RFISX vs. EMCAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

RFISX (Ranger Small Cap Fund) and EMCAX (Empiric 2500 Fund) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, RFISX returned 9.03%/yr vs 11.18%/yr for EMCAX. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. RFISX charges 1.11%/yr vs 1.96%/yr for EMCAX.

Performance

RFISX vs. EMCAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Ranger Small Cap Fund (RFISX) and Empiric 2500 Fund (EMCAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RFISX achieves a 9.79% return, which is significantly lower than EMCAX's 12.72% return. Over the past 10 years, RFISX has underperformed EMCAX with an annualized return of 9.03%, while EMCAX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.18% annualized return.

RFISX

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 2.46%
• YTD: 9.79%
• 6M: 7.02%
• 1Y: 13.68%
• 3Y*: 7.26%
• 5Y*: -0.20%
• 10Y*: 9.03%

EMCAX

• 1D: -1.10%
• 1M: 2.59%
• YTD: 12.72%
• 6M: 10.11%
• 1Y: 17.02%
• 3Y*: 13.14%
• 5Y*: 3.99%
• 10Y*: 11.18%

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

RFISX vs. EMCAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RFISX Ranger Small Cap Fund	9.79%	-3.01%	6.32%	20.25%	-30.89%	17.29%	32.82%	29.66%	-7.80%	15.38%
EMCAX Empiric 2500 Fund	12.72%	2.37%	13.89%	12.43%	-16.06%	16.07%	27.81%	19.10%	-4.64%	21.82%

Correlation

The correlation between RFISX and EMCAX is 0.81, 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	0.81
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 4, 2011	0.88

The correlation between RFISX and EMCAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

RFISX vs. EMCAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

RFISX

RFISX Risk / Return Rank: 11
RFISX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
RFISX Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
RFISX Omega Ratio Rank: 9
RFISX Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
RFISX Martin Ratio Rank: 13

EMCAX

EMCAX Risk / Return Rank: 29
EMCAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
EMCAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
EMCAX Omega Ratio Rank: 22
EMCAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
EMCAX Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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.

RFISX vs. EMCAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Ranger Small Cap Fund (RFISX) and Empiric 2500 Fund (EMCAX). 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.

	RFISX	EMCAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.76	1.23	-0.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.22	1.86	-0.64
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.21	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.00	2.06	-1.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.45	7.70	-4.25

RFISX vs. EMCAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RFISX Sharpe Ratio is 0.76, which is lower than the EMCAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.23. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RFISX and EMCAX, 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

RFISX vs. EMCAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RFISX drawdown since its inception was -72.32%, which is greater than EMCAX's maximum drawdown of -51.81%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RFISX and EMCAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	RFISX	EMCAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-72.32%	-51.81%	-20.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.67%	-8.60%	-6.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-72.32%	-19.19%	-53.13%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-72.32%	-30.60%	-41.72%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-72.32%	-42.79%	-29.53%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-63.51%	-1.94%	-61.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.78%	-13.25%	-1.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.23%	2.30%	+1.93%

Volatility

RFISX vs. EMCAX - Volatility Comparison

Ranger Small Cap Fund (RFISX) has a higher volatility of 6.84% compared to Empiric 2500 Fund (EMCAX) at 4.07%. This indicates that RFISX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EMCAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RFISX	EMCAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.84%	4.07%	+2.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.25%	11.56%	+3.69%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.39%	14.50%	+4.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	87.04%	18.19%	+68.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	63.54%	20.21%	+43.33%

RFISX vs. EMCAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

RFISX has a 1.11% expense ratio, which is lower than EMCAX's 1.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

RFISX vs. EMCAX - Dividend Comparison

RFISX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.81%, more than EMCAX's 0.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EMCAX Empiric 2500 Fund	0.12%	0.13%	0.13%	0.00%	0.00%	0.51%	7.46%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
RFISX Ranger Small Cap Fund	9.81%	10.77%	0.00%	6.35%	3.76%	10.05%	6.71%	6.62%	16.25%	8.08%	9.32%	6.87%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RFISX and EMCAX in my portfolio?

RFISX and EMCAX have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RFISX or EMCAX?

RFISX has higher volatility (6.84%) compared to EMCAX (4.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RFISX dropped -72.32% vs EMCAX's -51.81%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EMCAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.23 vs 0.76), 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.