FSSAX vs. NESIX
Compare and contrast key facts about Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund (FSSAX) and Needham Small Cap Growth Fund Institutional (NESIX).
FSSAX is managed by Franklin Templeton. It was launched on May 1, 2000. NESIX is managed by Needham. It was launched on Dec 30, 2016.
Performance
FSSAX vs. NESIX - Performance Comparison
Loading graphics...
FSSAX vs. NESIX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FSSAX Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund | -7.69% | 7.88% | 13.02% | 31.05% | -30.29% | -0.24% | 41.68% | 42.14% | -3.08% | 20.28% |
NESIX Needham Small Cap Growth Fund Institutional | 9.63% | 11.16% | 13.47% | 5.85% | -29.71% | 11.36% | 73.06% | 55.28% | -4.87% | 12.63% |
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, FSSAX achieves a -7.69% return, which is significantly lower than NESIX's 9.63% return.
FSSAX
- 1D
- -1.36%
- 1M
- -9.02%
- YTD
- -7.69%
- 6M
- -1.97%
- 1Y
- 14.20%
- 3Y*
- 10.07%
- 5Y*
- -0.60%
- 10Y*
- 10.94%
NESIX
- 1D
- -4.46%
- 1M
- -7.08%
- YTD
- 9.63%
- 6M
- 12.40%
- 1Y
- 48.73%
- 3Y*
- 11.47%
- 5Y*
- 1.26%
- 10Y*
- —
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
FSSAX vs. NESIX - Expense Ratio Comparison
FSSAX has a 0.78% expense ratio, which is lower than NESIX's 1.18% expense ratio.
Return for Risk
FSSAX vs. NESIX — Risk / Return Rank
FSSAX
NESIX
FSSAX vs. NESIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund (FSSAX) and Needham Small Cap Growth Fund Institutional (NESIX). 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.
| FSSAX | NESIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 0.53 | 1.34 | -0.81 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 0.92 | 1.91 | -0.99 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.12 | 1.25 | -0.13 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 0.59 | 2.44 | -1.85 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 2.43 | 8.21 | -5.79 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading graphics...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| FSSAX | NESIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.53 | 1.34 | -0.81 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | -0.02 | 0.04 | -0.07 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.46 | — | — |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.32 | 0.53 | -0.20 |
Correlation
The correlation between FSSAX and NESIX is 0.84, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.
Dividends
FSSAX vs. NESIX - Dividend Comparison
FSSAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.28%, while NESIX has not paid dividends to shareholders.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FSSAX Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund | 8.28% | 7.64% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.54% | 16.49% | 9.31% | 12.17% | 22.72% | 1.77% | 0.00% | 1.92% |
NESIX Needham Small Cap Growth Fund Institutional | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 3.93% | 23.92% | 13.26% | 8.25% | 21.96% | 8.89% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Drawdowns
FSSAX vs. NESIX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum FSSAX drawdown since its inception was -59.61%, which is greater than NESIX's maximum drawdown of -49.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSSAX and NESIX.
Loading graphics...
Drawdown Indicators
| FSSAX | NESIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -59.61% | -49.61% | -10.00% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -14.18% | -17.25% | +3.07% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -42.58% | -49.61% | +7.03% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -42.80% | — | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -11.99% | -9.15% | -2.84% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -14.83% | -15.27% | +0.44% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.75% | 5.12% | -1.37% |
Volatility
FSSAX vs. NESIX - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund (FSSAX) is 6.78%, while Needham Small Cap Growth Fund Institutional (NESIX) has a volatility of 10.99%. This indicates that FSSAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NESIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading graphics...
Volatility by Period
| FSSAX | NESIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 6.78% | 10.99% | -4.21% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 13.63% | 22.90% | -9.27% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 24.14% | 35.06% | -10.92% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 24.29% | 29.10% | -4.81% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 23.91% | 26.30% | -2.39% |