USSCX vs. ALTEX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

USSCX (USAA Science & Technology Fund) and ALTEX (Firsthand Alternative Energy Fund) are both Technology Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, USSCX returned 15.63%/yr vs 14.28%/yr for ALTEX. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. USSCX charges 0.95%/yr vs 1.98%/yr for ALTEX.

Performance

USSCX vs. ALTEX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in USAA Science & Technology Fund (USSCX) 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, USSCX achieves a 23.62% return, which is significantly lower than ALTEX's 66.80% return. Over the past 10 years, USSCX has outperformed ALTEX with an annualized return of 15.63%, while ALTEX has yielded a comparatively lower 14.28% annualized return.

USSCX

• 1D: 0.40%
• 1M: 14.06%
• YTD: 23.62%
• 6M: 21.76%
• 1Y: 46.51%
• 3Y*: 28.50%
• 5Y*: 8.26%
• 10Y*: 15.63%

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)

USSCX vs. ALTEX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
USSCX USAA Science & Technology Fund	23.62%	17.93%	30.58%	34.01%	-41.76%	-3.45%	60.62%	37.84%	-4.34%	36.06%
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 USSCX and ALTEX is 0.62, 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	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.72
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 31, 2007	0.72

The correlation between USSCX and ALTEX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.62 to 0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

USSCX vs. ALTEX — Risk / Return Rank

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

USSCX

USSCX Risk / Return Rank: 52
USSCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
USSCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
USSCX Omega Ratio Rank: 51
USSCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
USSCX Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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.

USSCX vs. ALTEX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for USAA Science & Technology Fund (USSCX) 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.

	USSCX	ALTEX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.35	2.44	-0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.00	2.66	+0.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.40	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.67	3.37	-0.70
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.25	8.88	+0.36
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

USSCX vs. ALTEX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current USSCX Sharpe Ratio is 2.35, which is comparable to the ALTEX Sharpe Ratio of 2.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of USSCX 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

	USSCX	ALTEX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.35	2.44	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.29	0.09	+0.20
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.59	0.28	+0.31
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.35	0.09	+0.26

Drawdowns

USSCX vs. ALTEX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USSCX drawdown since its inception was -79.48%, which is greater than ALTEX's maximum drawdown of -75.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USSCX and ALTEX.

Drawdown Indicators

	USSCX	ALTEX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-79.48%	-75.48%	-4.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.19%	-28.91%	+10.72%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.82%	-68.78%	+39.96%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-52.07%	-75.48%	+23.41%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-52.70%	-75.48%	+22.78%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-31.05%	-37.26%	+6.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.24%	10.75%	-5.51%

Volatility

USSCX vs. ALTEX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for USAA Science & Technology Fund (USSCX) is 4.74%, while Firsthand Alternative Energy Fund (ALTEX) has a volatility of 12.96%. This indicates that USSCX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ALTEX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	USSCX	ALTEX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.74%	12.96%	-8.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.20%	33.09%	-16.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.65%	39.96%	-19.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.70%	68.12%	-39.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.54%	51.36%	-24.82%

USSCX vs. ALTEX - Expense Ratio Comparison

USSCX has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is lower than ALTEX's 1.98% expense ratio.

Dividends

USSCX vs. ALTEX - Dividend Comparison

USSCX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.62%, while ALTEX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%	0.00%
USSCX USAA Science & Technology Fund	7.62%	9.42%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	15.49%	5.36%	27.99%	16.68%	8.31%	4.15%	6.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USSCX and ALTEX in my portfolio?

USSCX and ALTEX have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, USSCX or ALTEX?

ALTEX has higher volatility (12.96%) compared to USSCX (4.74%). In terms of maximum drawdown, USSCX dropped -79.48% vs ALTEX's -75.48%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ALTEX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.44 vs 2.35), 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.