SSHFX vs. VALAX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SSHFX (Sound Shore Fund) and VALAX (Al Frank Fund) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, SSHFX returned 11.34%/yr vs 14.40%/yr for VALAX. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SSHFX charges 0.93%/yr vs 1.24%/yr for VALAX.

Performance

SSHFX vs. VALAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Sound Shore Fund (SSHFX) and Al Frank Fund (VALAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SSHFX achieves a 5.33% return, which is significantly lower than VALAX's 23.13% return. Over the past 10 years, SSHFX has underperformed VALAX with an annualized return of 11.34%, while VALAX has yielded a comparatively higher 14.40% annualized return.

SSHFX

• 1D: 0.43%
• 1M: 2.83%
• YTD: 5.33%
• 6M: 6.93%
• 1Y: 27.46%
• 3Y*: 20.54%
• 5Y*: 10.38%
• 10Y*: 11.34%

VALAX

• 1D: 1.32%
• 1M: 7.50%
• YTD: 23.13%
• 6M: 24.47%
• 1Y: 52.39%
• 3Y*: 24.89%
• 5Y*: 11.74%
• 10Y*: 14.40%

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

SSHFX vs. VALAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SSHFX Sound Shore Fund	5.33%	18.15%	22.42%	17.43%	-10.64%	23.76%	7.74%	23.28%	-12.58%	16.23%
VALAX Al Frank Fund	23.13%	23.57%	13.35%	14.05%	-13.50%	24.97%	10.22%	33.98%	-7.87%	18.09%

Correlation

The correlation between SSHFX and VALAX is 0.84, 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	0.84
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 1, 2006	0.93

The correlation between SSHFX and VALAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SSHFX vs. VALAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SSHFX

SSHFX Risk / Return Rank: 52
SSHFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
SSHFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
SSHFX Omega Ratio Rank: 46
SSHFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
SSHFX Martin Ratio Rank: 52

VALAX

VALAX Risk / Return Rank: 96
VALAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
VALAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
VALAX Omega Ratio Rank: 93
VALAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
VALAX Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

SSHFX vs. VALAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Sound Shore Fund (SSHFX) and Al Frank Fund (VALAX). 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.

	SSHFX	VALAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.12	3.96	-1.84
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.05	5.30	-2.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.70	-0.33
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.93	6.32	-3.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.70	25.24	-14.54
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SSHFX vs. VALAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SSHFX Sharpe Ratio is 2.12, which is lower than the VALAX Sharpe Ratio of 3.96. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SSHFX and VALAX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SSHFX	VALAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.12	3.96	-1.84
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.61	0.66	-0.05
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.60	0.75	-0.15
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.59	0.44	+0.15

Drawdowns

SSHFX vs. VALAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SSHFX drawdown since its inception was -52.63%, smaller than the maximum VALAX drawdown of -61.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SSHFX and VALAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SSHFX	VALAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-52.63%	-61.26%	+8.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.67%	-8.56%	-1.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.76%	-25.81%	+8.05%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.92%	-25.81%	+1.89%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.91%	-38.22%	-1.69%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.07%	0.00%	-0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.53%	-10.75%	+3.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.64%	2.14%	+0.50%

Volatility

SSHFX vs. VALAX - Volatility Comparison

Sound Shore Fund (SSHFX) and Al Frank Fund (VALAX) have volatilities of 3.99% and 4.18%, 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

	SSHFX	VALAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.99%	4.18%	-0.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.20%	10.72%	-0.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.35%	13.67%	-0.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.07%	17.78%	-0.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.01%	19.34%	-0.33%

SSHFX vs. VALAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SSHFX has a 0.93% expense ratio, which is lower than VALAX's 1.24% expense ratio.

Dividends

SSHFX vs. VALAX - Dividend Comparison

SSHFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 12.91%, more than VALAX's 7.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SSHFX Sound Shore Fund	12.91%	13.60%	25.89%	4.51%	4.76%	27.20%	7.86%	7.61%	8.35%	11.83%	7.14%	12.42%
VALAX Al Frank Fund	7.03%	8.65%	10.32%	5.95%	8.62%	6.83%	7.17%	13.51%	10.73%	10.66%	5.32%	9.53%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SSHFX and VALAX in my portfolio?

SSHFX and VALAX have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SSHFX or VALAX?

VALAX has higher volatility (4.18%) compared to SSHFX (3.99%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SSHFX dropped -52.63% vs VALAX's -61.26%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VALAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.96 vs 2.12), 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.