DFDMX vs. NEEIX

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

DFDMX (DF Dent Midcap Growth Fund) and NEEIX (Needham Growth Fund Institutional Class) are both Mid Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 5 years, DFDMX returned -1.39%/yr vs 12.97%/yr for NEEIX. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFDMX charges 0.85%/yr vs 1.21%/yr for NEEIX.

Performance

DFDMX vs. NEEIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DF Dent Midcap Growth Fund (DFDMX) and Needham Growth Fund Institutional Class (NEEIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFDMX achieves a -6.17% return, which is significantly lower than NEEIX's 44.89% return.

DFDMX

• 1D: 0.29%
• 1M: 3.89%
• 6M: -9.99%
• YTD: -6.17%
• 1Y: -9.19%
• 3Y*: 3.23%
• 5Y*: -1.39%
• 10Y*: 9.00%

NEEIX

• 1D: -0.92%
• 1M: -7.32%
• 6M: 27.53%
• YTD: 44.89%
• 1Y: 63.04%
• 3Y*: 23.80%
• 5Y*: 12.97%
• 10Y*: —

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

DFDMX vs. NEEIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFDMX DF Dent Midcap Growth Fund	-6.17%	0.49%	11.15%	22.91%	-30.52%	12.26%	30.43%	40.14%	-0.24%	31.22%
NEEIX Needham Growth Fund Institutional Class	44.89%	9.32%	19.26%	27.30%	-33.26%	28.13%	42.39%	43.15%	-10.13%	8.47%

Correlation

The correlation between DFDMX and NEEIX is 0.38, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.38
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.58
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2017	0.75

Over the past year, the correlation between DFDMX and NEEIX has dropped to 0.38 - well below their long-term average of 0.75, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

DFDMX vs. NEEIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFDMX

DFDMX Risk / Return Rank: 1
DFDMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
DFDMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
DFDMX Omega Ratio Rank: 1
DFDMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
DFDMX Martin Ratio Rank: 1

NEEIX

NEEIX Risk / Return Rank: 76
NEEIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
NEEIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
NEEIX Omega Ratio Rank: 61
NEEIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
NEEIX Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

DFDMX vs. NEEIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DF Dent Midcap Growth Fund (DFDMX) and Needham Growth Fund Institutional Class (NEEIX). 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.

	DFDMX	NEEIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.53	2.04	-2.58
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.66	2.54	-3.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.93	1.33	-0.40
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.39	4.79	-5.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.73	13.87	-14.60

DFDMX vs. NEEIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFDMX Sharpe Ratio is -0.53, which is lower than the NEEIX Sharpe Ratio of 2.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFDMX and NEEIX, 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

DFDMX vs. NEEIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFDMX drawdown since its inception was -40.46%, smaller than the maximum NEEIX drawdown of -43.11%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFDMX and NEEIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFDMX	NEEIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.46%	-43.11%	+2.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-22.32%	-13.22%	-9.10%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.32%	-36.13%	+13.81%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.46%	-43.11%	+2.65%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.46%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-14.59%	-12.52%	-2.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.12%	-10.80%	+2.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	11.76%	4.56%	+7.20%

Volatility

DFDMX vs. NEEIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DF Dent Midcap Growth Fund (DFDMX) is 5.05%, while Needham Growth Fund Institutional Class (NEEIX) has a volatility of 13.69%. This indicates that DFDMX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NEEIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFDMX	NEEIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.05%	13.69%	-8.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.79%	25.32%	-12.53%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.34%	30.97%	-14.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.92%	29.17%	-8.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.40%	26.18%	-5.78%

DFDMX vs. NEEIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFDMX has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is lower than NEEIX's 1.21% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFDMX vs. NEEIX - Dividend Comparison

DFDMX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while NEEIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.94%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFDMX DF Dent Midcap Growth Fund	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	2.79%	0.30%	0.87%	3.52%	0.30%	0.09%	3.21%
NEEIX Needham Growth Fund Institutional Class	4.94%	7.16%	7.48%	0.00%	1.72%	6.70%	5.58%	11.09%	17.58%	9.64%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFDMX and NEEIX in my portfolio?

DFDMX and NEEIX have a correlation of 0.38, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFDMX or NEEIX?

NEEIX has higher volatility (13.69%) compared to DFDMX (5.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFDMX dropped -40.46% vs NEEIX's -43.11%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NEEIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.04 vs -0.53), 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.