28.91%	+14.62%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-30.38%	-68.78%	+38.40%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-47.89%	-75.48%	+27.59%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.89%	-75.48%	+27.59%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-36.41%	-37.26%	+0.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.93%	10.75%	-6.82%

Volatility

FTCHX vs. ALTEX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco Technology Fund (FTCHX) is 8.84%, while Firsthand Alternative Energy Fund (ALTEX) has a volatility of 12.96%. This indicates that FTCHX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ALTEX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTCHX	ALTEX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.84%	12.96%	-4.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.04%	33.09%	-11.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.49%	39.96%	-12.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.80%	68.12%	-39.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.39%	51.36%	-24.97%

FTCHX vs. ALTEX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTCHX has a 0.91% expense ratio, which is lower than ALTEX's 1.98% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTCHX vs. ALTEX - Dividend Comparison

FTCHX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 18.25%, while ALTEX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ALTEX Firsthand Alternative Energy Fund	0.00%	0.00%	1.50%	3.43%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	9.12%	0.05%	0.25%	0.00%	0.00%
FTCHX Invesco Technology Fund	18.25%	26.56%	13.59%	0.80%	1.60%	27.66%	7.06%	9.58%	9.01%	4.14%	6.98%	6.88%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTCHX and ALTEX in my portfolio?

FTCHX and ALTEX have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTCHX or ALTEX?

ALTEX has higher volatility (12.96%) compared to FTCHX (8.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTCHX dropped -87.78% vs ALTEX's -75.48%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTCHX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.92 vs 2.44), 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.