FAMFX vs. NESGX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

FAMFX (FAM Small Cap Fund) and NESGX (Needham Small Cap Growth Fund) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, FAMFX returned 6.92%/yr vs 18.94%/yr for NESGX. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FAMFX charges 1.27%/yr vs 1.85%/yr for NESGX.

Performance

FAMFX vs. NESGX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FAM Small Cap Fund (FAMFX) and Needham Small Cap Growth Fund (NESGX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FAMFX achieves a -1.15% return, which is significantly lower than NESGX's 69.18% return. Over the past 10 years, FAMFX has underperformed NESGX with an annualized return of 6.92%, while NESGX has yielded a comparatively higher 18.94% annualized return.

FAMFX

• 1D: 0.31%
• 1M: 3.89%
• 6M: -6.27%
• YTD: -1.15%
• 1Y: -11.04%
• 3Y*: 1.58%
• 5Y*: 2.31%
• 10Y*: 6.92%

NESGX

• 1D: -0.89%
• 1M: -5.40%
• 6M: 54.01%
• YTD: 69.18%
• 1Y: 87.15%
• 3Y*: 29.42%
• 5Y*: 7.79%
• 10Y*: 18.94%

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

FAMFX vs. NESGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FAMFX FAM Small Cap Fund	-1.15%	-11.60%	12.43%	20.10%	-12.42%	27.72%	10.10%	26.89%	-8.54%	4.56%
NESGX Needham Small Cap Growth Fund	69.18%	10.50%	12.76%	5.68%	-30.21%	10.59%	71.90%	54.42%	-5.43%	11.96%

Correlation

The correlation between FAMFX and NESGX is 0.43, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.43
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.69
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 1, 2012	0.70

Over the past year, the correlation between FAMFX and NESGX has dropped to 0.43 - well below their long-term average of 0.70, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

FAMFX vs. NESGX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FAMFX

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

NESGX

NESGX Risk / Return Rank: 89
NESGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
NESGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
NESGX Omega Ratio Rank: 79
NESGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
NESGX Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

FAMFX vs. NESGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FAM Small Cap Fund (FAMFX) and Needham Small Cap Growth Fund (NESGX). 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.

	FAMFX	NESGX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.70	2.60	-3.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.95	3.09	-4.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.90	1.40	-0.50
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.57	4.97	-5.54
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.02	18.91	-19.93

FAMFX vs. NESGX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FAMFX Sharpe Ratio is -0.70, which is lower than the NESGX Sharpe Ratio of 2.60. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FAMFX and NESGX, 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

FAMFX vs. NESGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FAMFX drawdown since its inception was -39.66%, smaller than the maximum NESGX drawdown of -50.29%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FAMFX and NESGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FAMFX	NESGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.66%	-50.29%	+10.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-21.70%	-17.16%	-4.54%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.71%	-35.27%	+6.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.71%	-50.05%	+21.34%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.66%	-50.29%	+10.63%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-19.67%	-9.32%	-10.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.06%	-11.63%	+5.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	12.66%	4.50%	+8.16%

Volatility

FAMFX vs. NESGX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for FAM Small Cap Fund (FAMFX) is 5.08%, while Needham Small Cap Growth Fund (NESGX) has a volatility of 13.34%. This indicates that FAMFX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NESGX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FAMFX	NESGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.08%	13.34%	-8.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.24%	24.35%	-11.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.66%	32.76%	-15.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.79%	29.90%	-11.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.48%	26.19%	-6.71%

FAMFX vs. NESGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FAMFX has a 1.27% expense ratio, which is lower than NESGX's 1.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

FAMFX vs. NESGX - Dividend Comparison

FAMFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.45%, while NESGX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FAMFX FAM Small Cap Fund	3.45%	3.41%	4.43%	6.44%	0.36%	6.55%	0.00%	0.47%	10.85%	2.15%	2.99%	0.24%
NESGX Needham Small Cap Growth Fund	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	4.16%	25.09%	13.69%	8.43%	22.26%	8.94%	6.67%	2.52%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FAMFX and NESGX in my portfolio?

FAMFX and NESGX have a correlation of 0.43, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FAMFX or NESGX?

NESGX has higher volatility (13.34%) compared to FAMFX (5.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FAMFX dropped -39.66% vs NESGX's -50.29%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NESGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.60 vs -0.70), 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.