NHS vs. NGUAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

NHS (Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund) and NGUAX (Neuberger Berman Guardian Fund) are both mutual funds - NHS is a High Yield Bonds fund actively managed by Neuberger Berman, while NGUAX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Neuberger Berman. Over the past 10 years, NHS returned 5.39%/yr vs 16.10%/yr for NGUAX. At a 0.36 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. NHS charges 4.14%/yr vs 0.82%/yr for NGUAX.

Performance

NHS vs. NGUAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund (NHS) 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, NHS achieves a -10.36% return, which is significantly lower than NGUAX's 5.42% return. Over the past 10 years, NHS has underperformed NGUAX with an annualized return of 5.39%, while NGUAX has yielded a comparatively higher 16.10% annualized return.

NHS

• 1D: -0.65%
• 1M: -0.97%
• YTD: -10.36%
• 6M: -6.33%
• 1Y: -5.21%
• 3Y*: 7.78%
• 5Y*: -1.83%
• 10Y*: 5.39%

NGUAX

• 1D: 1.43%
• 1M: -0.19%
• YTD: 5.42%
• 6M: 5.42%
• 1Y: 18.43%
• 3Y*: 18.58%
• 5Y*: 11.97%
• 10Y*: 16.10%

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

NHS vs. NGUAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NHS Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund	-10.36%	14.81%	11.04%	6.12%	-22.99%	15.78%	4.57%	39.03%	-11.45%	8.64%
NGUAX Neuberger Berman Guardian Fund	5.42%	14.38%	23.80%	35.98%	-24.47%	27.43%	34.56%	36.69%	-7.16%	25.28%

Correlation

The correlation between NHS and NGUAX is 0.35, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.35
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.31
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.40
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.41
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 29, 2003	0.36

Return for Risk

NHS vs. NGUAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

NHS

NHS Risk / Return Rank: 1
NHS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
NHS Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
NHS Omega Ratio Rank: 1
NHS Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
NHS Martin Ratio Rank: 1

NGUAX

NGUAX Risk / Return Rank: 20
NGUAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
NGUAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
NGUAX Omega Ratio Rank: 22
NGUAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
NGUAX Martin Ratio Rank: 18

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.

NHS vs. NGUAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund (NHS) 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.

	NHS	NGUAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.40	1.28	-1.69
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.48	1.81	-2.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.94	1.23	-0.29
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.31	1.27	-1.58
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.70	4.32	-5.02

NHS vs. NGUAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NHS Sharpe Ratio is -0.40, which is lower than the NGUAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NHS 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

NHS vs. NGUAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NHS drawdown since its inception was -64.67%, smaller than the maximum NGUAX drawdown of -78.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NHS and NGUAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NHS	NGUAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.67%	-78.07%	+13.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.01%	-14.16%	-2.85%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.01%	-20.89%	+3.88%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.43%	-28.43%	-9.00%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.97%	-31.99%	-10.98%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-15.77%	-1.91%	-13.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.87%	-31.84%	+22.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.49%	4.15%	+3.34%

Volatility

NHS vs. NGUAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund (NHS) is 3.11%, while Neuberger Berman Guardian Fund (NGUAX) has a volatility of 5.22%. This indicates that NHS 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

	NHS	NGUAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.11%	5.22%	-2.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.10%	11.07%	-0.97%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.97%	14.03%	-1.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.17%	18.36%	-2.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.71%	18.31%	-1.60%

NHS vs. NGUAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

NHS has a 4.14% expense ratio, which is higher than NGUAX's 0.82% expense ratio.

Dividends

NHS vs. NGUAX - Dividend Comparison

NHS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 17.65%, more than NGUAX's 11.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NGUAX Neuberger Berman Guardian Fund	11.79%	12.43%	6.01%	4.30%	6.62%	10.92%	7.60%	6.21%	11.21%	6.87%	13.11%	12.82%
NHS Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund	17.65%	14.60%	14.50%	13.94%	12.75%	8.74%	9.29%	7.99%	8.37%	7.59%	8.23%	9.81%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NHS and NGUAX in my portfolio?

NHS and NGUAX have a correlation of 0.35, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NHS or NGUAX?

NGUAX has higher volatility (5.22%) compared to NHS (3.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NHS dropped -64.67% vs NGUAX's -78.07%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NGUAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.28 vs -0.40), 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.