SDVGX vs. ARGFX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SDVGX (SIT Dividend Growth Fund) and ARGFX (Ariel Fund) are both mutual funds - SDVGX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Sit, while ARGFX is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund managed by Ariel Investments. Over the past 10 years, SDVGX returned 12.45%/yr vs 10.14%/yr for ARGFX. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SDVGX charges 0.70%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for ARGFX.

Performance

SDVGX vs. ARGFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SIT Dividend Growth Fund (SDVGX) and Ariel Fund (ARGFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SDVGX achieves a 6.66% return, which is significantly lower than ARGFX's 8.20% return. Over the past 10 years, SDVGX has outperformed ARGFX with an annualized return of 12.45%, while ARGFX has yielded a comparatively lower 10.14% annualized return.

SDVGX

• 1D: 0.56%
• 1M: 1.12%
• YTD: 6.66%
• 6M: 6.47%
• 1Y: 22.88%
• 3Y*: 16.93%
• 5Y*: 11.81%
• 10Y*: 12.45%

ARGFX

• 1D: 1.77%
• 1M: 5.18%
• YTD: 8.20%
• 6M: 6.74%
• 1Y: 30.83%
• 3Y*: 13.37%
• 5Y*: 6.54%
• 10Y*: 10.14%

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

SDVGX vs. ARGFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SDVGX SIT Dividend Growth Fund	6.66%	18.73%	18.22%	14.89%	-12.17%	27.87%	7.79%	29.18%	-6.86%	20.22%
ARGFX Ariel Fund	8.20%	14.08%	11.56%	15.78%	-18.68%	30.29%	10.05%	24.64%	-13.59%	15.99%

Correlation

The correlation between SDVGX and ARGFX is 0.73, 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	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2004	0.84

The correlation between SDVGX and ARGFX shifts across timeframes, from 0.73 (1 year) to 0.84 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

SDVGX vs. ARGFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SDVGX

SDVGX Risk / Return Rank: 65
SDVGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
SDVGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
SDVGX Omega Ratio Rank: 62
SDVGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
SDVGX Martin Ratio Rank: 73

ARGFX

ARGFX Risk / Return Rank: 40
ARGFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
ARGFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
ARGFX Omega Ratio Rank: 34
ARGFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
ARGFX Martin Ratio Rank: 36

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.

SDVGX vs. ARGFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SIT Dividend Growth Fund (SDVGX) and Ariel Fund (ARGFX). 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.

	SDVGX	ARGFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.20	1.68	+0.53
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.03	2.47	+0.56
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.29	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.88	2.59	+0.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.00	7.60	+5.40

SDVGX vs. ARGFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SDVGX Sharpe Ratio is 2.20, which is higher than the ARGFX Sharpe Ratio of 1.68. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SDVGX and ARGFX, 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

SDVGX vs. ARGFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SDVGX drawdown since its inception was -45.52%, smaller than the maximum ARGFX drawdown of -71.02%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SDVGX and ARGFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SDVGX	ARGFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.52%	-71.02%	+25.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.92%	-12.36%	+4.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.13%	-28.07%	+11.94%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.13%	-33.00%	+11.87%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.01%	-45.29%	+10.28%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.66%	-0.51%	-0.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.02%	-8.45%	+3.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.75%	4.21%	-2.46%

Volatility

SDVGX vs. ARGFX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SIT Dividend Growth Fund (SDVGX) is 3.19%, while Ariel Fund (ARGFX) has a volatility of 5.19%. This indicates that SDVGX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ARGFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SDVGX	ARGFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.19%	5.19%	-2.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.07%	13.71%	-5.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.37%	19.14%	-8.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.12%	22.48%	-7.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.20%	22.83%	-5.63%

SDVGX vs. ARGFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SDVGX has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is lower than ARGFX's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

SDVGX vs. ARGFX - Dividend Comparison

SDVGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.48%, less than ARGFX's 10.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ARGFX Ariel Fund	10.91%	11.80%	5.49%	5.09%	9.01%	5.56%	5.33%	5.81%	10.35%	6.30%	6.56%	16.28%
SDVGX SIT Dividend Growth Fund	9.48%	10.10%	12.47%	4.66%	12.01%	12.29%	1.42%	12.85%	25.20%	11.49%	8.32%	13.23%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SDVGX and ARGFX in my portfolio?

SDVGX and ARGFX have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SDVGX or ARGFX?

ARGFX has higher volatility (5.19%) compared to SDVGX (3.19%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SDVGX dropped -45.52% vs ARGFX's -71.02%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SDVGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.20 vs 1.68), 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.