NASDX vs. RYDAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

NASDX (Shelton Capital Management Nasdaq-100 Index Fund Direct Shares) and RYDAX (Rydex Dow Jones Industrial Average Fund) are both mutual funds - NASDX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index, while RYDAX is a Large Cap Value Equities fund managed by Rydex Funds. Over the past 10 years, NASDX returned 23.09%/yr vs 11.93%/yr for RYDAX. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NASDX charges 0.63%/yr vs 1.58%/yr for RYDAX.

Performance

NASDX vs. RYDAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Shelton Capital Management Nasdaq-100 Index Fund Direct Shares (NASDX) and Rydex Dow Jones Industrial Average Fund (RYDAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NASDX achieves a 20.21% return, which is significantly higher than RYDAX's 7.64% return. Over the past 10 years, NASDX has outperformed RYDAX with an annualized return of 23.09%, while RYDAX has yielded a comparatively lower 11.93% annualized return.

NASDX

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: 3.00%
• YTD: 20.21%
• 6M: 18.70%
• 1Y: 39.39%
• 3Y*: 31.17%
• 5Y*: 18.92%
• 10Y*: 23.09%

RYDAX

• 1D: 0.28%
• 1M: 2.32%
• YTD: 7.64%
• 6M: 6.76%
• 1Y: 21.47%
• 3Y*: 15.50%
• 5Y*: 9.01%
• 10Y*: 11.93%

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

NASDX vs. RYDAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NASDX Shelton Capital Management Nasdaq-100 Index Fund Direct Shares	20.21%	21.00%	36.91%	54.69%	-32.57%	27.32%	48.59%	38.22%	-1.21%	31.27%
RYDAX Rydex Dow Jones Industrial Average Fund	7.64%	12.98%	13.10%	14.36%	-8.88%	19.11%	7.47%	23.13%	-5.14%	26.19%

Correlation

The correlation between NASDX and RYDAX is 0.64, 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	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.72
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2016	0.72

The correlation between NASDX and RYDAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.64 to 0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NASDX vs. RYDAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

NASDX

NASDX Risk / Return Rank: 71
NASDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
NASDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
NASDX Omega Ratio Rank: 64
NASDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
NASDX Martin Ratio Rank: 73

RYDAX

RYDAX Risk / Return Rank: 43
RYDAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
RYDAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
RYDAX Omega Ratio Rank: 41
RYDAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
RYDAX Martin Ratio Rank: 43

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.

NASDX vs. RYDAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Shelton Capital Management Nasdaq-100 Index Fund Direct Shares (NASDX) and Rydex Dow Jones Industrial Average Fund (RYDAX). 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.

	NASDX	RYDAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.32	1.82	+0.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.01	2.65	+0.36
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.32	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.45	2.30	+1.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.98	8.66	+4.32

NASDX vs. RYDAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NASDX Sharpe Ratio is 2.32, which is comparable to the RYDAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NASDX and RYDAX, 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

NASDX vs. RYDAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NASDX drawdown since its inception was -83.16%, which is greater than RYDAX's maximum drawdown of -37.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NASDX and RYDAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NASDX	RYDAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-83.16%	-37.34%	-45.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.90%	-9.86%	-2.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.71%	-16.50%	-6.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.33%	-22.12%	-13.21%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.33%	-37.34%	+2.01%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.96%	-0.58%	-0.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-34.30%	-4.33%	-29.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.16%	2.61%	+0.55%

Volatility

NASDX vs. RYDAX - Volatility Comparison

Shelton Capital Management Nasdaq-100 Index Fund Direct Shares (NASDX) has a higher volatility of 8.36% compared to Rydex Dow Jones Industrial Average Fund (RYDAX) at 4.25%. This indicates that NASDX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RYDAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NASDX	RYDAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.36%	4.25%	+4.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.19%	9.82%	+4.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.74%	12.49%	+5.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.29%	14.88%	+8.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.81%	17.64%	+5.17%

NASDX vs. RYDAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

NASDX has a 0.63% expense ratio, which is lower than RYDAX's 1.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

NASDX vs. RYDAX - Dividend Comparison

NASDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.01%, more than RYDAX's 0.35% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NASDX Shelton Capital Management Nasdaq-100 Index Fund Direct Shares	3.01%	3.76%	16.95%	7.61%	3.75%	2.59%	1.28%	7.09%	2.47%	1.65%	0.75%	0.85%
RYDAX Rydex Dow Jones Industrial Average Fund	0.35%	0.38%	1.73%	0.75%	3.17%	1.22%	4.87%	4.02%	1.25%	3.70%	0.56%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NASDX and RYDAX in my portfolio?

NASDX and RYDAX have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NASDX or RYDAX?

NASDX has higher volatility (8.36%) compared to RYDAX (4.25%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NASDX dropped -83.16% vs RYDAX's -37.34%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NASDX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.32 vs 1.82), 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.