FIMPX vs. VRTGX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FIMPX (Nuveen Small Cap Growth Opportunities Fund) and VRTGX (Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, FIMPX returned 11.98%/yr vs 11.89%/yr for VRTGX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FIMPX charges 0.96%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VRTGX.

Performance

FIMPX vs. VRTGX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nuveen Small Cap Growth Opportunities Fund (FIMPX) and Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTGX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FIMPX achieves a 12.99% return, which is significantly lower than VRTGX's 20.80% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with FIMPX having a 11.98% annualized return and VRTGX not far behind at 11.89%.

FIMPX

• 1D: 2.65%
• 1M: 5.68%
• YTD: 12.99%
• 6M: 9.45%
• 1Y: 30.85%
• 3Y*: 17.66%
• 5Y*: 3.66%
• 10Y*: 11.98%

VRTGX

• 1D: 2.59%
• 1M: 4.73%
• YTD: 20.80%
• 6M: 16.63%
• 1Y: 41.93%
• 3Y*: 18.49%
• 5Y*: 6.25%
• 10Y*: 11.89%

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

FIMPX vs. VRTGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FIMPX Nuveen Small Cap Growth Opportunities Fund	12.99%	12.08%	17.53%	18.92%	-27.45%	0.22%	47.96%	29.90%	-5.61%	17.00%
VRTGX Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	20.80%	12.97%	15.26%	18.80%	-26.30%	2.82%	34.81%	28.84%	-9.21%	22.27%

Correlation

The correlation between FIMPX and VRTGX 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	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2010	0.97

The correlation between FIMPX and VRTGX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FIMPX vs. VRTGX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FIMPX

FIMPX Risk / Return Rank: 29
FIMPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
FIMPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
FIMPX Omega Ratio Rank: 27
FIMPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
FIMPX Martin Ratio Rank: 30

VRTGX

VRTGX Risk / Return Rank: 49
VRTGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
VRTGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
VRTGX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
VRTGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
VRTGX Martin Ratio Rank: 53

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.

FIMPX vs. VRTGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen Small Cap Growth Opportunities Fund (FIMPX) and Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTGX). 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.

	FIMPX	VRTGX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.49	1.89	-0.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.11	2.57	-0.46
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.31	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.83	2.83	-1.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.56	10.14	-3.57

FIMPX vs. VRTGX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FIMPX Sharpe Ratio is 1.49, which is comparable to the VRTGX Sharpe Ratio of 1.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FIMPX and VRTGX, 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

FIMPX vs. VRTGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FIMPX drawdown since its inception was -58.32%, which is greater than VRTGX's maximum drawdown of -41.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FIMPX and VRTGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FIMPX	VRTGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.32%	-41.97%	-16.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.72%	-14.80%	-1.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.99%	-28.54%	+0.55%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-46.29%	-40.48%	-5.81%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.29%	-41.97%	-4.32%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.19%	-10.41%	-3.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.66%	4.13%	+0.53%

Volatility

FIMPX vs. VRTGX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Nuveen Small Cap Growth Opportunities Fund (FIMPX) is 7.40%, while Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTGX) has a volatility of 8.00%. This indicates that FIMPX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VRTGX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FIMPX	VRTGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.40%	8.00%	-0.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.04%	16.84%	-0.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.60%	22.20%	-1.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.12%	24.71%	-0.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.93%	24.59%	-0.66%

FIMPX vs. VRTGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FIMPX has a 0.96% expense ratio, which is higher than VRTGX's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

FIMPX vs. VRTGX - Dividend Comparison

FIMPX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.87%, more than VRTGX's 0.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FIMPX Nuveen Small Cap Growth Opportunities Fund	4.87%	5.50%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	7.33%	10.34%	0.00%	15.29%	11.52%	0.39%	9.04%
VRTGX Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	0.61%	0.57%	0.62%	0.85%	0.78%	0.54%	0.53%	0.90%	0.85%	0.75%	1.07%	0.84%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FIMPX and VRTGX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, FIMPX and VRTGX 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, FIMPX or VRTGX?

VRTGX has higher volatility (8.00%) compared to FIMPX (7.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FIMPX dropped -58.32% vs VRTGX's -41.97%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VRTGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.89 vs 1.49), 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.