JAMFX vs. ALTEX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

JAMFX (Jacob Internet Fund) and ALTEX (Firsthand Alternative Energy Fund) are both Technology Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, JAMFX returned 8.90%/yr vs 12.45%/yr for ALTEX. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. JAMFX charges 2.02%/yr vs 1.98%/yr for ALTEX.

Performance

JAMFX vs. ALTEX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Jacob Internet Fund (JAMFX) 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, JAMFX achieves a -14.40% return, which is significantly lower than ALTEX's 43.84% return. Over the past 10 years, JAMFX has underperformed ALTEX with an annualized return of 8.90%, while ALTEX has yielded a comparatively higher 12.45% annualized return.

JAMFX

• 1D: -1.06%
• 1M: 3.14%
• 6M: -17.55%
• YTD: -14.40%
• 1Y: -12.99%
• 3Y*: 6.65%
• 5Y*: -10.95%
• 10Y*: 8.90%

ALTEX

• 1D: -1.28%
• 1M: -5.99%
• 6M: 26.63%
• YTD: 43.84%
• 1Y: 46.59%
• 3Y*: 8.39%
• 5Y*: 1.43%
• 10Y*: 12.45%

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

JAMFX vs. ALTEX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
JAMFX Jacob Internet Fund	-14.40%	13.17%	14.31%	34.64%	-59.54%	12.88%	122.48%	21.70%	1.98%	24.07%
ALTEX Firsthand Alternative Energy Fund	43.84%	6.62%	-6.79%	-2.31%	-18.26%	-5.09%	83.88%	55.04%	-18.56%	27.35%

Correlation

The correlation between JAMFX and ALTEX is 0.43, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.43
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.60
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.68
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 30, 2007	0.69

Over the past year, the correlation between JAMFX and ALTEX has dropped to 0.43 - well below their long-term average of 0.69, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

JAMFX vs. ALTEX — Risk / Return Rank

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

JAMFX

JAMFX Risk / Return Rank: 2
JAMFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
JAMFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
JAMFX Omega Ratio Rank: 2
JAMFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
JAMFX Martin Ratio Rank: 2

ALTEX

ALTEX Risk / Return Rank: 27
ALTEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
ALTEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
ALTEX Omega Ratio Rank: 31
ALTEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
ALTEX Martin Ratio Rank: 23

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.

JAMFX vs. ALTEX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Jacob Internet Fund (JAMFX) 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.

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.

	JAMFX	ALTEX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.47	1.12	-1.58
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.47	1.53	-2.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.95	1.22	-0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.37	1.65	-2.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.65	4.21	-4.86

JAMFX vs. ALTEX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JAMFX Sharpe Ratio is -0.47, which is lower than the ALTEX Sharpe Ratio of 1.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JAMFX 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.

Drawdowns

JAMFX vs. ALTEX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JAMFX drawdown since its inception was -96.46%, which is greater than ALTEX's maximum drawdown of -75.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JAMFX and ALTEX.

Drawdown Indicators

	JAMFX	ALTEX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-96.46%	-75.48%	-20.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-40.83%	-28.91%	-11.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-40.83%	-68.78%	+27.95%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-70.01%	-75.48%	+5.47%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-70.50%	-75.48%	+4.98%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-52.29%	-13.97%	-38.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-63.95%	-37.09%	-26.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	23.00%	11.11%	+11.89%

Volatility

JAMFX vs. ALTEX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Jacob Internet Fund (JAMFX) is 9.66%, while Firsthand Alternative Energy Fund (ALTEX) has a volatility of 15.57%. This indicates that JAMFX 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

	JAMFX	ALTEX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.66%	15.57%	-5.91%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	25.31%	29.94%	-4.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	31.97%	42.65%	-10.68%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	37.99%	68.52%	-30.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	33.40%	51.55%	-18.15%

JAMFX vs. ALTEX - Expense Ratio Comparison

JAMFX has a 2.02% expense ratio, which is higher than ALTEX's 1.98% expense ratio.

Dividends

JAMFX vs. ALTEX - Dividend Comparison

JAMFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.87%, 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%
JAMFX Jacob Internet Fund	2.87%	2.46%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	3.07%	13.77%	12.76%	8.77%	12.56%	4.94%	12.97%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JAMFX and ALTEX in my portfolio?

JAMFX and ALTEX have a correlation of 0.43, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, JAMFX or ALTEX?

ALTEX has higher volatility (15.57%) compared to JAMFX (9.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JAMFX dropped -96.46% vs ALTEX's -75.48%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ALTEX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.12 vs -0.47), 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.