STSCX vs. OWVAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

STSCX (Sterling Capital Stratton Small Cap Value Fund) and OWVAX (Sterling Capital West Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund) are both mutual funds - STSCX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Sterling Capital, while OWVAX is a Municipal Bonds fund managed by Sterling Capital. Over the past 10 years, STSCX returned 13.11%/yr vs 1.76%/yr for OWVAX. At a correlation of -0.05, they often move in opposite directions. STSCX charges 0.98%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for OWVAX.

Performance

STSCX vs. OWVAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Sterling Capital Stratton Small Cap Value Fund (STSCX) and Sterling Capital West Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund (OWVAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, STSCX achieves a 23.16% return, which is significantly higher than OWVAX's 1.11% return. Over the past 10 years, STSCX has outperformed OWVAX with an annualized return of 13.11%, while OWVAX has yielded a comparatively lower 1.76% annualized return.

STSCX

• 1D: 0.86%
• 1M: 4.83%
• YTD: 23.16%
• 6M: 21.04%
• 1Y: 38.24%
• 3Y*: 21.60%
• 5Y*: 11.83%
• 10Y*: 13.11%

OWVAX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 1.10%
• YTD: 1.11%
• 6M: 1.46%
• 1Y: 5.14%
• 3Y*: 3.51%
• 5Y*: 1.17%
• 10Y*: 1.76%

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

STSCX vs. OWVAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
STSCX Sterling Capital Stratton Small Cap Value Fund	23.16%	11.87%	13.78%	19.04%	-14.45%	31.59%	3.18%	33.00%	-14.38%	13.19%
OWVAX Sterling Capital West Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund	1.11%	5.44%	1.18%	4.18%	-5.91%	0.39%	4.49%	6.15%	0.67%	3.43%

Correlation

The correlation between STSCX and OWVAX is 0.08, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.08
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.08
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.05
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.05
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 1994	-0.05

The correlation between STSCX and OWVAX shifts across timeframes, from -0.05 (all time) to 0.08 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

STSCX vs. OWVAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

STSCX

STSCX Risk / Return Rank: 84
STSCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
STSCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
STSCX Omega Ratio Rank: 74
STSCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
STSCX Martin Ratio Rank: 89

OWVAX

OWVAX Risk / Return Rank: 68
OWVAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
OWVAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
OWVAX Omega Ratio Rank: 95
OWVAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
OWVAX Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

STSCX vs. OWVAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Sterling Capital Stratton Small Cap Value Fund (STSCX) and Sterling Capital West Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund (OWVAX). 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.

	STSCX	OWVAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.56	2.63	-0.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.72	4.12	-0.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	1.73	-0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.30	2.17	+2.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.00	7.03	+8.96

STSCX vs. OWVAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current STSCX Sharpe Ratio is 2.56, which is comparable to the OWVAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of STSCX and OWVAX, 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

STSCX vs. OWVAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum STSCX drawdown since its inception was -54.02%, which is greater than OWVAX's maximum drawdown of -12.59%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STSCX and OWVAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	STSCX	OWVAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.02%	-12.59%	-41.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.33%	-2.38%	-6.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.48%	-3.60%	-21.88%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.48%	-9.42%	-16.06%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.28%	-9.79%	-34.49%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.61%	+0.61%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.16%	-1.63%	-6.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.51%	0.73%	+1.78%

Volatility

STSCX vs. OWVAX - Volatility Comparison

Sterling Capital Stratton Small Cap Value Fund (STSCX) has a higher volatility of 3.89% compared to Sterling Capital West Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund (OWVAX) at 0.55%. This indicates that STSCX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than OWVAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	STSCX	OWVAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.89%	0.55%	+3.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.15%	1.56%	+9.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.70%	1.97%	+13.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.97%	2.69%	+17.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.13%	3.09%	+19.04%

STSCX vs. OWVAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

STSCX has a 0.98% expense ratio, which is higher than OWVAX's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

STSCX vs. OWVAX - Dividend Comparison

STSCX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 16.46%, more than OWVAX's 2.87% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
OWVAX Sterling Capital West Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund	2.87%	3.76%	3.08%	2.26%	1.99%	1.76%	2.03%	2.73%	2.58%	2.47%	2.81%	2.90%
STSCX Sterling Capital Stratton Small Cap Value Fund	16.46%	20.28%	23.71%	39.14%	27.85%	23.34%	16.67%	13.04%	9.11%	9.20%	5.09%	1.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STSCX and OWVAX in my portfolio?

STSCX and OWVAX have a correlation of 0.08, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, STSCX or OWVAX?

STSCX has higher volatility (3.89%) compared to OWVAX (0.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, STSCX dropped -54.02% vs OWVAX's -12.59%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

OWVAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.63 vs 2.56), 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.