NCTWX vs. RIPIX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

NCTWX (Nicholas II Fund) and RIPIX (Royce International Premier Fund Institutional Class) are both Mid Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 5 years, NCTWX returned 2.67%/yr vs -3.05%/yr for RIPIX. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NCTWX charges 0.59%/yr vs 1.04%/yr for RIPIX.

Performance

NCTWX vs. RIPIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nicholas II Fund (NCTWX) and Royce International Premier Fund Institutional Class (RIPIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

NCTWX

• 1D: 1.42%
• 1M: 4.79%
• YTD: -0.00%
• 6M: 0.51%
• 1Y: -0.43%
• 3Y*: 5.99%
• 5Y*: 2.67%
• 10Y*: 9.28%

RIPIX

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: 3.55%
• YTD: 4.79%
• 6M: 5.57%
• 1Y: 3.60%
• 3Y*: 3.14%
• 5Y*: -3.05%
• 10Y*: —

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

NCTWX vs. RIPIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
NCTWX Nicholas II Fund	-0.00%	-1.27%	6.74%	19.89%	-18.03%	21.58%	15.73%	34.90%	-7.77%
RIPIX Royce International Premier Fund Institutional Class	4.79%	9.89%	-7.04%	8.14%	-26.99%	6.22%	16.11%	34.69%	-12.52%

Correlation

The correlation between NCTWX and RIPIX is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.54
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.63
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 21, 2018	0.64

The correlation between NCTWX and RIPIX shifts across timeframes, from 0.49 (1 year) to 0.64 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

NCTWX vs. RIPIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

NCTWX

NCTWX Risk / Return Rank: 2
NCTWX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
NCTWX Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
NCTWX Omega Ratio Rank: 2
NCTWX Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
NCTWX Martin Ratio Rank: 2

RIPIX

RIPIX Risk / Return Rank: 4
RIPIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
RIPIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
RIPIX Omega Ratio Rank: 5
RIPIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
RIPIX Martin Ratio Rank: 4

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.

NCTWX vs. RIPIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nicholas II Fund (NCTWX) and Royce International Premier Fund Institutional Class (RIPIX). 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.

	NCTWX	RIPIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	-0.04	0.37	-0.41
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	0.06	0.61	-0.56
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.01	1.07	-0.07
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.03	0.28	-0.31
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	-0.08	0.69	-0.76
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

NCTWX vs. RIPIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NCTWX Sharpe Ratio is -0.04, which is lower than the RIPIX Sharpe Ratio of 0.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NCTWX and RIPIX, 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

	NCTWX	RIPIX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.04	0.37	-0.41
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.15	-0.20	+0.35
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.51	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.58	0.16	+0.42

Drawdowns

NCTWX vs. RIPIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NCTWX drawdown since its inception was -46.46%, which is greater than RIPIX's maximum drawdown of -41.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NCTWX and RIPIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NCTWX	RIPIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.46%	-41.89%	-4.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.43%	-16.38%	+0.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.63%	-17.33%	-3.30%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.89%	-41.89%	+16.00%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.61%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.25%	-22.76%	+14.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.89%	-18.00%	+11.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.37%	6.67%	-0.30%

Volatility

NCTWX vs. RIPIX - Volatility Comparison

Nicholas II Fund (NCTWX) has a higher volatility of 4.11% compared to Royce International Premier Fund Institutional Class (RIPIX) at 3.12%. This indicates that NCTWX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RIPIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NCTWX	RIPIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.11%	3.12%	+0.99%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.55%	10.60%	+0.95%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.94%	13.10%	+1.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.09%	15.40%	+2.69%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.29%	16.15%	+2.14%

NCTWX vs. RIPIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

NCTWX has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is lower than RIPIX's 1.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

NCTWX vs. RIPIX - Dividend Comparison

NCTWX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 12.43%, more than RIPIX's 1.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NCTWX Nicholas II Fund	12.43%	12.43%	5.21%	0.72%	3.92%	9.86%	3.79%	11.36%	12.57%	11.02%	5.11%	6.40%
RIPIX Royce International Premier Fund Institutional Class	1.39%	1.46%	5.66%	3.09%	3.87%	5.02%	0.36%	0.58%	0.54%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NCTWX and RIPIX in my portfolio?

NCTWX and RIPIX have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NCTWX or RIPIX?

NCTWX has higher volatility (4.11%) compared to RIPIX (3.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NCTWX dropped -46.46% vs RIPIX's -41.89%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RIPIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.37 vs -0.04), 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.