CMSCX vs. FGROX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

CMSCX (Columbia Small Cap Growth Fund) and FGROX (Emerald Growth Fund Institutional Class) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, CMSCX returned 17.37%/yr vs 15.70%/yr for FGROX. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CMSCX charges 0.96%/yr vs 0.78%/yr for FGROX.

Performance

CMSCX vs. FGROX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Columbia Small Cap Growth Fund (CMSCX) and Emerald Growth Fund Institutional Class (FGROX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with CMSCX having a 25.06% return and FGROX slightly higher at 26.22%. Over the past 10 years, CMSCX has outperformed FGROX with an annualized return of 17.37%, while FGROX has yielded a comparatively lower 15.70% annualized return.

CMSCX

• 1D: 1.87%
• 1M: 10.84%
• YTD: 25.06%
• 6M: 22.98%
• 1Y: 58.39%
• 3Y*: 27.58%
• 5Y*: 7.79%
• 10Y*: 17.37%

FGROX

• 1D: 1.61%
• 1M: 7.35%
• YTD: 26.22%
• 6M: 24.64%
• 1Y: 68.45%
• 3Y*: 29.82%
• 5Y*: 12.60%
• 10Y*: 15.70%

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

CMSCX vs. FGROX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CMSCX Columbia Small Cap Growth Fund	25.06%	21.68%	24.27%	26.17%	-36.62%	-2.22%	70.31%	40.98%	-1.99%	28.68%
FGROX Emerald Growth Fund Institutional Class	26.22%	31.85%	20.04%	19.04%	-24.42%	3.91%	38.92%	28.71%	-11.85%	28.11%

Correlation

The correlation between CMSCX and FGROX is 0.95, 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
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 Oct 21, 2008	0.95

The correlation between CMSCX and FGROX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CMSCX vs. FGROX — Risk / Return Rank

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

CMSCX

CMSCX Risk / Return Rank: 67
CMSCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
CMSCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
CMSCX Omega Ratio Rank: 52
CMSCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
CMSCX Martin Ratio Rank: 75

FGROX

FGROX Risk / Return Rank: 83
FGROX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
FGROX Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
FGROX Omega Ratio Rank: 66
FGROX Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
FGROX Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

CMSCX vs. FGROX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Columbia Small Cap Growth Fund (CMSCX) and Emerald Growth Fund Institutional Class (FGROX). 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.

	CMSCX	FGROX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.49	2.90	-0.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.16	3.57	-0.41
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.45	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.47	5.11	-1.64
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.27	21.59	-7.32
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CMSCX vs. FGROX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CMSCX Sharpe Ratio is 2.49, which is comparable to the FGROX Sharpe Ratio of 2.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CMSCX and FGROX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	CMSCX	FGROX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.49	2.90	-0.41
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.29	0.50	-0.21
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.67	0.63	+0.05
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.52	0.52	0.00

Drawdowns

CMSCX vs. FGROX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CMSCX drawdown since its inception was -55.64%, which is greater than FGROX's maximum drawdown of -41.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CMSCX and FGROX.

Drawdown Indicators

	CMSCX	FGROX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.64%	-41.48%	-14.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.60%	-14.36%	-3.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.41%	-28.61%	+0.20%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-49.84%	-38.52%	-11.32%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-52.44%	-41.48%	-10.96%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.95%	-10.25%	-5.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.26%	3.38%	+0.88%

Volatility

CMSCX vs. FGROX - Volatility Comparison

Columbia Small Cap Growth Fund (CMSCX) and Emerald Growth Fund Institutional Class (FGROX) have volatilities of 7.92% and 7.62%, 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

	CMSCX	FGROX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.92%	7.62%	+0.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.18%	19.27%	-0.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.52%	25.34%	-0.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.07%	25.58%	+1.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.91%	25.18%	+0.73%

CMSCX vs. FGROX - Expense Ratio Comparison

CMSCX has a 0.96% expense ratio, which is higher than FGROX's 0.78% expense ratio.

Dividends

CMSCX vs. FGROX - Dividend Comparison

CMSCX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.94%, less than FGROX's 9.02% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CMSCX Columbia Small Cap Growth Fund	3.94%	4.93%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	10.28%	6.90%	8.86%	21.17%	16.48%	8.67%	60.38%
FGROX Emerald Growth Fund Institutional Class	9.02%	11.39%	13.92%	5.91%	8.13%	17.87%	8.04%	1.38%	11.36%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CMSCX and FGROX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, CMSCX and FGROX 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, CMSCX or FGROX?

CMSCX has higher volatility (7.92%) compared to FGROX (7.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CMSCX dropped -55.64% vs FGROX's -41.48%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FGROX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.90 vs 2.49), 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.