PSTIX vs. RYCZX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PSTIX (PIMCO StocksPLUS Short Fund) and RYCZX (Rydex Inverse Dow 2x Strategy Fund) are both Inverse Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, PSTIX returned -16.44%/yr vs -25.94%/yr for RYCZX. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PSTIX charges 0.64%/yr vs 2.70%/yr for RYCZX.

Performance

PSTIX vs. RYCZX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PIMCO StocksPLUS Short Fund (PSTIX) and Rydex Inverse Dow 2x Strategy Fund (RYCZX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PSTIX achieves a -8.07% return, which is significantly higher than RYCZX's -12.67% return. Over the past 10 years, PSTIX has outperformed RYCZX with an annualized return of -16.44%, while RYCZX has yielded a comparatively lower -25.94% annualized return.

PSTIX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -4.43%
• YTD: -8.07%
• 6M: -7.36%
• 1Y: -14.93%
• 3Y*: -10.73%
• 5Y*: -7.37%
• 10Y*: -16.44%

RYCZX

• 1D: -0.96%
• 1M: -8.99%
• YTD: -12.67%
• 6M: -12.94%
• 1Y: -30.08%
• 3Y*: -22.21%
• 5Y*: -16.28%
• 10Y*: -25.94%

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

PSTIX vs. RYCZX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PSTIX PIMCO StocksPLUS Short Fund	-8.07%	-8.24%	-11.28%	-11.01%	17.41%	-60.95%	-20.83%	-20.27%	5.21%	-14.04%
RYCZX Rydex Inverse Dow 2x Strategy Fund	-12.67%	-22.14%	-16.97%	-19.05%	5.48%	-36.32%	-45.37%	-36.65%	0.75%	-39.59%

Correlation

The correlation between PSTIX and RYCZX is 0.80, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.80
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2005	0.90

The correlation between PSTIX and RYCZX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.80 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PSTIX vs. RYCZX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSTIX

PSTIX Risk / Return Rank: 0
PSTIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 0
PSTIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 0
PSTIX Omega Ratio Rank: 0
PSTIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 0
PSTIX Martin Ratio Rank: 0

RYCZX

RYCZX Risk / Return Rank: 0
RYCZX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 0
RYCZX Sortino Ratio Rank: 0
RYCZX Omega Ratio Rank: 0
RYCZX Calmar Ratio Rank: 0
RYCZX Martin Ratio Rank: 0

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.

PSTIX vs. RYCZX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PIMCO StocksPLUS Short Fund (PSTIX) and Rydex Inverse Dow 2x Strategy Fund (RYCZX). 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.

	PSTIX	RYCZX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.34	-1.28	-0.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.92	-1.85	-0.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.79	0.79	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-1.01	-0.99	-0.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.97	-1.61	-0.36
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PSTIX vs. RYCZX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSTIX Sharpe Ratio is -1.34, which is comparable to the RYCZX Sharpe Ratio of -1.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSTIX and RYCZX, 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

	PSTIX	RYCZX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-1.34	-1.28	-0.06
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.45	-0.55	+0.10
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.69	-0.74	+0.04
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.49	-0.64	+0.15

Drawdowns

PSTIX vs. RYCZX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSTIX drawdown since its inception was -95.26%, roughly equal to the maximum RYCZX drawdown of -99.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSTIX and RYCZX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSTIX	RYCZX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-95.26%	-99.78%	+4.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.41%	-31.28%	+15.87%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-33.92%	-57.83%	+23.91%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.53%	-66.41%	+28.88%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-84.17%	-95.37%	+11.20%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-95.26%	-99.78%	+4.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-58.61%	-78.85%	+20.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.09%	19.15%	-11.06%

Volatility

PSTIX vs. RYCZX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for PIMCO StocksPLUS Short Fund (PSTIX) is 2.46%, while Rydex Inverse Dow 2x Strategy Fund (RYCZX) has a volatility of 6.00%. This indicates that PSTIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than RYCZX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSTIX	RYCZX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.46%	6.00%	-3.54%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.60%	18.64%	-10.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.55%	24.07%	-12.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.46%	29.54%	-13.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.76%	35.21%	-11.45%

PSTIX vs. RYCZX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSTIX has a 0.64% expense ratio, which is lower than RYCZX's 2.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSTIX vs. RYCZX - Dividend Comparison

PSTIX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while RYCZX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.73%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PSTIX PIMCO StocksPLUS Short Fund	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	4.09%	1.16%	1.35%	5.06%	1.23%	1.26%	1.68%	0.00%	3.57%
RYCZX Rydex Inverse Dow 2x Strategy Fund	6.73%	5.88%	4.32%	1.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.05%	0.24%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSTIX and RYCZX in my portfolio?

PSTIX and RYCZX have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PSTIX or RYCZX?

RYCZX has higher volatility (6.00%) compared to PSTIX (2.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSTIX dropped -95.26% vs RYCZX's -99.78%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RYCZX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-1.28 vs -1.34), 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.