NALFX vs. CPGAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

NALFX (New Alternatives Fund) and CPGAX (American Funds Global Growth Portfolio) are both Global Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, NALFX returned 11.22%/yr vs 13.05%/yr for CPGAX. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NALFX charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for CPGAX.

Performance

NALFX vs. CPGAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in New Alternatives Fund (NALFX) and American Funds Global Growth Portfolio (CPGAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NALFX achieves a 18.71% return, which is significantly higher than CPGAX's 13.53% return. Over the past 10 years, NALFX has underperformed CPGAX with an annualized return of 11.22%, while CPGAX has yielded a comparatively higher 13.05% annualized return.

NALFX

• 1D: 0.80%
• 1M: 1.06%
• YTD: 18.71%
• 6M: 18.42%
• 1Y: 30.46%
• 3Y*: 11.60%
• 5Y*: 3.27%
• 10Y*: 11.22%

CPGAX

• 1D: 0.17%
• 1M: 3.62%
• YTD: 13.53%
• 6M: 12.98%
• 1Y: 29.50%
• 3Y*: 20.71%
• 5Y*: 8.84%
• 10Y*: 13.05%

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

NALFX vs. CPGAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NALFX New Alternatives Fund	18.71%	28.13%	-6.03%	-2.49%	-15.87%	-4.78%	61.74%	36.98%	-6.91%	21.24%
CPGAX American Funds Global Growth Portfolio	13.53%	22.99%	14.81%	24.05%	-25.77%	12.89%	27.36%	27.87%	-8.99%	28.56%

Correlation

The correlation between NALFX and CPGAX is 0.70, 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	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.63
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.68
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.66
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 21, 2012	0.68

The correlation between NALFX and CPGAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.63 to 0.70 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NALFX vs. CPGAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

NALFX

NALFX Risk / Return Rank: 63
NALFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
NALFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
NALFX Omega Ratio Rank: 50
NALFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
NALFX Martin Ratio Rank: 67

CPGAX

CPGAX Risk / Return Rank: 55
CPGAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
CPGAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
CPGAX Omega Ratio Rank: 53
CPGAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
CPGAX Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

NALFX vs. CPGAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for New Alternatives Fund (NALFX) and American Funds Global Growth Portfolio (CPGAX). 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.

	NALFX	CPGAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.07	2.00	+0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.79	2.74	+0.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.37	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.17	2.70	+1.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.18	11.71	+0.46

NALFX vs. CPGAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NALFX Sharpe Ratio is 2.07, which is comparable to the CPGAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NALFX and CPGAX, 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

NALFX vs. CPGAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NALFX drawdown since its inception was -59.67%, which is greater than CPGAX's maximum drawdown of -34.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NALFX and CPGAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NALFX	CPGAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.67%	-34.42%	-25.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.53%	-11.33%	+3.80%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.35%	-17.99%	-6.36%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.03%	-34.42%	-3.61%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.35%	-34.42%	-7.93%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.45%	0.00%	-0.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.82%	-5.92%	-8.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.57%	2.61%	-0.04%

Volatility

NALFX vs. CPGAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for New Alternatives Fund (NALFX) is 4.82%, while American Funds Global Growth Portfolio (CPGAX) has a volatility of 6.43%. This indicates that NALFX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than CPGAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NALFX	CPGAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.82%	6.43%	-1.61%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.41%	12.88%	-0.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.15%	15.37%	-0.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.88%	17.26%	+0.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.04%	17.37%	+0.67%

NALFX vs. CPGAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

NALFX has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than CPGAX's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

NALFX vs. CPGAX - Dividend Comparison

NALFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.98%, less than CPGAX's 4.93% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CPGAX American Funds Global Growth Portfolio	4.93%	5.59%	4.29%	0.92%	7.95%	3.33%	0.77%	4.89%	5.69%	6.21%	3.66%	3.92%
NALFX New Alternatives Fund	0.98%	1.17%	2.04%	4.47%	4.63%	5.14%	4.93%	5.55%	6.62%	4.16%	3.71%	1.71%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NALFX and CPGAX in my portfolio?

NALFX and CPGAX have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NALFX or CPGAX?

CPGAX has higher volatility (6.43%) compared to NALFX (4.82%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NALFX dropped -59.67% vs CPGAX's -34.42%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NALFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.07 vs 2.00), 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.