NBJP vs. NBSM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

NBJP (Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF) and NBSM (Neuberger Small-Mid Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NBJP is a Japan Equities fund actively managed by Neuberger Berman, while NBSM is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Neuberger Berman. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, NBJP returned 35.11% vs 8.81% for NBSM. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. NBJP charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for NBSM.

Performance

NBJP vs. NBSM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF (NBJP) and Neuberger Small-Mid Cap ETF (NBSM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NBJP achieves a 18.88% return, which is significantly higher than NBSM's 5.59% return.

NBJP

• 1D: 0.32%
• 1M: 7.23%
• YTD: 18.88%
• 6M: 21.26%
• 1Y: 35.11%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NBSM

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: 0.41%
• YTD: 5.59%
• 6M: 3.81%
• 1Y: 8.81%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NBJP vs. NBSM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
NBJP Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF	18.88%	30.41%	-3.34%
NBSM Neuberger Small-Mid Cap ETF	5.59%	-0.04%	0.80%

Correlation

The correlation between NBJP and NBSM is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2024	0.49

Return for Risk

NBJP vs. NBSM — Risk / Return Rank

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

NBJP

NBJP Risk / Return Rank: 52
NBJP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
NBJP Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
NBJP Omega Ratio Rank: 53
NBJP Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
NBJP Martin Ratio Rank: 52

NBSM

NBSM Risk / Return Rank: 20
NBSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
NBSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
NBSM Omega Ratio Rank: 19
NBSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
NBSM Martin Ratio Rank: 22

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.

NBJP vs. NBSM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF (NBJP) and Neuberger Small-Mid Cap ETF (NBSM). 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.

	NBJP	NBSM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	0.59	+1.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.55	1.00	+1.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.11	+0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.46	0.87	+1.59
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.84	2.62	+6.22
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

NBJP vs. NBSM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NBJP Sharpe Ratio is 1.79, which is higher than the NBSM Sharpe Ratio of 0.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NBJP and NBSM, 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

	NBJP	NBSM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.79	0.59	+1.20
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.37	0.13	+1.24

Drawdowns

NBJP vs. NBSM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NBJP drawdown since its inception was -14.34%, smaller than the maximum NBSM drawdown of -25.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NBJP and NBSM.

Drawdown Indicators

	NBJP	NBSM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.34%	-25.16%	+10.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.34%	-10.12%	-4.22%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.79%	-5.11%	+4.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.22%	-7.43%	+4.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.98%	3.37%	+0.61%

Volatility

NBJP vs. NBSM - Volatility Comparison

Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF (NBJP) has a higher volatility of 5.49% compared to Neuberger Small-Mid Cap ETF (NBSM) at 3.92%. This indicates that NBJP's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than NBSM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NBJP	NBSM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.49%	3.92%	+1.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.51%	10.62%	+5.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.76%	14.98%	+4.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.55%	18.09%	+1.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.55%	18.09%	+1.46%

NBJP vs. NBSM - Expense Ratio Comparison

NBJP has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than NBSM's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

NBJP vs. NBSM - Dividend Comparison

NBJP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.92%, more than NBSM's 0.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
NBJP Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF	1.92%	2.29%	0.75%
NBSM Neuberger Small-Mid Cap ETF	0.38%	0.40%	0.23%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NBJP and NBSM in my portfolio?

NBJP and NBSM have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NBJP or NBSM?

NBJP has higher volatility (5.49%) compared to NBSM (3.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NBJP dropped -14.34% vs NBSM's -25.16%.

Which ETF is better, NBJP or NBSM?

On 1-year performance, NBJP leads with 35.11% vs 8.81% for NBSM. On fees, NBJP is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, NBSM has been the lower-risk option at 3.92%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NBJP or NBSM?

Over the 1-year period, NBJP has performed better with a 35.11% return vs 8.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NBJP or NBSM?

NBJP is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for NBSM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NBJP or NBSM?

NBJP has the higher dividend yield at 1.92%, compared with 0.38% for NBSM.

What is the main difference between NBJP and NBSM?

NBJP is categorized as Japan Equities, while NBSM is Mid Cap Growth Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for NBJP and 0.65% for NBSM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NBJP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.79 vs 0.59), 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.