PHSTX vs. LAFFX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

PHSTX (Putnam Global Health Care Fund) and LAFFX (Lord Abbett Affiliated Fund) are both mutual funds - PHSTX is a Health & Biotech Equities fund managed by Putnam, while LAFFX is a Large Cap Value Equities fund managed by Lord Abbett. Over the past 10 years, PHSTX returned 9.42%/yr vs 10.91%/yr for LAFFX. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PHSTX charges 1.05%/yr vs 0.71%/yr for LAFFX.

Performance

PHSTX vs. LAFFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Putnam Global Health Care Fund (PHSTX) and Lord Abbett Affiliated Fund (LAFFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PHSTX achieves a 0.36% return, which is significantly lower than LAFFX's 10.18% return. Over the past 10 years, PHSTX has underperformed LAFFX with an annualized return of 9.42%, while LAFFX has yielded a comparatively higher 10.91% annualized return.

PHSTX

• 1D: 1.34%
• 1M: 4.30%
• YTD: 0.36%
• 6M: 1.35%
• 1Y: 15.41%
• 3Y*: 7.87%
• 5Y*: 6.29%
• 10Y*: 9.42%

LAFFX

• 1D: 1.61%
• 1M: 2.79%
• YTD: 10.18%
• 6M: 10.49%
• 1Y: 23.30%
• 3Y*: 18.63%
• 5Y*: 10.12%
• 10Y*: 10.91%

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

PHSTX vs. LAFFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PHSTX Putnam Global Health Care Fund	0.36%	15.20%	1.35%	9.11%	-4.88%	19.60%	15.94%	30.26%	-0.76%	15.30%
LAFFX Lord Abbett Affiliated Fund	10.18%	15.75%	17.30%	10.50%	-9.80%	26.77%	-1.29%	25.24%	-7.59%	16.16%

Correlation

The correlation between PHSTX and LAFFX is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.58
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.64
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 28, 1982	0.71

Over the past year, the correlation between PHSTX and LAFFX has dropped to 0.48 - well below their long-term average of 0.71, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

PHSTX vs. LAFFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PHSTX

PHSTX Risk / Return Rank: 24
PHSTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
PHSTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
PHSTX Omega Ratio Rank: 22
PHSTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
PHSTX Martin Ratio Rank: 19

LAFFX

LAFFX Risk / Return Rank: 77
LAFFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
LAFFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
LAFFX Omega Ratio Rank: 72
LAFFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
LAFFX Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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.

PHSTX vs. LAFFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Putnam Global Health Care Fund (PHSTX) and Lord Abbett Affiliated Fund (LAFFX). 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.

	PHSTX	LAFFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.11	2.09	-0.98
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.75	2.96	-1.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.38	-0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.66	2.96	-1.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.05	12.38	-8.33

PHSTX vs. LAFFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PHSTX Sharpe Ratio is 1.11, which is lower than the LAFFX Sharpe Ratio of 2.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PHSTX and LAFFX, 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

PHSTX vs. LAFFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PHSTX drawdown since its inception was -45.51%, smaller than the maximum LAFFX drawdown of -60.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PHSTX and LAFFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PHSTX	LAFFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.51%	-60.50%	+14.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.71%	-7.59%	-2.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.71%	-15.38%	-5.33%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.71%	-19.50%	-1.21%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-25.51%	-39.59%	+14.08%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.78%	-0.18%	-3.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.92%	-9.02%	-0.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.96%	1.81%	+2.15%

Volatility

PHSTX vs. LAFFX - Volatility Comparison

Putnam Global Health Care Fund (PHSTX) has a higher volatility of 4.86% compared to Lord Abbett Affiliated Fund (LAFFX) at 3.41%. This indicates that PHSTX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than LAFFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PHSTX	LAFFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.86%	3.41%	+1.45%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.51%	8.69%	+1.82%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.50%	10.78%	+3.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.47%	14.65%	-0.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.80%	17.46%	-1.66%

PHSTX vs. LAFFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PHSTX has a 1.05% expense ratio, which is higher than LAFFX's 0.71% expense ratio.

Dividends

PHSTX vs. LAFFX - Dividend Comparison

PHSTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.78%, less than LAFFX's 6.53% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
LAFFX Lord Abbett Affiliated Fund	6.53%	7.49%	6.32%	1.69%	7.86%	3.86%	1.93%	4.31%	11.75%	11.96%	7.76%	10.67%
PHSTX Putnam Global Health Care Fund	1.78%	1.79%	4.92%	5.62%	7.82%	11.98%	9.58%	5.72%	6.82%	17.31%	10.65%	13.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PHSTX and LAFFX in my portfolio?

PHSTX and LAFFX have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PHSTX or LAFFX?

PHSTX has higher volatility (4.86%) compared to LAFFX (3.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PHSTX dropped -45.51% vs LAFFX's -60.50%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LAFFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.09 vs 1.11), 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.