VCSTX vs. FELAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VCSTX (VALIC Company I Science & Technology Fund) and FELAX (Fidelity Advisor Semiconductors Fund Class A) are both mutual funds - VCSTX is a Technology Equities fund managed by VALIC, while FELAX is a Semiconductors fund actively managed by Fidelity. Over the past 10 years, VCSTX returned 22.13%/yr vs 38.06%/yr for FELAX. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.94% expense ratio.

Performance

VCSTX vs. FELAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VALIC Company I Science & Technology Fund (VCSTX) and Fidelity Advisor Semiconductors Fund Class A (FELAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VCSTX achieves a 35.01% return, which is significantly lower than FELAX's 88.47% return. Over the past 10 years, VCSTX has underperformed FELAX with an annualized return of 22.13%, while FELAX has yielded a comparatively higher 38.06% annualized return.

VCSTX

• 1D: -0.51%
• 1M: 6.95%
• YTD: 35.01%
• 6M: 33.05%
• 1Y: 56.84%
• 3Y*: 36.36%
• 5Y*: 16.75%
• 10Y*: 22.13%

FELAX

• 1D: 0.88%
• 1M: 13.80%
• YTD: 88.47%
• 6M: 85.49%
• 1Y: 161.65%
• 3Y*: 63.82%
• 5Y*: 43.05%
• 10Y*: 38.06%

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

VCSTX vs. FELAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VCSTX VALIC Company I Science & Technology Fund	35.01%	22.57%	32.60%	55.45%	-38.09%	11.89%	57.90%	39.12%	-9.29%	41.36%
FELAX Fidelity Advisor Semiconductors Fund Class A	88.47%	44.88%	43.74%	75.08%	-35.07%	57.50%	43.57%	63.76%	-12.76%	34.12%

Correlation

The correlation between VCSTX and FELAX 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	0.88
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 27, 2000	0.88

The correlation between VCSTX and FELAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VCSTX vs. FELAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VCSTX

VCSTX Risk / Return Rank: 66
VCSTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
VCSTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VCSTX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
VCSTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
VCSTX Martin Ratio Rank: 56

FELAX

FELAX Risk / Return Rank: 96
FELAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
FELAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
FELAX Omega Ratio Rank: 91
FELAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
FELAX Martin Ratio Rank: 99

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.

VCSTX vs. FELAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VALIC Company I Science & Technology Fund (VCSTX) and Fidelity Advisor Semiconductors Fund Class A (FELAX). 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.

	VCSTX	FELAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.37	4.58	-2.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.91	4.49	-1.58
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.63	-0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.48	11.17	-7.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.62	40.64	-30.02

VCSTX vs. FELAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VCSTX Sharpe Ratio is 2.37, which is lower than the FELAX Sharpe Ratio of 4.58. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VCSTX and FELAX, 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

VCSTX vs. FELAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VCSTX drawdown since its inception was -89.61%, which is greater than FELAX's maximum drawdown of -71.33%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCSTX and FELAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VCSTX	FELAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-89.61%	-71.33%	-18.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.03%	-14.66%	-2.37%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.63%	-36.43%	+7.80%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-44.91%	-46.15%	+1.24%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.91%	-46.15%	+1.24%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.06%	0.00%	-2.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-47.02%	-21.84%	-25.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.56%	4.02%	+1.54%

Volatility

VCSTX vs. FELAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VALIC Company I Science & Technology Fund (VCSTX) is 11.89%, while Fidelity Advisor Semiconductors Fund Class A (FELAX) has a volatility of 18.04%. This indicates that VCSTX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FELAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VCSTX	FELAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.89%	18.04%	-6.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.75%	28.87%	-8.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.03%	35.81%	-10.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.39%	38.96%	-11.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.77%	35.05%	-9.28%

VCSTX vs. FELAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VCSTX and FELAX have an expense ratio of 0.94%.

Dividends

VCSTX vs. FELAX - Dividend Comparison

VCSTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.52%, more than FELAX's 3.69% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FELAX Fidelity Advisor Semiconductors Fund Class A	3.69%	6.96%	7.02%	3.40%	3.32%	4.34%	4.51%	1.00%	20.15%	9.67%	0.36%	10.71%
VCSTX VALIC Company I Science & Technology Fund	5.52%	0.00%	0.00%	16.31%	42.68%	11.14%	8.13%	19.76%	0.00%	6.21%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VCSTX and FELAX in my portfolio?

VCSTX and FELAX 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, VCSTX or FELAX?

FELAX has higher volatility (18.04%) compared to VCSTX (11.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VCSTX dropped -89.61% vs FELAX's -71.33%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FELAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.58 vs 2.37), 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.