ISCGX vs. HSPGX

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

ISCGX (Transamerica Small Cap Growth) and HSPGX (Emerald Growth Fund) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, ISCGX returned 8.07%/yr vs 16.09%/yr for HSPGX. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ISCGX charges 1.06%/yr vs 1.03%/yr for HSPGX.

Performance

ISCGX vs. HSPGX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ISCGX achieves a 7.68% return, which is significantly lower than HSPGX's 29.74% return. Over the past 10 years, ISCGX has underperformed HSPGX with an annualized return of 8.07%, while HSPGX has yielded a comparatively higher 16.09% annualized return.

ISCGX

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: -0.91%
• 6M: 0.55%
• YTD: 7.68%
• 1Y: 10.99%
• 3Y*: 4.55%
• 5Y*: -0.24%
• 10Y*: 8.07%

HSPGX

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 0.72%
• 6M: 18.67%
• YTD: 29.74%
• 1Y: 59.00%
• 3Y*: 31.13%
• 5Y*: 15.24%
• 10Y*: 16.09%

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

ISCGX vs. HSPGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ISCGX Transamerica Small Cap Growth	7.68%	-3.41%	6.12%	20.01%	-30.85%	18.23%	32.20%	29.47%	-7.71%	15.56%
HSPGX Emerald Growth Fund	29.74%	31.62%	28.04%	18.66%	-24.65%	3.59%	38.49%	28.33%	-12.16%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between ISCGX and HSPGX is 0.85, 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	0.85
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2013	0.90

The correlation between ISCGX and HSPGX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ISCGX vs. HSPGX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ISCGX

ISCGX Risk / Return Rank: 10
ISCGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
ISCGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
ISCGX Omega Ratio Rank: 9
ISCGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
ISCGX Martin Ratio Rank: 12

HSPGX

HSPGX Risk / Return Rank: 84
HSPGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
HSPGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
HSPGX Omega Ratio Rank: 71
HSPGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
HSPGX Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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.

ISCGX vs. HSPGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Transamerica Small Cap Growth (ISCGX) and Emerald Growth Fund (HSPGX). 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.

	ISCGX	HSPGX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.58	2.28	-1.70
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.98	2.92	-1.94
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	1.36	-0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.77	4.27	-3.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.63	17.06	-14.43

ISCGX vs. HSPGX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ISCGX Sharpe Ratio is 0.58, which is lower than the HSPGX Sharpe Ratio of 2.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ISCGX and HSPGX, 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

ISCGX vs. HSPGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ISCGX drawdown since its inception was -39.22%, smaller than the maximum HSPGX drawdown of -60.28%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ISCGX and HSPGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ISCGX	HSPGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.22%	-60.28%	+21.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.78%	-14.41%	-0.37%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.12%	-28.63%	+2.51%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.22%	-38.65%	-0.57%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.22%	-41.48%	+2.26%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-15.70%	-6.01%	-9.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.23%	-18.95%	+7.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.34%	3.59%	+0.75%

Volatility

ISCGX vs. HSPGX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Transamerica Small Cap Growth (ISCGX) is 5.65%, while Emerald Growth Fund (HSPGX) has a volatility of 8.03%. This indicates that ISCGX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than HSPGX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ISCGX	HSPGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.65%	8.03%	-2.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.62%	20.86%	-5.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.80%	27.01%	-7.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.53%	25.81%	-2.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.99%	25.23%	-2.24%

ISCGX vs. HSPGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

ISCGX has a 1.06% expense ratio, which is higher than HSPGX's 1.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

ISCGX vs. HSPGX - Dividend Comparison

ISCGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 14.36%, more than HSPGX's 9.82% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HSPGX Emerald Growth Fund	9.82%	12.74%	21.85%	6.43%	8.77%	19.11%	8.48%	1.45%	11.86%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
ISCGX Transamerica Small Cap Growth	14.36%	15.47%	12.92%	4.61%	4.29%	11.50%	8.30%	6.94%	11.71%	10.40%	121.18%	9.14%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ISCGX and HSPGX in my portfolio?

ISCGX and HSPGX have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ISCGX or HSPGX?

HSPGX has higher volatility (8.03%) compared to ISCGX (5.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ISCGX dropped -39.22% vs HSPGX's -60.28%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HSPGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 vs 0.58), 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.