NMMGX vs. VGSNX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

NMMGX (Northern Multi-Manager Global Real Estate Fund) and VGSNX (Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both REIT funds. Over the past 10 years, NMMGX returned 3.48%/yr vs 5.22%/yr for VGSNX. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NMMGX charges 0.92%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for VGSNX.

Performance

NMMGX vs. VGSNX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Northern Multi-Manager Global Real Estate Fund (NMMGX) and Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares (VGSNX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NMMGX achieves a 4.56% return, which is significantly lower than VGSNX's 7.95% return. Over the past 10 years, NMMGX has underperformed VGSNX with an annualized return of 3.48%, while VGSNX has yielded a comparatively higher 5.22% annualized return.

NMMGX

• 1D: 0.36%
• 1M: -2.91%
• YTD: 4.56%
• 6M: 4.46%
• 1Y: 7.19%
• 3Y*: 5.81%
• 5Y*: -0.23%
• 10Y*: 3.48%

VGSNX

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: -0.96%
• YTD: 7.95%
• 6M: 6.90%
• 1Y: 10.16%
• 3Y*: 9.20%
• 5Y*: 2.22%
• 10Y*: 5.22%

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

NMMGX vs. VGSNX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NMMGX Northern Multi-Manager Global Real Estate Fund	4.56%	5.59%	-0.87%	9.85%	-26.25%	28.77%	-4.14%	23.71%	-4.59%	9.67%
VGSNX Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares	7.95%	3.21%	3.72%	13.12%	-26.19%	40.46%	-4.76%	28.98%	-5.97%	4.90%

Correlation

The correlation between NMMGX and VGSNX is 0.83, 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	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 16, 2008	0.90

The correlation between NMMGX and VGSNX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NMMGX vs. VGSNX — Risk / Return Rank

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

NMMGX

NMMGX Risk / Return Rank: 7
NMMGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
NMMGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
NMMGX Omega Ratio Rank: 7
NMMGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
NMMGX Martin Ratio Rank: 9

VGSNX

VGSNX Risk / Return Rank: 10
VGSNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
VGSNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
VGSNX Omega Ratio Rank: 9
VGSNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
VGSNX Martin Ratio Rank: 13

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.

NMMGX vs. VGSNX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Northern Multi-Manager Global Real Estate Fund (NMMGX) and Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares (VGSNX). 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.

	NMMGX	VGSNX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.50	0.75	-0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.79	1.11	-0.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	1.14	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.71	1.19	-0.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.50	3.75	-1.25
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

NMMGX vs. VGSNX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NMMGX Sharpe Ratio is 0.50, which is lower than the VGSNX Sharpe Ratio of 0.75. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NMMGX and VGSNX, 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

	NMMGX	VGSNX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.50	0.75	-0.25
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.01	0.12	-0.13
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.20	0.25	-0.05
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.38	0.28	+0.11

Drawdowns

NMMGX vs. VGSNX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NMMGX drawdown since its inception was -40.28%, smaller than the maximum VGSNX drawdown of -73.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NMMGX and VGSNX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NMMGX	VGSNX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.28%	-73.06%	+32.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.83%	-8.34%	-1.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.09%	-17.41%	-2.68%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.26%	-34.39%	+0.13%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.28%	-42.30%	+2.02%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.33%	-3.52%	-7.81%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.77%	-13.29%	+4.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.74%	2.64%	+0.10%

Volatility

NMMGX vs. VGSNX - Volatility Comparison

Northern Multi-Manager Global Real Estate Fund (NMMGX) has a higher volatility of 4.28% compared to Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares (VGSNX) at 3.75%. This indicates that NMMGX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VGSNX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NMMGX	VGSNX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.28%	3.75%	+0.53%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.19%	9.32%	+1.87%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.79%	13.16%	+0.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.14%	18.87%	-1.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.30%	20.91%	-3.61%

NMMGX vs. VGSNX - Expense Ratio Comparison

NMMGX has a 0.92% expense ratio, which is higher than VGSNX's 0.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

NMMGX vs. VGSNX - Dividend Comparison

NMMGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.67%, less than VGSNX's 3.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NMMGX Northern Multi-Manager Global Real Estate Fund	2.67%	3.05%	2.39%	2.58%	1.04%	2.69%	1.77%	4.57%	6.04%	5.53%	15.47%	36.84%
VGSNX Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares	3.71%	3.94%	3.87%	3.93%	3.94%	2.57%	3.95%	3.40%	4.75%	4.26%	4.84%	3.94%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NMMGX and VGSNX in my portfolio?

NMMGX and VGSNX have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NMMGX or VGSNX?

NMMGX has higher volatility (4.28%) compared to VGSNX (3.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NMMGX dropped -40.28% vs VGSNX's -73.06%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGSNX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.75 vs 0.50), 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.