WSTAX vs. ALTEX
Compare and contrast key facts about Nomura Science and Technology Fund Class A (WSTAX) and Firsthand Alternative Energy Fund (ALTEX).
WSTAX is managed by Nomura. ALTEX is managed by Firsthand Funds. It was launched on Oct 28, 2007.
Performance
WSTAX vs. ALTEX - Performance Comparison
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WSTAX vs. ALTEX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
WSTAX Nomura Science and Technology Fund Class A | -2.00% | 33.91% | 59.64% | 40.44% | -32.50% | 14.19% | 36.12% | 50.35% | -5.23% | 32.77% |
ALTEX Firsthand Alternative Energy Fund | 15.57% | 6.62% | -6.79% | -2.31% | -18.26% | -5.09% | 83.88% | 55.04% | -18.56% | 27.35% |
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, WSTAX achieves a -2.00% return, which is significantly lower than ALTEX's 15.57% return. Over the past 10 years, WSTAX has outperformed ALTEX with an annualized return of 20.39%, while ALTEX has yielded a comparatively lower 9.51% annualized return.
WSTAX
- 1D
- 4.84%
- 1M
- -6.42%
- YTD
- -2.00%
- 6M
- -0.41%
- 1Y
- 43.16%
- 3Y*
- 36.57%
- 5Y*
- 16.56%
- 10Y*
- 20.39%
ALTEX
- 1D
- 5.49%
- 1M
- -7.35%
- YTD
- 15.57%
- 6M
- -5.93%
- 1Y
- 47.55%
- 3Y*
- 0.38%
- 5Y*
- -3.27%
- 10Y*
- 9.51%
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WSTAX vs. ALTEX - Expense Ratio Comparison
WSTAX has a 1.17% expense ratio, which is lower than ALTEX's 1.98% expense ratio.
Return for Risk
WSTAX vs. ALTEX — Risk / Return Rank
WSTAX
ALTEX
WSTAX vs. ALTEX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nomura Science and Technology Fund Class A (WSTAX) 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.
| WSTAX | ALTEX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 1.51 | 1.33 | +0.18 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 2.10 | 1.72 | +0.38 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.30 | 1.26 | +0.04 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.61 | 7.30 | -4.69 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 9.01 | 19.36 | -10.35 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
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Sharpe Ratios by Period
| WSTAX | ALTEX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.51 | 1.33 | +0.18 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.45 | -0.05 | +0.50 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.67 | 0.19 | +0.48 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.46 | 0.04 | +0.42 |
Correlation
The correlation between WSTAX and ALTEX is 0.74, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.
Dividends
WSTAX vs. ALTEX - Dividend Comparison
WSTAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 18.69%, while ALTEX has not paid dividends to shareholders.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
WSTAX Nomura Science and Technology Fund Class A | 18.69% | 18.32% | 36.08% | 11.62% | 33.72% | 42.99% | 8.89% | 11.48% | 13.99% | 6.95% | 0.00% | 2.50% |
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% |
Drawdowns
WSTAX vs. ALTEX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum WSTAX drawdown since its inception was -55.39%, smaller than the maximum ALTEX drawdown of -75.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WSTAX and ALTEX.
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Drawdown Indicators
| WSTAX | ALTEX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -55.39% | -75.48% | +20.09% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -16.73% | -28.91% | +12.18% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -55.39% | -75.48% | +20.09% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -55.39% | -75.48% | +20.09% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -12.70% | -23.70% | +11.00% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -15.03% | -37.54% | +22.51% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 4.85% | 10.91% | -6.06% |
Volatility
WSTAX vs. ALTEX - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Nomura Science and Technology Fund Class A (WSTAX) is 10.28%, while Firsthand Alternative Energy Fund (ALTEX) has a volatility of 12.87%. This indicates that WSTAX 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.
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Volatility by Period
| WSTAX | ALTEX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 10.28% | 12.87% | -2.59% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 19.42% | 33.37% | -13.95% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 29.64% | 39.02% | -9.38% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 36.80% | 67.79% | -30.99% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 30.59% | 51.10% | -20.51% |