GMRAX vs. NDCAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

GMRAX (Nationwide Small Cap Index Fund) and NDCAX (Nationwide Investor Destinations Conservative Fund) are both mutual funds - GMRAX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Nationwide, while NDCAX is a Diversified Portfolio fund managed by Nationwide. Over the past 10 years, GMRAX returned 10.91%/yr vs 3.49%/yr for NDCAX. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GMRAX charges 0.68%/yr vs 0.51%/yr for NDCAX.

Performance

GMRAX vs. NDCAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nationwide Small Cap Index Fund (GMRAX) and Nationwide Investor Destinations Conservative Fund (NDCAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GMRAX achieves a 20.34% return, which is significantly higher than NDCAX's 3.29% return. Over the past 10 years, GMRAX has outperformed NDCAX with an annualized return of 10.91%, while NDCAX has yielded a comparatively lower 3.49% annualized return.

GMRAX

• 1D: 2.12%
• 1M: 3.94%
• YTD: 20.34%
• 6M: 16.79%
• 1Y: 42.36%
• 3Y*: 17.42%
• 5Y*: 6.70%
• 10Y*: 10.91%

NDCAX

• 1D: 0.49%
• 1M: 1.07%
• YTD: 3.29%
• 6M: 3.40%
• 1Y: 9.19%
• 3Y*: 6.64%
• 5Y*: 2.48%
• 10Y*: 3.49%

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

GMRAX vs. NDCAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GMRAX Nationwide Small Cap Index Fund	20.34%	12.26%	9.12%	17.56%	-20.82%	14.27%	19.59%	24.87%	-10.71%	14.21%
NDCAX Nationwide Investor Destinations Conservative Fund	3.29%	8.40%	4.15%	8.61%	-12.52%	3.71%	8.22%	8.79%	-2.16%	5.05%

Correlation

The correlation between GMRAX and NDCAX is 0.69, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.69
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.61
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.63
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 31, 2000	0.71

The correlation between GMRAX and NDCAX shifts across timeframes, from 0.61 (3 years) to 0.71 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

GMRAX vs. NDCAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

GMRAX

GMRAX Risk / Return Rank: 67
GMRAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
GMRAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
GMRAX Omega Ratio Rank: 49
GMRAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
GMRAX Martin Ratio Rank: 77

NDCAX

NDCAX Risk / Return Rank: 56
NDCAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
NDCAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
NDCAX Omega Ratio Rank: 64
NDCAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
NDCAX Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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.

GMRAX vs. NDCAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nationwide Small Cap Index Fund (GMRAX) and Nationwide Investor Destinations Conservative Fund (NDCAX). 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.

	GMRAX	NDCAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.14	2.05	+0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.94	3.00	-0.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.40	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.83	2.37	+1.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.50	10.51	+2.99

GMRAX vs. NDCAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GMRAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.14, which is comparable to the NDCAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.05. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GMRAX and NDCAX, 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

GMRAX vs. NDCAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GMRAX drawdown since its inception was -59.36%, which is greater than NDCAX's maximum drawdown of -17.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GMRAX and NDCAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	GMRAX	NDCAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.36%	-17.56%	-41.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.06%	-3.90%	-7.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.67%	-5.28%	-22.39%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.00%	-17.56%	-14.44%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.78%	-17.56%	-24.22%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.10%	+0.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.57%	-1.93%	-10.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.13%	0.88%	+2.25%

Volatility

GMRAX vs. NDCAX - Volatility Comparison

Nationwide Small Cap Index Fund (GMRAX) has a higher volatility of 6.80% compared to Nationwide Investor Destinations Conservative Fund (NDCAX) at 1.79%. This indicates that GMRAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than NDCAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GMRAX	NDCAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.80%	1.79%	+5.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.38%	3.91%	+10.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.73%	4.50%	+15.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.73%	5.72%	+17.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.60%	4.98%	+18.62%

GMRAX vs. NDCAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

GMRAX has a 0.68% expense ratio, which is higher than NDCAX's 0.51% expense ratio.

Dividends

GMRAX vs. NDCAX - Dividend Comparison

GMRAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.09%, less than NDCAX's 3.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GMRAX Nationwide Small Cap Index Fund	2.09%	2.45%	4.99%	0.52%	1.51%	6.81%	0.56%	7.38%	46.93%	17.82%	7.14%	12.55%
NDCAX Nationwide Investor Destinations Conservative Fund	3.06%	3.60%	5.42%	3.42%	2.06%	3.02%	2.98%	1.63%	5.35%	2.27%	2.91%	2.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GMRAX and NDCAX in my portfolio?

GMRAX and NDCAX have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GMRAX or NDCAX?

GMRAX has higher volatility (6.80%) compared to NDCAX (1.79%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GMRAX dropped -59.36% vs NDCAX's -17.56%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GMRAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.14 vs 2.05), 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.