NBGIX vs. VBR

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

NBGIX (Neuberger Berman Genesis Fund Institutional Class) and VBR (Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF) are both funds - NBGIX is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Neuberger Berman, while VBR is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Value Index. Over the past 10 years, NBGIX returned 9.17%/yr vs 10.53%/yr for VBR. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NBGIX charges 0.84%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VBR.

Performance

NBGIX vs. VBR - 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 Value ETF (VBR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NBGIX achieves a 6.58% return, which is significantly lower than VBR's 11.67% return. Over the past 10 years, NBGIX has underperformed VBR with an annualized return of 9.17%, while VBR has yielded a comparatively higher 10.53% annualized return.

NBGIX

• 1D: 0.56%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 6.58%
• 6M: 4.25%
• 1Y: 7.57%
• 3Y*: 6.49%
• 5Y*: 2.81%
• 10Y*: 9.17%

VBR

• 1D: -0.39%
• 1M: 2.39%
• YTD: 11.67%
• 6M: 11.95%
• 1Y: 25.78%
• 3Y*: 16.44%
• 5Y*: 7.95%
• 10Y*: 10.53%

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

NBGIX vs. VBR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NBGIX Neuberger Berman Genesis Fund Institutional Class	6.58%	-4.55%	9.20%	15.73%	-19.35%	18.25%	25.07%	29.68%	-6.76%	16.02%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	11.67%	9.09%	12.40%	16.00%	-9.38%	28.08%	5.90%	22.78%	-12.28%	11.81%

Correlation

The correlation between NBGIX and VBR is 0.95, 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2004	0.91

The correlation between NBGIX and VBR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NBGIX vs. VBR — Risk / Return Rank

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

NBGIX

NBGIX Risk / Return Rank: 7
NBGIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
NBGIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
NBGIX Omega Ratio Rank: 7
NBGIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
NBGIX Martin Ratio Rank: 8

VBR

VBR Risk / Return Rank: 52
VBR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
VBR Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
VBR Omega Ratio Rank: 46
VBR Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
VBR Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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. VBR - 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 Value ETF (VBR). 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.

	NBGIX	VBR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.57	1.71	-1.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.97	2.52	-1.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	1.30	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.86	2.93	-2.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.30	10.32	-8.02
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

NBGIX vs. VBR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NBGIX Sharpe Ratio is 0.57, which is lower than the VBR Sharpe Ratio of 1.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NBGIX and VBR, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	NBGIX	VBR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.57	1.71	-1.14
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.14	0.40	-0.26
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.46	0.49	-0.03
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.54	0.42	+0.12

Drawdowns

NBGIX vs. VBR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NBGIX drawdown since its inception was -51.62%, smaller than the maximum VBR drawdown of -61.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NBGIX and VBR.

Drawdown Indicators

	NBGIX	VBR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.62%	-61.98%	+10.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.75%	-8.85%	-1.90%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.48%	-24.19%	-3.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.27%	-24.19%	-4.08%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.53%	-45.28%	+10.75%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.08%	-0.39%	-8.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.47%	-8.27%	+0.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.98%	2.50%	+1.48%

Volatility

NBGIX vs. VBR - Volatility Comparison

Neuberger Berman Genesis Fund Institutional Class (NBGIX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) have volatilities of 4.06% and 3.96%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NBGIX	VBR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.06%	3.96%	+0.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.31%	10.46%	+0.85%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.04%	15.17%	+0.87%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.66%	19.77%	-0.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.23%	21.73%	-1.50%

NBGIX vs. VBR - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

NBGIX vs. VBR - Dividend Comparison

NBGIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 15.40%, more than VBR's 1.76% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NBGIX Neuberger Berman Genesis Fund Institutional Class	15.40%	16.41%	2.14%	3.13%	11.11%	10.91%	3.87%	6.00%	12.49%	14.10%	6.53%	11.28%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	1.76%	1.95%	1.98%	2.12%	2.03%	1.75%	1.68%	2.06%	2.35%	1.79%	1.77%	1.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NBGIX and VBR in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, NBGIX and VBR 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 VBR?

NBGIX has higher volatility (4.06%) compared to VBR (3.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NBGIX dropped -51.62% vs VBR's -61.98%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.71 vs 0.57), 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.