ARSTX vs. FSSNX

Last updated Aug 1, 2026

ARSTX (Nuveen Small Cap Select Fund) and FSSNX (Fidelity Small Cap Index Fund) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, ARSTX returned 11.83%/yr vs 10.75%/yr for FSSNX. Their 0.97 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. ARSTX charges 0.99%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for FSSNX.

Performance

ARSTX vs. FSSNX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nuveen Small Cap Select Fund (ARSTX) and Fidelity Small Cap Index Fund (FSSNX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ARSTX achieves a 13.81% return, which is significantly lower than FSSNX's 19.50% return. Over the past 10 years, ARSTX has outperformed FSSNX with an annualized return of 11.83%, while FSSNX has yielded a comparatively lower 10.75% annualized return.

ARSTX

• 1D: 1.33%
• 1M: -1.51%
• 6M: 10.31%
• YTD: 13.81%
• 1Y: 25.89%
• 3Y*: 14.19%
• 5Y*: 8.82%
• 10Y*: 11.83%
• ALL TIME*: 10.40%

FSSNX

• 1D: 1.37%
• 1M: -1.63%
• 6M: 13.42%
• YTD: 19.50%
• 1Y: 37.75%
• 3Y*: 15.41%
• 5Y*: 7.34%
• 10Y*: 10.75%
• ALL TIME*: 11.80%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
ARSTX Nuveen Small Cap Select Fund	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00
FSSNX Fidelity Small Cap Index Fund	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00

ARSTX vs. FSSNX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ARSTX Nuveen Small Cap Select Fund	13.81%	7.78%	16.94%	17.69%	-19.84%	35.98%	18.68%	29.05%	-11.48%	10.13%
FSSNX Fidelity Small Cap Index Fund	19.50%	12.94%	11.71%	17.11%	-20.28%	14.70%	19.99%	25.70%	-11.24%	14.54%

Correlation

The correlation between ARSTX and FSSNX is 0.93, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 9, 2011	0.97

The correlation between ARSTX and FSSNX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ARSTX vs. FSSNX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

ARSTX

ARSTX Risk / Return Rank: 58
ARSTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
ARSTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
ARSTX Omega Ratio Rank: 45
ARSTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
ARSTX Martin Ratio Rank: 67

FSSNX

FSSNX Risk / Return Rank: 79
FSSNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
FSSNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
FSSNX Omega Ratio Rank: 69
FSSNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
FSSNX Martin Ratio Rank: 87

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

ARSTX vs. FSSNX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen Small Cap Select Fund (ARSTX) and Fidelity Small Cap Index Fund (FSSNX). 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.

	ARSTX	FSSNX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.38	1.74	-0.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.09	2.49	-0.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.29	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.35	3.08	-0.73
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.44	10.93	-2.49

ARSTX vs. FSSNX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ARSTX Sharpe Ratio is 1.38, which is comparable to the FSSNX Sharpe Ratio of 1.74. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ARSTX and FSSNX, 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

ARSTX vs. FSSNX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ARSTX drawdown since its inception was -56.51%, which is greater than FSSNX's maximum drawdown of -41.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ARSTX and FSSNX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ARSTX	FSSNX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.51%	-41.72%	-14.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.39%	-11.00%	+0.61%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.97%	-27.45%	-0.52%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.97%	-31.87%	+3.90%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.11%	-41.72%	-1.39%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.76%	-2.53%	-0.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.84%	-8.22%	-0.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.88%	3.10%	-0.22%

Volatility

ARSTX vs. FSSNX - Volatility Comparison

Nuveen Small Cap Select Fund (ARSTX) and Fidelity Small Cap Index Fund (FSSNX) have volatilities of 3.81% and 3.81%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ARSTX	FSSNX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.81%	3.81%	0.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.83%	14.14%	-1.31%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.75%	19.42%	-1.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.46%	22.55%	-0.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.14%	23.42%	-0.28%

ARSTX vs. FSSNX - Expense Ratio Comparison

ARSTX has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is higher than FSSNX's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

ARSTX vs. FSSNX - Dividend Comparison

ARSTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.22%, more than FSSNX's 1.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ARSTX Nuveen Small Cap Select Fund	2.22%	2.53%	2.42%	0.00%	0.40%	21.05%	1.25%	0.37%	21.67%	10.31%	8.92%	20.02%
FSSNX Fidelity Small Cap Index Fund	1.05%	1.08%	1.04%	1.43%	1.26%	3.92%	0.94%	2.96%	4.94%	3.37%	2.27%	2.66%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ARSTX and FSSNX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, ARSTX and FSSNX 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, ARSTX or FSSNX?

FSSNX has higher volatility (3.81%) compared to ARSTX (3.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ARSTX dropped -56.51% vs FSSNX's -41.72%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FSSNX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.74 vs 1.38), 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.