PWDIX vs. QSTFX

Last updated Jun 20, 2026

PWDIX (Donoghue Forlines Dividend Fund) and QSTFX (Quantified STF Fund) are both Tactical Allocation funds. Over the past 10 years, PWDIX returned 5.58%/yr vs 18.92%/yr for QSTFX. At a 0.37 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PWDIX charges 1.56%/yr vs 1.55%/yr for QSTFX.

Performance

PWDIX vs. QSTFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Donoghue Forlines Dividend Fund (PWDIX) and Quantified STF Fund (QSTFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PWDIX achieves a 10.26% return, which is significantly lower than QSTFX's 25.79% return. Over the past 10 years, PWDIX has underperformed QSTFX with an annualized return of 5.58%, while QSTFX has yielded a comparatively higher 18.92% annualized return.

PWDIX

• 1D: -0.60%
• 1M: -0.09%
• YTD: 10.26%
• 6M: 9.95%
• 1Y: 23.50%
• 3Y*: 14.68%
• 5Y*: 7.60%
• 10Y*: 5.58%

QSTFX

• 1D: 4.68%
• 1M: 6.42%
• YTD: 25.79%
• 6M: 24.62%
• 1Y: 57.88%
• 3Y*: 21.08%
• 5Y*: 12.10%
• 10Y*: 18.92%

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

PWDIX vs. QSTFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PWDIX Donoghue Forlines Dividend Fund	10.26%	17.73%	12.33%	-0.18%	-9.83%	31.54%	-6.54%	-2.84%	-7.97%	11.41%
QSTFX Quantified STF Fund	25.79%	-2.48%	29.94%	61.87%	-46.15%	28.79%	78.20%	16.43%	-6.86%	68.46%

Correlation

The correlation between PWDIX and QSTFX is 0.21, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.21
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.35
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.30
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.38
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 13, 2015	0.37

The correlation between PWDIX and QSTFX shifts across timeframes, from 0.21 (1 year) to 0.38 (10 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

PWDIX vs. QSTFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PWDIX

PWDIX Risk / Return Rank: 72
PWDIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
PWDIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
PWDIX Omega Ratio Rank: 56
PWDIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
PWDIX Martin Ratio Rank: 78

QSTFX

QSTFX Risk / Return Rank: 61
QSTFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
QSTFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
QSTFX Omega Ratio Rank: 68
QSTFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
QSTFX Martin Ratio Rank: 41

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.

PWDIX vs. QSTFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Donoghue Forlines Dividend Fund (PWDIX) and Quantified STF Fund (QSTFX). 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.

	PWDIX	QSTFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.15	2.16	-0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.12	2.77	+0.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.41	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.43	3.17	+1.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.41	8.09	+5.31

PWDIX vs. QSTFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PWDIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.15, which is comparable to the QSTFX Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PWDIX and QSTFX, 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

PWDIX vs. QSTFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PWDIX drawdown since its inception was -40.86%, smaller than the maximum QSTFX drawdown of -49.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PWDIX and QSTFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PWDIX	QSTFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.86%	-49.03%	+8.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.44%	-17.87%	+12.43%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.86%	-32.22%	+15.36%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.29%	-49.03%	+27.74%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.86%	-49.03%	+8.17%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.07%	-1.34%	-1.73%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.50%	-15.42%	+6.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.80%	6.98%	-5.18%

Volatility

PWDIX vs. QSTFX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Donoghue Forlines Dividend Fund (PWDIX) is 3.92%, while Quantified STF Fund (QSTFX) has a volatility of 8.98%. This indicates that PWDIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QSTFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PWDIX	QSTFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.92%	8.98%	-5.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.81%	20.15%	-12.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.22%	26.25%	-15.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.14%	27.28%	-13.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.53%	28.02%	-13.49%

PWDIX vs. QSTFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PWDIX has a 1.56% expense ratio, which is higher than QSTFX's 1.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

PWDIX vs. QSTFX - Dividend Comparison

PWDIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.83%, less than QSTFX's 8.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PWDIX Donoghue Forlines Dividend Fund	1.83%	1.22%	2.16%	1.75%	1.29%	2.31%	3.66%	3.10%	30.58%	3.25%	1.45%	3.55%
QSTFX Quantified STF Fund	8.47%	10.65%	5.12%	1.03%	0.00%	21.93%	20.82%	0.52%	2.57%	39.11%	0.01%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PWDIX and QSTFX in my portfolio?

PWDIX and QSTFX have a correlation of 0.21, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PWDIX or QSTFX?

QSTFX has higher volatility (8.98%) compared to PWDIX (3.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PWDIX dropped -40.86% vs QSTFX's -49.03%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QSTFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 2.15), 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.