SAOAX vs. WALSX

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

SAOAX (Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund) and WALSX (Wasatch Long/Short Alpha Fund) are both Long-Short funds. Over the past 3 years, SAOAX returned 9.43%/yr vs 7.35%/yr for WALSX. At a 0.34 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SAOAX charges 1.76%/yr vs 1.75%/yr for WALSX.

Performance

SAOAX vs. WALSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund (SAOAX) and Wasatch Long/Short Alpha Fund (WALSX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SAOAX achieves a 15.73% return, which is significantly higher than WALSX's 12.31% return.

SAOAX

• 1D: -0.50%
• 1M: 1.25%
• 6M: 12.80%
• YTD: 15.73%
• 1Y: 18.28%
• 3Y*: 9.43%
• 5Y*: 6.00%
• 10Y*: 3.66%

WALSX

• 1D: 1.03%
• 1M: 5.59%
• 6M: 6.25%
• YTD: 12.31%
• 1Y: 6.08%
• 3Y*: 7.35%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SAOAX vs. WALSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SAOAX Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund	15.73%	-2.00%	10.49%	8.81%	-8.66%	9.82%
WALSX Wasatch Long/Short Alpha Fund	12.31%	-12.79%	7.24%	27.75%	-8.38%	12.20%

Correlation

The correlation between SAOAX and WALSX is 0.17, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.17
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.28
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 1, 2021	0.34

The correlation between SAOAX and WALSX shifts across timeframes, from 0.17 (1 year) to 0.34 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

SAOAX vs. WALSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SAOAX

SAOAX Risk / Return Rank: 74
SAOAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
SAOAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
SAOAX Omega Ratio Rank: 67
SAOAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
SAOAX Martin Ratio Rank: 74

WALSX

WALSX Risk / Return Rank: 6
WALSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
WALSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
WALSX Omega Ratio Rank: 6
WALSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
WALSX Martin Ratio Rank: 6

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.

SAOAX vs. WALSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund (SAOAX) and Wasatch Long/Short Alpha Fund (WALSX). 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.

	SAOAX	WALSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.95	0.33	+1.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.81	0.63	+2.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.07	+0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.07	0.50	+2.57
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.83	1.01	+9.82

SAOAX vs. WALSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SAOAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.95, which is higher than the WALSX Sharpe Ratio of 0.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SAOAX and WALSX, 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

SAOAX vs. WALSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SAOAX drawdown since its inception was -52.28%, which is greater than WALSX's maximum drawdown of -25.28%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SAOAX and WALSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SAOAX	WALSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-52.28%	-25.28%	-27.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.90%	-10.76%	+4.86%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-35.90%	-25.28%	-10.62%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.90%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.90%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.28%	-13.77%	+11.49%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.68%	-9.68%	+1.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.67%	5.31%	-3.64%

Volatility

SAOAX vs. WALSX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund (SAOAX) is 3.81%, while Wasatch Long/Short Alpha Fund (WALSX) has a volatility of 4.55%. This indicates that SAOAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than WALSX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SAOAX	WALSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.81%	4.55%	-0.74%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.38%	12.10%	-4.72%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.30%	16.26%	-6.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.76%	16.35%	+12.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.18%	16.35%	+4.83%

SAOAX vs. WALSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SAOAX has a 1.76% expense ratio, which is higher than WALSX's 1.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

SAOAX vs. WALSX - Dividend Comparison

SAOAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.62%, while WALSX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
SAOAX Guggenheim Alpha Opportunity Fund	0.62%	0.71%	1.06%	0.62%	0.72%	0.82%	1.22%	0.92%	1.17%	7.07%	0.03%
WALSX Wasatch Long/Short Alpha Fund	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.09%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SAOAX and WALSX in my portfolio?

SAOAX and WALSX have a correlation of 0.17, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SAOAX or WALSX?

WALSX has higher volatility (4.55%) compared to SAOAX (3.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SAOAX dropped -52.28% vs WALSX's -25.28%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SAOAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs 0.33), 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.