ICISX vs. NSDVX

Last updated Jun 27, 2026

ICISX (VY Columbia Small Cap Value II Portfolio) and NSDVX (North Star Dividend Fund) are both Small Cap Value Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, ICISX returned 11.85%/yr vs 7.61%/yr for NSDVX. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ICISX charges 0.92%/yr vs 1.37%/yr for NSDVX.

Performance

ICISX vs. NSDVX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VY Columbia Small Cap Value II Portfolio (ICISX) and North Star Dividend Fund (NSDVX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ICISX achieves a 23.91% return, which is significantly higher than NSDVX's 20.16% return. Over the past 10 years, ICISX has outperformed NSDVX with an annualized return of 11.85%, while NSDVX has yielded a comparatively lower 7.61% annualized return.

ICISX

• 1D: 0.93%
• 1M: 6.11%
• YTD: 23.91%
• 6M: 21.57%
• 1Y: 39.22%
• 3Y*: 18.92%
• 5Y*: 8.93%
• 10Y*: 11.85%

NSDVX

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 3.16%
• YTD: 20.16%
• 6M: 18.65%
• 1Y: 23.65%
• 3Y*: 12.73%
• 5Y*: 4.71%
• 10Y*: 7.61%

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

ICISX vs. NSDVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ICISX VY Columbia Small Cap Value II Portfolio	23.91%	8.38%	11.15%	14.13%	-13.57%	34.53%	9.95%	20.26%	-17.54%	11.24%
NSDVX North Star Dividend Fund	20.16%	-1.31%	9.25%	8.06%	-6.36%	16.16%	6.51%	16.13%	-12.35%	8.27%

Correlation

The correlation between ICISX and NSDVX is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.75
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.82
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 31, 2013	0.82

The correlation between ICISX and NSDVX shifts across timeframes, from 0.71 (1 year) to 0.82 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

ICISX vs. NSDVX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ICISX

ICISX Risk / Return Rank: 90
ICISX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
ICISX Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
ICISX Omega Ratio Rank: 82
ICISX Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
ICISX Martin Ratio Rank: 93

NSDVX

NSDVX Risk / Return Rank: 48
NSDVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
NSDVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
NSDVX Omega Ratio Rank: 45
NSDVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
NSDVX Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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.

ICISX vs. NSDVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VY Columbia Small Cap Value II Portfolio (ICISX) and North Star Dividend Fund (NSDVX). 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.

	ICISX	NSDVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.70	1.69	+1.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.81	2.52	+1.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.30	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.87	2.39	+2.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.92	7.00	+9.91

ICISX vs. NSDVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ICISX Sharpe Ratio is 2.70, which is higher than the NSDVX Sharpe Ratio of 1.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ICISX and NSDVX, 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

ICISX vs. NSDVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ICISX drawdown since its inception was -59.91%, which is greater than NSDVX's maximum drawdown of -38.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ICISX and NSDVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ICISX	NSDVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.91%	-38.64%	-21.27%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.50%	-10.48%	+0.98%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.05%	-16.41%	-11.64%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.05%	-21.27%	-6.78%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-49.01%	-38.64%	-10.37%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.04%	+0.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.79%	-6.52%	-4.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.68%	3.57%	-0.89%

Volatility

ICISX vs. NSDVX - Volatility Comparison

VY Columbia Small Cap Value II Portfolio (ICISX) has a higher volatility of 4.71% compared to North Star Dividend Fund (NSDVX) at 4.32%. This indicates that ICISX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than NSDVX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ICISX	NSDVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.71%	4.32%	+0.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.95%	9.57%	+2.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.17%	14.88%	+2.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.66%	16.06%	+5.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.65%	17.72%	+5.93%

ICISX vs. NSDVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

ICISX has a 0.92% expense ratio, which is lower than NSDVX's 1.37% expense ratio.

Dividends

ICISX vs. NSDVX - Dividend Comparison

ICISX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 22.56%, more than NSDVX's 2.78% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ICISX VY Columbia Small Cap Value II Portfolio	22.56%	27.95%	11.14%	7.68%	17.24%	0.74%	4.30%	13.90%	14.67%	4.45%	4.26%	0.62%
NSDVX North Star Dividend Fund	2.78%	3.45%	7.00%	2.52%	6.57%	3.31%	1.52%	2.64%	6.87%	2.48%	4.67%	3.51%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ICISX and NSDVX in my portfolio?

ICISX and NSDVX have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ICISX or NSDVX?

ICISX has higher volatility (4.71%) compared to NSDVX (4.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ICISX dropped -59.91% vs NSDVX's -38.64%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ICISX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.70 vs 1.69), 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.