ANOIX vs. PNSAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ANOIX (American Century Small Cap Growth Fund) and PNSAX (Putnam Small Cap Growth Fund) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, ANOIX returned 14.73%/yr vs 17.13%/yr for PNSAX. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. ANOIX charges 1.17%/yr vs 1.23%/yr for PNSAX.

Performance

ANOIX vs. PNSAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Century Small Cap Growth Fund (ANOIX) and Putnam Small Cap Growth Fund (PNSAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ANOIX achieves a 17.86% return, which is significantly lower than PNSAX's 27.82% return. Over the past 10 years, ANOIX has underperformed PNSAX with an annualized return of 14.73%, while PNSAX has yielded a comparatively higher 17.13% annualized return.

ANOIX

• 1D: 1.19%
• 1M: 7.70%
• YTD: 17.86%
• 6M: 14.80%
• 1Y: 27.99%
• 3Y*: 16.70%
• 5Y*: 5.20%
• 10Y*: 14.73%

PNSAX

• 1D: 1.96%
• 1M: 9.13%
• YTD: 27.82%
• 6M: 24.45%
• 1Y: 39.31%
• 3Y*: 23.74%
• 5Y*: 10.36%
• 10Y*: 17.13%

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

ANOIX vs. PNSAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ANOIX American Century Small Cap Growth Fund	17.86%	9.00%	14.90%	17.13%	-26.41%	7.80%	51.07%	36.75%	-4.84%	25.83%
PNSAX Putnam Small Cap Growth Fund	27.82%	8.91%	22.98%	22.87%	-28.10%	14.38%	47.65%	37.60%	-2.46%	20.19%

Correlation

The correlation between ANOIX and PNSAX is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 31, 2001	0.95

The correlation between ANOIX and PNSAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ANOIX vs. PNSAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ANOIX

ANOIX Risk / Return Rank: 34
ANOIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
ANOIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
ANOIX Omega Ratio Rank: 26
ANOIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
ANOIX Martin Ratio Rank: 44

PNSAX

PNSAX Risk / Return Rank: 47
PNSAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
PNSAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
PNSAX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
PNSAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
PNSAX Martin Ratio Rank: 53

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.

ANOIX vs. PNSAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Century Small Cap Growth Fund (ANOIX) and Putnam Small Cap Growth Fund (PNSAX). 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.

	ANOIX	PNSAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.42	1.73	-0.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.10	2.38	-0.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.30	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.36	2.94	-0.59
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.83	10.22	-1.39

ANOIX vs. PNSAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ANOIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.42, which is comparable to the PNSAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ANOIX and PNSAX, 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

ANOIX vs. PNSAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ANOIX drawdown since its inception was -59.47%, smaller than the maximum PNSAX drawdown of -69.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ANOIX and PNSAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ANOIX	PNSAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.47%	-69.47%	+10.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.49%	-14.00%	+1.51%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.57%	-26.25%	+0.68%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.15%	-38.77%	+1.62%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.07%	-38.77%	-0.30%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.97%	-23.51%	+11.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.33%	4.02%	-0.69%

Volatility

ANOIX vs. PNSAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for American Century Small Cap Growth Fund (ANOIX) is 6.99%, while Putnam Small Cap Growth Fund (PNSAX) has a volatility of 8.62%. This indicates that ANOIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PNSAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ANOIX	PNSAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.99%	8.62%	-1.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.95%	19.39%	-3.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.71%	23.89%	-3.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.08%	23.46%	-0.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.37%	23.70%	-0.33%

ANOIX vs. PNSAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

ANOIX has a 1.17% expense ratio, which is lower than PNSAX's 1.23% expense ratio.

Dividends

ANOIX vs. PNSAX - Dividend Comparison

ANOIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.45%, more than PNSAX's 0.33% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
ANOIX American Century Small Cap Growth Fund	6.45%	7.60%	0.11%	0.00%	0.00%	21.29%	11.07%	5.50%	16.59%	3.93%	0.00%
PNSAX Putnam Small Cap Growth Fund	0.33%	0.42%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	15.27%	4.87%	1.93%	1.88%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ANOIX and PNSAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, ANOIX and PNSAX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, ANOIX or PNSAX?

PNSAX has higher volatility (8.62%) compared to ANOIX (6.99%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ANOIX dropped -59.47% vs PNSAX's -69.47%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PNSAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.73 vs 1.42), 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.