TEFQX vs. ALTEX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

TEFQX (Firsthand Technology Opportunities Fund) and ALTEX (Firsthand Alternative Energy Fund) are both Technology Equities funds from Firsthand Funds. Over the past 10 years, TEFQX returned 7.46%/yr vs 14.28%/yr for ALTEX. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. TEFQX charges 1.85%/yr vs 1.98%/yr for ALTEX.

Performance

TEFQX vs. ALTEX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Firsthand Technology Opportunities Fund (TEFQX) and Firsthand Alternative Energy Fund (ALTEX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TEFQX achieves a 22.36% return, which is significantly lower than ALTEX's 66.80% return. Over the past 10 years, TEFQX has underperformed ALTEX with an annualized return of 7.46%, while ALTEX has yielded a comparatively higher 14.28% annualized return.

TEFQX

• 1D: 2.73%
• 1M: 15.33%
• YTD: 22.36%
• 6M: 22.86%
• 1Y: 33.78%
• 3Y*: 9.92%
• 5Y*: -13.00%
• 10Y*: 7.46%

ALTEX

• 1D: 6.08%
• 1M: 7.97%
• YTD: 66.80%
• 6M: 37.64%
• 1Y: 87.90%
• 3Y*: 15.23%
• 5Y*: 5.82%
• 10Y*: 14.28%

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

TEFQX vs. ALTEX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
TEFQX Firsthand Technology Opportunities Fund	22.36%	29.82%	-22.02%	10.81%	-60.11%	-16.48%	97.04%	28.50%	4.31%	55.45%
ALTEX Firsthand Alternative Energy Fund	66.80%	6.62%	-6.79%	-2.31%	-18.26%	-5.09%	83.88%	55.04%	-18.56%	27.35%

Correlation

The correlation between TEFQX and ALTEX is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 31, 2007	0.71

The correlation between TEFQX and ALTEX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

TEFQX vs. ALTEX — Risk / Return Rank

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

TEFQX

TEFQX Risk / Return Rank: 14
TEFQX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
TEFQX Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
TEFQX Omega Ratio Rank: 14
TEFQX Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
TEFQX Martin Ratio Rank: 11

ALTEX

ALTEX Risk / Return Rank: 56
ALTEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
ALTEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
ALTEX Omega Ratio Rank: 53
ALTEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
ALTEX Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

TEFQX vs. ALTEX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Firsthand Technology Opportunities Fund (TEFQX) and Firsthand Alternative Energy Fund (ALTEX). 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.

	TEFQX	ALTEX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.11	2.44	-1.33
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.57	2.66	-1.09
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.40	-0.21
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.26	3.37	-2.11
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	3.21	8.88	-5.67
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

TEFQX vs. ALTEX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TEFQX Sharpe Ratio is 1.11, which is lower than the ALTEX Sharpe Ratio of 2.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TEFQX and ALTEX, 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

	TEFQX	ALTEX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.11	2.44	-1.33
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.18	0.09	-0.26
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.14	0.28	-0.14
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.01	0.09	-0.08

Drawdowns

TEFQX vs. ALTEX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TEFQX drawdown since its inception was -92.33%, which is greater than ALTEX's maximum drawdown of -75.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TEFQX and ALTEX.

Drawdown Indicators

	TEFQX	ALTEX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-92.33%	-75.48%	-16.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-29.26%	-28.91%	-0.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-61.62%	-68.78%	+7.16%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-79.25%	-75.48%	-3.77%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-80.17%	-75.48%	-4.69%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-62.10%	0.00%	-62.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-60.12%	-37.26%	-22.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	11.26%	10.75%	+0.51%

Volatility

TEFQX vs. ALTEX - Volatility Comparison

Firsthand Technology Opportunities Fund (TEFQX) and Firsthand Alternative Energy Fund (ALTEX) have volatilities of 12.50% and 12.96%, 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

	TEFQX	ALTEX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.50%	12.96%	-0.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	25.66%	33.09%	-7.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	33.32%	39.96%	-6.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	73.97%	68.12%	+5.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	55.44%	51.36%	+4.08%

TEFQX vs. ALTEX - Expense Ratio Comparison

TEFQX has a 1.85% expense ratio, which is lower than ALTEX's 1.98% expense ratio.

Dividends

TEFQX vs. ALTEX - Dividend Comparison

Neither TEFQX nor ALTEX has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
ALTEX Firsthand Alternative Energy Fund	0.00%	0.00%	1.50%	3.43%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	9.12%	0.05%	0.25%	0.00%
TEFQX Firsthand Technology Opportunities Fund	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	1.91%	54.72%	6.88%	15.27%	5.54%	0.00%	0.00%	27.74%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TEFQX and ALTEX in my portfolio?

TEFQX and ALTEX have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TEFQX or ALTEX?

ALTEX has higher volatility (12.96%) compared to TEFQX (12.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TEFQX dropped -92.33% vs ALTEX's -75.48%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ALTEX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.44 vs 1.11), 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.