NBSM vs. KMID

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

NBSM (Neuberger Small-Mid Cap ETF) and KMID (Virtus KAR Mid-Cap ETF) are both Mid Cap Growth Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, NBSM returned 10.64% vs -0.24% for KMID. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NBSM charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for KMID.

Performance

NBSM vs. KMID - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NBSM achieves a 9.98% return, which is significantly higher than KMID's 1.82% return.

NBSM

• 1D: 1.46%
• 1M: 4.36%
• YTD: 9.98%
• 6M: 7.93%
• 1Y: 10.64%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

KMID

• 1D: 0.95%
• 1M: 0.89%
• YTD: 1.82%
• 6M: 0.24%
• 1Y: -0.24%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NBSM vs. KMID - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
NBSM Neuberger Small-Mid Cap ETF	9.98%	-0.04%	-4.88%
KMID Virtus KAR Mid-Cap ETF	1.82%	0.31%	-3.02%

Correlation

The correlation between NBSM and KMID is 0.84, 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	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 16, 2024	0.85

The correlation between NBSM and KMID has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

NBSM vs. KMID - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NBSM	KMID
Industrials	30.1%	52.2%
Technology	17.5%	15.8%
Financial Services	16.5%	11.8%
Healthcare	11.0%	11.5%
Energy	7.3%	-
Utilities	5.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	5.0%	8.7%
Communication Services	2.5%	-
Real Estate	2.4%	-
Consumer Defensive	1.0%	-
Basic Materials	0.5%	-

Return for Risk

NBSM vs. KMID — Risk / Return Rank

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

NBSM

NBSM Risk / Return Rank: 23
NBSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
NBSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
NBSM Omega Ratio Rank: 20
NBSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
NBSM Martin Ratio Rank: 26

KMID

KMID Risk / Return Rank: 9
KMID Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
KMID Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
KMID Omega Ratio Rank: 8
KMID Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
KMID Martin Ratio Rank: 9

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.

NBSM vs. KMID - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Neuberger Small-Mid Cap ETF (NBSM) and Virtus KAR Mid-Cap ETF (KMID). 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.

	NBSM	KMID	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.71	-0.02	+0.72
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.17	0.08	+1.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	1.01	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.06	-0.02	+1.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.16	-0.06	+3.21

NBSM vs. KMID - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NBSM Sharpe Ratio is 0.71, which is higher than the KMID Sharpe Ratio of -0.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NBSM and KMID, 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

NBSM vs. KMID - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NBSM drawdown since its inception was -25.16%, which is greater than KMID's maximum drawdown of -18.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NBSM and KMID.

Drawdown Indicators

	NBSM	KMID	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.16%	-18.89%	-6.27%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.12%	-10.71%	+0.59%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.16%	-5.32%	+4.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.32%	-5.74%	-1.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.38%	4.37%	-0.99%

Volatility

NBSM vs. KMID - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Neuberger Small-Mid Cap ETF (NBSM) is 4.49%, while Virtus KAR Mid-Cap ETF (KMID) has a volatility of 5.06%. This indicates that NBSM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than KMID based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NBSM	KMID	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.49%	5.06%	-0.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.04%	11.74%	-0.70%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.16%	14.86%	+0.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.06%	16.98%	+1.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.06%	16.98%	+1.08%

NBSM vs. KMID - Expense Ratio Comparison

NBSM has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is lower than KMID's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

NBSM vs. KMID - Dividend Comparison

NBSM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.36%, more than KMID's 0.11% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
KMID Virtus KAR Mid-Cap ETF	0.11%	0.06%	0.05%
NBSM Neuberger Small-Mid Cap ETF	0.36%	0.40%	0.23%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NBSM and KMID in my portfolio?

NBSM and KMID have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NBSM or KMID?

KMID has higher volatility (5.06%) compared to NBSM (4.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NBSM dropped -25.16% vs KMID's -18.89%.

Which ETF is better, NBSM or KMID?

On 1-year performance, NBSM leads with 10.64% vs -0.24% for KMID. On fees, NBSM is cheaper at 0.65% per year. On volatility, NBSM has been the lower-risk option at 4.49%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NBSM or KMID?

Over the 1-year period, NBSM has performed better with a 10.64% return vs -0.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NBSM or KMID?

NBSM is cheaper with a 0.65% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for KMID.

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

NBSM has the higher dividend yield at 0.36%, compared with 0.11% for KMID.

What is the main difference between NBSM and KMID?

They also come from different issuers: Neuberger Berman and Virtus. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for NBSM and 0.80% for KMID.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NBSM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.71 vs -0.02), 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.