VOLMX vs. PAGRX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

VOLMX (Volumetric Fund) and PAGRX (Permanent Portfolio Aggressive Growth Portfolio) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, VOLMX returned 5.92%/yr vs 20.55%/yr for PAGRX. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VOLMX charges 1.89%/yr vs 1.21%/yr for PAGRX.

Performance

VOLMX vs. PAGRX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Volumetric Fund (VOLMX) and Permanent Portfolio Aggressive Growth Portfolio (PAGRX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VOLMX achieves a 9.68% return, which is significantly higher than PAGRX's 8.50% return. Over the past 10 years, VOLMX has underperformed PAGRX with an annualized return of 5.92%, while PAGRX has yielded a comparatively higher 20.55% annualized return.

VOLMX

• 1D: -1.36%
• 1M: 3.78%
• YTD: 9.68%
• 6M: 7.96%
• 1Y: 12.34%
• 3Y*: 8.39%
• 5Y*: 4.06%
• 10Y*: 5.92%

PAGRX

• 1D: -1.90%
• 1M: -0.60%
• YTD: 8.50%
• 6M: 5.89%
• 1Y: 29.20%
• 3Y*: 36.29%
• 5Y*: 17.82%
• 10Y*: 20.55%

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

VOLMX vs. PAGRX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VOLMX Volumetric Fund	9.68%	1.52%	5.77%	12.57%	-14.29%	17.79%	10.05%	20.13%	-10.31%	9.08%
PAGRX Permanent Portfolio Aggressive Growth Portfolio	8.50%	36.92%	44.52%	38.73%	-26.06%	24.84%	37.65%	40.34%	-12.41%	21.19%

Correlation

The correlation between VOLMX and PAGRX is 0.69, 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	0.69
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.78
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 1990	0.86

The correlation between VOLMX and PAGRX shifts across timeframes, from 0.69 (1 year) to 0.86 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VOLMX vs. PAGRX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VOLMX

VOLMX Risk / Return Rank: 22
VOLMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
VOLMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
VOLMX Omega Ratio Rank: 19
VOLMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
VOLMX Martin Ratio Rank: 27

PAGRX

PAGRX Risk / Return Rank: 56
PAGRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
PAGRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
PAGRX Omega Ratio Rank: 38
PAGRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
PAGRX Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

VOLMX vs. PAGRX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Volumetric Fund (VOLMX) and Permanent Portfolio Aggressive Growth Portfolio (PAGRX). 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.

	VOLMX	PAGRX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.11	1.77	-0.66
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.64	2.41	-0.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.31	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.55	3.50	-1.95
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.77	13.36	-7.59

VOLMX vs. PAGRX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VOLMX Sharpe Ratio is 1.11, which is lower than the PAGRX Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VOLMX and PAGRX, 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

VOLMX vs. PAGRX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VOLMX drawdown since its inception was -49.79%, smaller than the maximum PAGRX drawdown of -55.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VOLMX and PAGRX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VOLMX	PAGRX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-49.79%	-55.87%	+6.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.67%	-9.14%	+0.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.09%	-26.34%	+2.25%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.09%	-36.52%	+12.43%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-28.21%	-38.01%	+9.80%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.12%	-6.72%	+4.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.49%	-10.04%	+0.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.32%	2.39%	-0.07%

Volatility

VOLMX vs. PAGRX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Volumetric Fund (VOLMX) is 4.95%, while Permanent Portfolio Aggressive Growth Portfolio (PAGRX) has a volatility of 7.30%. This indicates that VOLMX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PAGRX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VOLMX	PAGRX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.95%	7.30%	-2.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.86%	13.73%	-3.87%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.08%	18.04%	-5.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.03%	24.59%	-10.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.62%	24.54%	-9.92%

VOLMX vs. PAGRX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VOLMX has a 1.89% expense ratio, which is higher than PAGRX's 1.21% expense ratio.

Dividends

VOLMX vs. PAGRX - Dividend Comparison

VOLMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.73%, more than PAGRX's 0.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PAGRX Permanent Portfolio Aggressive Growth Portfolio	0.03%	0.03%	5.62%	2.72%	7.79%	6.82%	15.08%	17.51%	12.33%	8.70%	16.94%	6.31%
VOLMX Volumetric Fund	1.73%	1.89%	0.00%	3.28%	5.47%	8.02%	1.03%	3.36%	2.39%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VOLMX and PAGRX in my portfolio?

VOLMX and PAGRX have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VOLMX or PAGRX?

PAGRX has higher volatility (7.30%) compared to VOLMX (4.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VOLMX dropped -49.79% vs PAGRX's -55.87%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PAGRX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 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.