NBGNX vs. NGUAX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

NBGNX (Neuberger Berman Genesis Fund) and NGUAX (Neuberger Berman Guardian Fund) are both mutual funds - NBGNX is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Neuberger Berman, while NGUAX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Neuberger Berman. Over the past 10 years, NBGNX returned 9.54%/yr vs 16.03%/yr for NGUAX. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NBGNX charges 0.99%/yr vs 0.82%/yr for NGUAX.

Performance

NBGNX vs. NGUAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Neuberger Berman Genesis Fund (NBGNX) and Neuberger Berman Guardian Fund (NGUAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NBGNX achieves a 9.11% return, which is significantly higher than NGUAX's 2.56% return. Over the past 10 years, NBGNX has underperformed NGUAX with an annualized return of 9.54%, while NGUAX has yielded a comparatively higher 16.03% annualized return.

NBGNX

• 1D: -0.58%
• 1M: 3.32%
• YTD: 9.11%
• 6M: 6.62%
• 1Y: 8.62%
• 3Y*: 6.89%
• 5Y*: 2.93%
• 10Y*: 9.54%

NGUAX

• 1D: -1.61%
• 1M: -2.90%
• YTD: 2.56%
• 6M: 1.67%
• 1Y: 12.38%
• 3Y*: 17.71%
• 5Y*: 10.67%
• 10Y*: 16.03%

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

NBGNX vs. NGUAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NBGNX Neuberger Berman Genesis Fund	9.11%	-4.70%	9.04%	15.57%	-19.49%	18.07%	24.86%	29.47%	-6.91%	15.83%
NGUAX Neuberger Berman Guardian Fund	2.56%	14.38%	23.80%	35.98%	-24.47%	27.43%	34.56%	36.69%	-7.16%	25.28%

Correlation

The correlation between NBGNX and NGUAX is 0.51, 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	0.51
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.60
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 27, 1988	0.78

Over the past year, the correlation between NBGNX and NGUAX has dropped to 0.51 - well below their long-term average of 0.78, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

NBGNX vs. NGUAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

NBGNX

NBGNX Risk / Return Rank: 9
NBGNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
NBGNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
NBGNX Omega Ratio Rank: 7
NBGNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
NBGNX Martin Ratio Rank: 9

NGUAX

NGUAX Risk / Return Rank: 15
NGUAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
NGUAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
NGUAX Omega Ratio Rank: 16
NGUAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
NGUAX Martin Ratio Rank: 14

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.

NBGNX vs. NGUAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Neuberger Berman Genesis Fund (NBGNX) and Neuberger Berman Guardian Fund (NGUAX). 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.

	NBGNX	NGUAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.60	1.01	-0.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.02	1.45	-0.44
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	1.18	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.90	1.01	-0.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.39	3.41	-1.02

NBGNX vs. NGUAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NBGNX Sharpe Ratio is 0.60, which is lower than the NGUAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NBGNX and NGUAX, 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

NBGNX vs. NGUAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NBGNX drawdown since its inception was -51.75%, smaller than the maximum NGUAX drawdown of -78.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NBGNX and NGUAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NBGNX	NGUAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.75%	-78.07%	+26.32%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.77%	-14.16%	+3.39%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.51%	-20.89%	-6.62%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.33%	-28.43%	+0.10%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.53%	-31.99%	-2.54%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.06%	-4.57%	-2.49%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.15%	-31.83%	+24.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.04%	4.16%	-0.12%

Volatility

NBGNX vs. NGUAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Neuberger Berman Genesis Fund (NBGNX) is 4.48%, while Neuberger Berman Guardian Fund (NGUAX) has a volatility of 5.33%. This indicates that NBGNX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NGUAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NBGNX	NGUAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.48%	5.33%	-0.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.58%	11.17%	+0.41%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.30%	14.16%	+2.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.70%	18.37%	+1.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.21%	18.29%	+1.92%

NBGNX vs. NGUAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

NBGNX has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is higher than NGUAX's 0.82% expense ratio.

Dividends

NBGNX vs. NGUAX - Dividend Comparison

NBGNX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 14.99%, more than NGUAX's 12.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NBGNX Neuberger Berman Genesis Fund	14.99%	16.36%	2.15%	3.03%	11.05%	10.92%	3.84%	5.82%	12.24%	13.89%	11.21%	18.52%
NGUAX Neuberger Berman Guardian Fund	12.12%	12.43%	6.01%	4.30%	6.62%	10.92%	7.60%	6.21%	11.21%	6.87%	13.11%	12.82%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NBGNX and NGUAX in my portfolio?

NBGNX and NGUAX have a correlation of 0.51, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NBGNX or NGUAX?

NGUAX has higher volatility (5.33%) compared to NBGNX (4.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NBGNX dropped -51.75% vs NGUAX's -78.07%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NGUAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.01 vs 0.60), 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.