NBRFX vs. NGUAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

NBRFX (Neuberger Berman Real Estate Fund) and NGUAX (Neuberger Berman Guardian Fund) are both mutual funds - NBRFX is a REIT fund managed by Neuberger Berman, while NGUAX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Neuberger Berman. Over the past 10 years, NBRFX returned 6.56%/yr vs 16.22%/yr for NGUAX. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NBRFX charges 1.39%/yr vs 0.82%/yr for NGUAX.

Performance

NBRFX vs. NGUAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Neuberger Berman Real Estate Fund (NBRFX) 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, NBRFX achieves a 13.61% return, which is significantly higher than NGUAX's 4.24% return. Over the past 10 years, NBRFX has underperformed NGUAX with an annualized return of 6.56%, while NGUAX has yielded a comparatively higher 16.22% annualized return.

NBRFX

• 1D: 1.34%
• 1M: -0.59%
• YTD: 13.61%
• 6M: 14.12%
• 1Y: 9.27%
• 3Y*: 9.99%
• 5Y*: 2.74%
• 10Y*: 6.56%

NGUAX

• 1D: -1.12%
• 1M: -1.31%
• YTD: 4.24%
• 6M: 3.61%
• 1Y: 16.02%
• 3Y*: 18.35%
• 5Y*: 11.16%
• 10Y*: 16.22%

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

NBRFX vs. NGUAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NBRFX Neuberger Berman Real Estate Fund	13.61%	-2.14%	5.02%	11.70%	-27.35%	47.87%	-1.34%	31.06%	-5.31%	11.59%
NGUAX Neuberger Berman Guardian Fund	4.24%	14.38%	23.80%	35.98%	-24.47%	27.43%	34.56%	36.69%	-7.16%	25.28%

Correlation

The correlation between NBRFX and NGUAX is 0.07, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.07
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.25
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.45
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 2, 2002	0.60

Over the past year, the correlation between NBRFX and NGUAX has dropped to 0.07 - well below their long-term average of 0.60, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

NBRFX vs. NGUAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

NBRFX

NBRFX Risk / Return Rank: 12
NBRFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
NBRFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
NBRFX Omega Ratio Rank: 10
NBRFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
NBRFX Martin Ratio Rank: 15

NGUAX

NGUAX Risk / Return Rank: 19
NGUAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
NGUAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
NGUAX Omega Ratio Rank: 21
NGUAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
NGUAX Martin Ratio Rank: 17

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.

NBRFX vs. NGUAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Neuberger Berman Real Estate Fund (NBRFX) 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.

	NBRFX	NGUAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.79	1.23	-0.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.14	1.74	-0.60
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.22	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.38	1.22	+0.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.76	4.14	-0.38

NBRFX vs. NGUAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NBRFX Sharpe Ratio is 0.79, which is lower than the NGUAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.23. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NBRFX 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

NBRFX vs. NGUAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NBRFX drawdown since its inception was -70.52%, smaller than the maximum NGUAX drawdown of -78.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NBRFX and NGUAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NBRFX	NGUAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-70.52%	-78.07%	+7.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.84%	-14.16%	+6.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.06%	-20.89%	+2.83%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.60%	-28.43%	-7.17%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.56%	-31.99%	-5.57%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.26%	-3.01%	-2.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.80%	-31.83%	+20.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.86%	4.15%	-1.29%

Volatility

NBRFX vs. NGUAX - Volatility Comparison

Neuberger Berman Real Estate Fund (NBRFX) and Neuberger Berman Guardian Fund (NGUAX) have volatilities of 5.10% and 5.10%, 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

	NBRFX	NGUAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.10%	5.10%	0.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.31%	11.13%	-0.82%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.73%	14.09%	-0.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.84%	18.35%	+1.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.40%	18.32%	+2.08%

NBRFX vs. NGUAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

NBRFX has a 1.39% expense ratio, which is higher than NGUAX's 0.82% expense ratio.

Dividends

NBRFX vs. NGUAX - Dividend Comparison

NBRFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.65%, less than NGUAX's 11.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NBRFX Neuberger Berman Real Estate Fund	1.65%	2.07%	1.94%	2.11%	12.58%	7.76%	2.03%	4.73%	6.98%	6.43%	14.86%	9.29%
NGUAX Neuberger Berman Guardian Fund	11.92%	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 NBRFX and NGUAX in my portfolio?

NBRFX and NGUAX have a correlation of 0.07, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NBRFX or NGUAX?

NGUAX has higher volatility (5.10%) compared to NBRFX (5.10%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NBRFX dropped -70.52% vs NGUAX's -78.07%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NGUAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.23 vs 0.79), 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.