NBGIX vs. VB

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

NBGIX (Neuberger Berman Genesis Fund Institutional Class) and VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) are both funds - NBGIX is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Neuberger Berman, while VB is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Index. Over the past 10 years, NBGIX returned 9.43%/yr vs 11.09%/yr for VB. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NBGIX charges 0.84%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VB.

Performance

NBGIX vs. VB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Neuberger Berman Genesis Fund Institutional Class (NBGIX) and Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NBGIX achieves a 11.93% return, which is significantly lower than VB's 15.60% return. Over the past 10 years, NBGIX has underperformed VB with an annualized return of 9.43%, while VB has yielded a comparatively higher 11.09% annualized return.

NBGIX

• 1D: 0.48%
• 1M: 2.96%
• 6M: 5.57%
• YTD: 11.93%
• 1Y: 9.45%
• 3Y*: 6.25%
• 5Y*: 3.31%
• 10Y*: 9.43%

VB

• 1D: -0.66%
• 1M: 0.23%
• 6M: 9.54%
• YTD: 15.60%
• 1Y: 23.89%
• 3Y*: 15.01%
• 5Y*: 7.84%
• 10Y*: 11.09%

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

NBGIX vs. VB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NBGIX Neuberger Berman Genesis Fund Institutional Class	11.93%	-4.55%	9.20%	15.73%	-19.35%	18.25%	25.07%	29.68%	-6.76%	16.02%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	15.60%	8.87%	14.17%	18.22%	-17.51%	17.57%	19.19%	27.34%	-9.34%	16.26%

Correlation

The correlation between NBGIX and VB is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.94

The correlation between NBGIX and VB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NBGIX vs. VB — Risk / Return Rank

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

NBGIX

NBGIX Risk / Return Rank: 10
NBGIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
NBGIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
NBGIX Omega Ratio Rank: 9
NBGIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
NBGIX Martin Ratio Rank: 11

VB

VB Risk / Return Rank: 59
VB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
VB Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
VB Omega Ratio Rank: 50
VB Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
VB Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

NBGIX vs. VB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Neuberger Berman Genesis Fund Institutional Class (NBGIX) and Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB). 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.

	NBGIX	VB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.51	1.45	-0.94
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.89	2.12	-1.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.10	1.25	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.77	2.67	-1.90
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.06	9.77	-7.71

NBGIX vs. VB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NBGIX Sharpe Ratio is 0.51, which is lower than the VB Sharpe Ratio of 1.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NBGIX and VB, 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

NBGIX vs. VB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NBGIX drawdown since its inception was -51.62%, smaller than the maximum VB drawdown of -59.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NBGIX and VB.

Drawdown Indicators

	NBGIX	VB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.62%	-59.56%	+7.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.75%	-8.98%	-1.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.48%	-25.36%	-2.12%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.27%	-28.15%	-0.12%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.53%	-42.05%	+7.52%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.52%	-2.29%	-2.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.46%	-8.40%	+0.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.03%	2.45%	+1.58%

Volatility

NBGIX vs. VB - Volatility Comparison

Neuberger Berman Genesis Fund Institutional Class (NBGIX) has a higher volatility of 4.94% compared to Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) at 4.25%. This indicates that NBGIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NBGIX	VB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.94%	4.25%	+0.69%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.68%	12.09%	-0.41%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.37%	16.60%	-0.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.72%	20.76%	-1.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.19%	21.37%	-1.18%

NBGIX vs. VB - Expense Ratio Comparison

NBGIX has a 0.84% expense ratio, which is higher than VB's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

NBGIX vs. VB - Dividend Comparison

NBGIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 14.66%, more than VB's 1.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NBGIX Neuberger Berman Genesis Fund Institutional Class	14.66%	16.41%	2.14%	3.13%	11.11%	10.91%	3.87%	6.00%	12.49%	14.10%	6.53%	11.28%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	1.22%	1.33%	1.30%	1.55%	1.59%	1.24%	1.14%	1.39%	1.67%	1.35%	1.50%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NBGIX and VB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, NBGIX and VB 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, NBGIX or VB?

NBGIX has higher volatility (4.94%) compared to VB (4.25%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NBGIX dropped -51.62% vs VB's -59.56%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.45 vs 0.51), 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.