SHSAX vs. PRMTX

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

SHSAX (BlackRock Health Sciences Opportunities Portfolio) and PRMTX (T. Rowe Price Communications & Technology Fund) are both mutual funds - SHSAX is a Health & Biotech Equities fund managed by BlackRock, while PRMTX is a Communications Equities fund tracking the MSCI World IMI Communication Services 10/40 Index. Over the past 10 years, SHSAX returned 9.94%/yr vs 14.98%/yr for PRMTX. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SHSAX charges 1.09%/yr vs 0.77%/yr for PRMTX.

Performance

SHSAX vs. PRMTX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in BlackRock Health Sciences Opportunities Portfolio (SHSAX) and T. Rowe Price Communications & Technology Fund (PRMTX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SHSAX achieves a 3.40% return, which is significantly higher than PRMTX's 0.66% return. Over the past 10 years, SHSAX has underperformed PRMTX with an annualized return of 9.94%, while PRMTX has yielded a comparatively higher 14.98% annualized return.

SHSAX

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: 5.27%
• 6M: 2.20%
• YTD: 3.40%
• 1Y: 21.64%
• 3Y*: 8.41%
• 5Y*: 4.63%
• 10Y*: 9.94%

PRMTX

• 1D: 0.43%
• 1M: -0.88%
• 6M: 2.11%
• YTD: 0.66%
• 1Y: -1.16%
• 3Y*: 20.23%
• 5Y*: 5.35%
• 10Y*: 14.98%

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

SHSAX vs. PRMTX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SHSAX BlackRock Health Sciences Opportunities Portfolio	3.40%	15.85%	3.73%	3.59%	-5.94%	11.88%	19.44%	25.27%	7.93%	24.74%
PRMTX T. Rowe Price Communications & Technology Fund	0.66%	6.86%	48.75%	39.30%	-40.90%	9.81%	53.69%	35.69%	-1.85%	33.00%

Correlation

The correlation between SHSAX and PRMTX is 0.15, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.15
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.34
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.56
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2000	0.64

Over the past year, the correlation between SHSAX and PRMTX has dropped to 0.15 - well below their long-term average of 0.64, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

SHSAX vs. PRMTX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SHSAX

SHSAX Risk / Return Rank: 46
SHSAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
SHSAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
SHSAX Omega Ratio Rank: 42
SHSAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
SHSAX Martin Ratio Rank: 31

PRMTX

PRMTX Risk / Return Rank: 3
PRMTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
PRMTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
PRMTX Omega Ratio Rank: 3
PRMTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
PRMTX Martin Ratio Rank: 3

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.

SHSAX vs. PRMTX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for BlackRock Health Sciences Opportunities Portfolio (SHSAX) and T. Rowe Price Communications & Technology Fund (PRMTX). 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.

	SHSAX	PRMTX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.55	-0.05	+1.60
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.38	0.03	+2.35
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.00	+0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.33	-0.05	+2.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.58	-0.11	+5.69

SHSAX vs. PRMTX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SHSAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.55, which is higher than the PRMTX Sharpe Ratio of -0.05. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SHSAX and PRMTX, 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

SHSAX vs. PRMTX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SHSAX drawdown since its inception was -35.49%, smaller than the maximum PRMTX drawdown of -66.30%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SHSAX and PRMTX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SHSAX	PRMTX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.49%	-66.30%	+30.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.87%	-17.29%	+7.42%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.08%	-20.69%	+4.61%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.99%	-47.17%	+29.18%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-28.36%	-47.17%	+18.81%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.13%	-7.28%	+3.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.16%	-13.92%	+7.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.11%	7.64%	-3.53%

Volatility

SHSAX vs. PRMTX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for BlackRock Health Sciences Opportunities Portfolio (SHSAX) is 5.61%, while T. Rowe Price Communications & Technology Fund (PRMTX) has a volatility of 6.30%. This indicates that SHSAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PRMTX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SHSAX	PRMTX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.61%	6.30%	-0.69%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.57%	12.88%	-1.31%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.96%	15.64%	-0.68%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.62%	21.73%	-7.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.57%	20.94%	-4.37%

SHSAX vs. PRMTX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SHSAX has a 1.09% expense ratio, which is higher than PRMTX's 0.77% expense ratio.

Dividends

SHSAX vs. PRMTX - Dividend Comparison

SHSAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.28%, less than PRMTX's 25.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PRMTX T. Rowe Price Communications & Technology Fund	25.06%	25.23%	14.78%	7.74%	17.50%	8.35%	5.29%	2.45%	1.28%	2.35%	2.24%	3.20%
SHSAX BlackRock Health Sciences Opportunities Portfolio	10.28%	10.63%	9.18%	3.84%	7.44%	9.20%	4.34%	3.89%	8.56%	3.53%	2.43%	12.58%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SHSAX and PRMTX in my portfolio?

SHSAX and PRMTX have a correlation of 0.15, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SHSAX or PRMTX?

PRMTX has higher volatility (6.30%) compared to SHSAX (5.61%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SHSAX dropped -35.49% vs PRMTX's -66.30%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SHSAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.55 vs -0.05), 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.