NBGIX vs. VEXPX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

NBGIX (Neuberger Berman Genesis Fund Institutional Class) and VEXPX (Vanguard Explorer Fund Investor Shares) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, NBGIX returned 9.56%/yr vs 13.53%/yr for VEXPX. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NBGIX charges 0.84%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for VEXPX.

Performance

NBGIX vs. VEXPX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NBGIX achieves a 9.90% return, which is significantly lower than VEXPX's 17.18% return. Over the past 10 years, NBGIX has underperformed VEXPX with an annualized return of 9.56%, while VEXPX has yielded a comparatively higher 13.53% annualized return.

NBGIX

• 1D: 2.11%
• 1M: 4.01%
• YTD: 9.90%
• 6M: 7.43%
• 1Y: 12.07%
• 3Y*: 6.50%
• 5Y*: 3.84%
• 10Y*: 9.56%

VEXPX

• 1D: 1.99%
• 1M: 3.68%
• YTD: 17.18%
• 6M: 14.31%
• 1Y: 30.76%
• 3Y*: 16.99%
• 5Y*: 7.39%
• 10Y*: 13.53%

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

NBGIX vs. VEXPX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NBGIX Neuberger Berman Genesis Fund Institutional Class	9.90%	-4.55%	9.20%	15.73%	-19.35%	18.25%	25.07%	29.68%	-6.76%	16.02%
VEXPX Vanguard Explorer Fund Investor Shares	17.18%	7.08%	17.25%	19.78%	-23.32%	15.96%	31.36%	31.27%	-2.46%	22.49%

Correlation

The correlation between NBGIX and VEXPX is 0.87, 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	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 30, 1999	0.93

The correlation between NBGIX and VEXPX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NBGIX vs. VEXPX — 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

VEXPX

VEXPX Risk / Return Rank: 50
VEXPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
VEXPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
VEXPX Omega Ratio Rank: 37
VEXPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VEXPX Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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. VEXPX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Neuberger Berman Genesis Fund Institutional Class (NBGIX) and Vanguard Explorer Fund Investor Shares (VEXPX). 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	VEXPX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.72	1.74	-1.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.20	2.47	-1.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	1.30	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.10	3.02	-1.93
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.93	11.68	-8.75

NBGIX vs. VEXPX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NBGIX Sharpe Ratio is 0.72, which is lower than the VEXPX Sharpe Ratio of 1.74. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NBGIX and VEXPX, 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. VEXPX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NBGIX drawdown since its inception was -51.62%, smaller than the maximum VEXPX drawdown of -57.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NBGIX and VEXPX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NBGIX	VEXPX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.62%	-57.40%	+5.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.75%	-10.18%	-0.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.48%	-24.38%	-3.10%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.27%	-32.71%	+4.44%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.53%	-39.87%	+5.34%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.24%	0.00%	-6.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.47%	-12.89%	+5.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.02%	2.63%	+1.39%

Volatility

NBGIX vs. VEXPX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Neuberger Berman Genesis Fund Institutional Class (NBGIX) is 4.71%, while Vanguard Explorer Fund Investor Shares (VEXPX) has a volatility of 6.29%. This indicates that NBGIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VEXPX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NBGIX	VEXPX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.71%	6.29%	-1.58%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.58%	13.50%	-1.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.30%	17.67%	-1.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.71%	21.43%	-1.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.24%	21.88%	-1.64%

NBGIX vs. VEXPX - Expense Ratio Comparison

NBGIX has a 0.84% expense ratio, which is higher than VEXPX's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

NBGIX vs. VEXPX - Dividend Comparison

NBGIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 14.93%, more than VEXPX's 6.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NBGIX Neuberger Berman Genesis Fund Institutional Class	14.93%	16.41%	2.14%	3.13%	11.11%	10.91%	3.87%	6.00%	12.49%	14.10%	6.53%	11.28%
VEXPX Vanguard Explorer Fund Investor Shares	6.30%	7.38%	12.59%	0.79%	5.09%	16.00%	6.64%	4.97%	10.95%	11.46%	4.49%	10.71%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NBGIX and VEXPX in my portfolio?

NBGIX and VEXPX have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NBGIX or VEXPX?

VEXPX has higher volatility (6.29%) compared to NBGIX (4.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NBGIX dropped -51.62% vs VEXPX's -57.40%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEXPX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.74 vs 0.72), 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.