WSTCX vs. ALAFX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

WSTCX (Delaware Ivy Science and Technology Fund) and ALAFX (Alger Focus Equity A Fund) are both mutual funds - WSTCX is a Technology Equities fund managed by Ivy Funds, while ALAFX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Alger. Over the past 10 years, WSTCX returned 28.73%/yr vs 22.22%/yr for ALAFX. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. WSTCX charges 2.14%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for ALAFX.

Performance

WSTCX vs. ALAFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Delaware Ivy Science and Technology Fund (WSTCX) and Alger Focus Equity A Fund (ALAFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WSTCX achieves a 44.87% return, which is significantly higher than ALAFX's 15.83% return. Over the past 10 years, WSTCX has outperformed ALAFX with an annualized return of 28.73%, while ALAFX has yielded a comparatively lower 22.22% annualized return.

WSTCX

• 1D: -0.34%
• 1M: 11.29%
• YTD: 44.87%
• 6M: 43.48%
• 1Y: 75.55%
• 3Y*: 68.65%
• 5Y*: 32.23%
• 10Y*: 28.73%

ALAFX

• 1D: -1.99%
• 1M: 3.18%
• YTD: 15.83%
• 6M: 13.66%
• 1Y: 45.39%
• 3Y*: 40.20%
• 5Y*: 19.22%
• 10Y*: 22.22%

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

WSTCX vs. ALAFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
WSTCX Delaware Ivy Science and Technology Fund	44.87%	32.86%	117.81%	39.18%	-33.22%	12.80%	35.09%	49.22%	-5.97%	31.79%
ALAFX Alger Focus Equity A Fund	15.83%	39.65%	51.72%	44.15%	-35.95%	20.00%	45.73%	33.84%	1.33%	28.70%

Correlation

The correlation between WSTCX and ALAFX is 0.86, 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	0.86
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2013	0.92

The correlation between WSTCX and ALAFX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

WSTCX vs. ALAFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

WSTCX

WSTCX Risk / Return Rank: 87
WSTCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
WSTCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
WSTCX Omega Ratio Rank: 81
WSTCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
WSTCX Martin Ratio Rank: 90

ALAFX

ALAFX Risk / Return Rank: 49
ALAFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
ALAFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
ALAFX Omega Ratio Rank: 45
ALAFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
ALAFX Martin Ratio Rank: 45

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.

WSTCX vs. ALAFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Delaware Ivy Science and Technology Fund (WSTCX) and Alger Focus Equity A Fund (ALAFX). 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.

	WSTCX	ALAFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.99	2.06	+0.93
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.48	2.66	+0.82
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	1.34	+0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.66	2.67	+1.99
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.54	8.88	+7.66

WSTCX vs. ALAFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WSTCX Sharpe Ratio is 2.99, which is higher than the ALAFX Sharpe Ratio of 2.06. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WSTCX and ALAFX, 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

WSTCX vs. ALAFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WSTCX drawdown since its inception was -60.92%, which is greater than ALAFX's maximum drawdown of -43.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WSTCX and ALAFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	WSTCX	ALAFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.92%	-43.65%	-17.27%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.84%	-17.58%	+0.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-44.66%	-26.96%	-17.70%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-60.92%	-43.65%	-17.27%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-60.92%	-43.65%	-17.27%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.34%	-1.99%	+1.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.37%	-7.67%	-10.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.72%	5.27%	-0.55%

Volatility

WSTCX vs. ALAFX - Volatility Comparison

Delaware Ivy Science and Technology Fund (WSTCX) has a higher volatility of 12.37% compared to Alger Focus Equity A Fund (ALAFX) at 9.14%. This indicates that WSTCX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ALAFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	WSTCX	ALAFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.37%	9.14%	+3.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.69%	17.62%	+4.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.31%	22.86%	+3.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	74.64%	26.43%	+48.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	55.16%	24.13%	+31.03%

WSTCX vs. ALAFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

WSTCX has a 2.14% expense ratio, which is higher than ALAFX's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

WSTCX vs. ALAFX - Dividend Comparison

WSTCX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.22%, more than ALAFX's 6.83% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ALAFX Alger Focus Equity A Fund	6.83%	7.91%	0.00%	0.10%	0.06%	14.09%	6.28%	1.98%	5.41%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
WSTCX Delaware Ivy Science and Technology Fund	9.22%	13.35%	81.76%	21.98%	57.60%	61.50%	11.27%	13.85%	16.72%	7.61%	0.00%	2.85%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WSTCX and ALAFX in my portfolio?

WSTCX and ALAFX have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, WSTCX or ALAFX?

WSTCX has higher volatility (12.37%) compared to ALAFX (9.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WSTCX dropped -60.92% vs ALAFX's -43.65%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

WSTCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.99 vs 2.06), 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.