ARSTX vs. RYOTX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ARSTX (Nuveen Small Cap Select Fund) and RYOTX (Royce Micro Cap Series Fund) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, ARSTX returned 12.97%/yr vs 14.37%/yr for RYOTX. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ARSTX charges 0.99%/yr vs 1.20%/yr for RYOTX.

Performance

ARSTX vs. RYOTX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ARSTX achieves a 15.43% return, which is significantly lower than RYOTX's 40.27% return. Over the past 10 years, ARSTX has underperformed RYOTX with an annualized return of 12.97%, while RYOTX has yielded a comparatively higher 14.37% annualized return.

ARSTX

• 1D: 0.71%
• 1M: 5.76%
• YTD: 15.43%
• 6M: 12.91%
• 1Y: 32.85%
• 3Y*: 18.30%
• 5Y*: 9.02%
• 10Y*: 12.97%

RYOTX

• 1D: -0.39%
• 1M: 7.04%
• YTD: 40.27%
• 6M: 37.41%
• 1Y: 67.95%
• 3Y*: 26.65%
• 5Y*: 11.88%
• 10Y*: 14.37%

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

ARSTX vs. RYOTX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ARSTX Nuveen Small Cap Select Fund	15.43%	7.78%	16.94%	17.69%	-19.84%	35.98%	18.68%	29.05%	-11.48%	10.13%
RYOTX Royce Micro Cap Series Fund	40.27%	13.51%	13.24%	19.51%	-22.66%	30.36%	24.56%	21.19%	-9.09%	5.29%

Correlation

The correlation between ARSTX and RYOTX is 0.89, 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	0.89
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 30, 1992	0.86

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

Return for Risk

ARSTX vs. RYOTX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ARSTX

ARSTX Risk / Return Rank: 59
ARSTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
ARSTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
ARSTX Omega Ratio Rank: 44
ARSTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
ARSTX Martin Ratio Rank: 66

RYOTX

RYOTX Risk / Return Rank: 90
RYOTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
RYOTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
RYOTX Omega Ratio Rank: 78
RYOTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
RYOTX Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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.

ARSTX vs. RYOTX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen Small Cap Select Fund (ARSTX) and Royce Micro Cap Series Fund (RYOTX). 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	RYOTX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.96	2.98	-1.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.82	3.73	-0.91
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.46	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.34	5.79	-2.44
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.14	21.02	-8.87

ARSTX vs. RYOTX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ARSTX Sharpe Ratio is 1.96, which is lower than the RYOTX Sharpe Ratio of 2.98. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ARSTX and RYOTX, 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. RYOTX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ARSTX drawdown since its inception was -56.51%, roughly equal to the maximum RYOTX drawdown of -56.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ARSTX and RYOTX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ARSTX	RYOTX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.51%	-56.86%	+0.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.39%	-12.10%	+1.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.97%	-29.83%	+1.86%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.97%	-35.84%	+7.87%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.11%	-44.87%	+1.76%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.39%	+0.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.86%	-9.42%	+0.56%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.85%	3.33%	-0.48%

Volatility

ARSTX vs. RYOTX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Nuveen Small Cap Select Fund (ARSTX) is 5.24%, while Royce Micro Cap Series Fund (RYOTX) has a volatility of 8.04%. This indicates that ARSTX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than RYOTX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ARSTX	RYOTX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.24%	8.04%	-2.80%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.96%	17.22%	-4.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.81%	23.58%	-5.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.57%	23.60%	-1.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.24%	23.23%	+0.01%

ARSTX vs. RYOTX - Expense Ratio Comparison

ARSTX has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is lower than RYOTX's 1.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

ARSTX vs. RYOTX - Dividend Comparison

ARSTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.19%, less than RYOTX's 10.65% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ARSTX Nuveen Small Cap Select Fund	2.19%	2.53%	2.42%	0.00%	0.40%	21.05%	1.25%	0.37%	21.67%	10.31%	8.92%	20.02%
RYOTX Royce Micro Cap Series Fund	10.65%	14.94%	12.20%	6.97%	5.10%	23.10%	7.40%	2.72%	13.95%	7.76%	11.41%	12.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ARSTX and RYOTX in my portfolio?

ARSTX and RYOTX have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ARSTX or RYOTX?

RYOTX has higher volatility (8.04%) compared to ARSTX (5.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ARSTX dropped -56.51% vs RYOTX's -56.86%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RYOTX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.98 vs 1.96), 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.