RYCLX vs. BEARX

Last updated Jul 11, 2026

RYCLX (Rydex Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund) and BEARX (Federated Hermes Prudent Bear Fd) are both Inverse Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, RYCLX returned -11.01%/yr vs -14.40%/yr for BEARX. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. RYCLX charges 2.39%/yr vs 1.78%/yr for BEARX.

Performance

RYCLX vs. BEARX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Rydex Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund (RYCLX) and Federated Hermes Prudent Bear Fd (BEARX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RYCLX achieves a -12.01% return, which is significantly lower than BEARX's -7.65% return. Over the past 10 years, RYCLX has outperformed BEARX with an annualized return of -11.01%, while BEARX has yielded a comparatively lower -14.40% annualized return.

RYCLX

• 1D: -1.24%
• 1M: 1.13%
• 6M: -7.72%
• YTD: -12.01%
• 1Y: -12.21%
• 3Y*: -7.16%
• 5Y*: -5.52%
• 10Y*: -11.01%

BEARX

• 1D: -0.85%
• 1M: -0.57%
• 6M: -7.16%
• YTD: -7.65%
• 1Y: -13.51%
• 3Y*: -15.31%
• 5Y*: -11.50%
• 10Y*: -14.40%

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

RYCLX vs. BEARX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RYCLX Rydex Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund	-12.01%	-1.04%	-5.59%	-8.75%	8.93%	-24.21%	-25.53%	-21.03%	11.39%	-14.94%
BEARX Federated Hermes Prudent Bear Fd	-7.65%	-12.42%	-20.34%	-18.67%	17.78%	-23.78%	-22.95%	-19.95%	-5.96%	-15.76%

Correlation

The correlation between RYCLX and BEARX is 0.24, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.24
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.47
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.69
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2005	0.81

Over the past year, the correlation between RYCLX and BEARX has dropped to 0.24 - well below their long-term average of 0.81, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

RYCLX vs. BEARX — Risk / Return Rank

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

RYCLX

RYCLX Risk / Return Rank: 1
RYCLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
RYCLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
RYCLX Omega Ratio Rank: 1
RYCLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
RYCLX Martin Ratio Rank: 1

BEARX

BEARX Risk / Return Rank: 0
BEARX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 0
BEARX Sortino Ratio Rank: 0
BEARX Omega Ratio Rank: 0
BEARX Calmar Ratio Rank: 0
BEARX 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.

RYCLX vs. BEARX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Rydex Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund (RYCLX) and Federated Hermes Prudent Bear Fd (BEARX). 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.

	RYCLX	BEARX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.75	-1.15	+0.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.96	-1.65	+0.68
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.89	0.80	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.64	-0.87	+0.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.25	-1.75	+0.51

RYCLX vs. BEARX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RYCLX Sharpe Ratio is -0.75, which is higher than the BEARX Sharpe Ratio of -1.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RYCLX and BEARX, 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

RYCLX vs. BEARX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RYCLX drawdown since its inception was -95.66%, roughly equal to the maximum BEARX drawdown of -95.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RYCLX and BEARX.

Drawdown Indicators

	RYCLX	BEARX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-95.66%	-95.75%	+0.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.50%	-16.55%	-1.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-32.43%	-44.46%	+12.03%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.96%	-52.48%	+17.52%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-71.12%	-79.22%	+8.10%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-95.55%	-95.66%	+0.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-70.29%	-61.15%	-9.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.54%	8.36%	+1.18%

Volatility

RYCLX vs. BEARX - Volatility Comparison

Rydex Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund (RYCLX) and Federated Hermes Prudent Bear Fd (BEARX) have volatilities of 4.89% and 4.70%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RYCLX	BEARX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.89%	4.70%	+0.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.78%	10.21%	+1.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.88%	12.46%	+3.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.56%	17.12%	+3.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.41%	16.68%	+4.73%

RYCLX vs. BEARX - Expense Ratio Comparison

RYCLX has a 2.39% expense ratio, which is higher than BEARX's 1.78% expense ratio.

Dividends

RYCLX vs. BEARX - Dividend Comparison

RYCLX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 37.51%, more than BEARX's 7.27% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
BEARX Federated Hermes Prudent Bear Fd	7.27%	6.71%	0.00%	13.32%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.62%
RYCLX Rydex Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund	37.51%	33.01%	25.75%	9.12%	0.00%	0.00%	0.76%	0.89%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RYCLX and BEARX in my portfolio?

RYCLX and BEARX have a correlation of 0.24, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RYCLX or BEARX?

RYCLX has higher volatility (4.89%) compared to BEARX (4.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RYCLX dropped -95.66% vs BEARX's -95.75%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RYCLX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.75 vs -1.15), 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.