QSTFX vs. SAPEX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

QSTFX (Quantified STF Fund) and SAPEX (Spectrum Active Advantage Fund) are both Tactical Allocation funds from Advisors Preferred. Over the past 10 years, QSTFX returned 18.92%/yr vs 4.99%/yr for SAPEX. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QSTFX charges 1.55%/yr vs 1.69%/yr for SAPEX.

Performance

QSTFX vs. SAPEX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QSTFX achieves a 25.79% return, which is significantly higher than SAPEX's -2.18% return. Over the past 10 years, QSTFX has outperformed SAPEX with an annualized return of 18.92%, while SAPEX has yielded a comparatively lower 4.99% annualized return.

QSTFX

• 1D: 4.68%
• 1M: 6.30%
• YTD: 25.79%
• 6M: 23.36%
• 1Y: 57.88%
• 3Y*: 21.08%
• 5Y*: 12.10%
• 10Y*: 18.92%

SAPEX

• 1D: 0.31%
• 1M: 0.31%
• YTD: -2.18%
• 6M: -3.22%
• 1Y: 10.09%
• 3Y*: 8.91%
• 5Y*: -2.53%
• 10Y*: 4.99%

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

QSTFX vs. SAPEX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
QSTFX Quantified STF Fund	25.79%	-2.48%	29.94%	61.87%	-46.15%	28.79%	78.20%	16.43%	-6.86%	68.46%
SAPEX Spectrum Active Advantage Fund	-2.18%	15.25%	5.25%	12.11%	-38.08%	17.15%	13.72%	27.65%	-4.44%	15.05%

Correlation

The correlation between QSTFX and SAPEX is 0.60, 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	0.60
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.70
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.63
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2016	0.69

The correlation between QSTFX and SAPEX shifts across timeframes, from 0.60 (1 year) to 0.70 (10 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

QSTFX vs. SAPEX — Risk / Return Rank

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

QSTFX

QSTFX Risk / Return Rank: 59
QSTFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
QSTFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
QSTFX Omega Ratio Rank: 66
QSTFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
QSTFX Martin Ratio Rank: 39

SAPEX

SAPEX Risk / Return Rank: 13
SAPEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
SAPEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
SAPEX Omega Ratio Rank: 14
SAPEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
SAPEX Martin Ratio Rank: 12

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.

QSTFX vs. SAPEX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Quantified STF Fund (QSTFX) and Spectrum Active Advantage Fund (SAPEX). 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.

	QSTFX	SAPEX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.16	0.95	+1.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.77	1.33	+1.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.18	+0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.17	1.27	+1.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.09	3.13	+4.96

QSTFX vs. SAPEX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QSTFX Sharpe Ratio is 2.16, which is higher than the SAPEX Sharpe Ratio of 0.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QSTFX and SAPEX, 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

QSTFX vs. SAPEX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QSTFX drawdown since its inception was -49.03%, which is greater than SAPEX's maximum drawdown of -40.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QSTFX and SAPEX.

Drawdown Indicators

	QSTFX	SAPEX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-49.03%	-40.48%	-8.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.87%	-7.62%	-10.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-32.22%	-11.57%	-20.65%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-49.03%	-40.48%	-8.55%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-49.03%	-40.48%	-8.55%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.34%	-19.33%	+17.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.42%	-14.63%	-0.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.98%	3.09%	+3.89%

Volatility

QSTFX vs. SAPEX - Volatility Comparison

Quantified STF Fund (QSTFX) has a higher volatility of 8.98% compared to Spectrum Active Advantage Fund (SAPEX) at 4.39%. This indicates that QSTFX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SAPEX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QSTFX	SAPEX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.98%	4.39%	+4.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.15%	8.19%	+11.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.25%	10.20%	+16.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.28%	14.24%	+13.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.02%	16.77%	+11.25%

QSTFX vs. SAPEX - Expense Ratio Comparison

QSTFX has a 1.55% expense ratio, which is lower than SAPEX's 1.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

QSTFX vs. SAPEX - Dividend Comparison

QSTFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.47%, more than SAPEX's 4.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
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%
SAPEX Spectrum Active Advantage Fund	4.44%	4.77%	2.23%	0.88%	0.00%	33.33%	1.43%	0.74%	3.09%	4.26%	0.17%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QSTFX and SAPEX in my portfolio?

QSTFX and SAPEX have a correlation of 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QSTFX or SAPEX?

QSTFX has higher volatility (8.98%) compared to SAPEX (4.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QSTFX dropped -49.03% vs SAPEX's -40.48%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QSTFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 0.95), 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.