NMSCX vs. FSSNX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

NMSCX (Columbia Small Cap Index Fund) and FSSNX (Fidelity Small Cap Index Fund) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, NMSCX returned 10.36%/yr vs 11.85%/yr for FSSNX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. NMSCX charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for FSSNX.

Performance

NMSCX vs. FSSNX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Columbia Small Cap Index Fund (NMSCX) and Fidelity Small Cap Index Fund (FSSNX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NMSCX achieves a 12.03% return, which is significantly lower than FSSNX's 21.76% return. Over the past 10 years, NMSCX has underperformed FSSNX with an annualized return of 10.36%, while FSSNX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.85% annualized return.

NMSCX

• 1D: -6.34%
• 1M: -2.10%
• YTD: 12.03%
• 6M: 9.80%
• 1Y: 26.57%
• 3Y*: 13.70%
• 5Y*: 5.17%
• 10Y*: 10.36%

FSSNX

• 1D: 0.83%
• 1M: 4.84%
• YTD: 21.76%
• 6M: 18.99%
• 1Y: 42.83%
• 3Y*: 19.92%
• 5Y*: 7.03%
• 10Y*: 11.85%

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

NMSCX vs. FSSNX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NMSCX Columbia Small Cap Index Fund	12.03%	5.98%	8.53%	15.78%	-16.25%	26.36%	11.20%	22.70%	-8.76%	11.77%
FSSNX Fidelity Small Cap Index Fund	21.76%	12.94%	11.71%	17.11%	-20.28%	14.70%	19.99%	25.70%	-11.24%	14.54%

Correlation

The correlation between NMSCX and FSSNX is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 9, 2011	0.97

The correlation between NMSCX and FSSNX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NMSCX vs. FSSNX — Risk / Return Rank

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

NMSCX

NMSCX Risk / Return Rank: 45
NMSCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
NMSCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
NMSCX Omega Ratio Rank: 30
NMSCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
NMSCX Martin Ratio Rank: 57

FSSNX

FSSNX Risk / Return Rank: 72
FSSNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
FSSNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
FSSNX Omega Ratio Rank: 53
FSSNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
FSSNX Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

NMSCX vs. FSSNX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Columbia Small Cap Index Fund (NMSCX) and Fidelity Small Cap Index Fund (FSSNX). 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.

	NMSCX	FSSNX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.49	2.26	-0.77
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.09	3.08	-0.98
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.37	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.25	4.05	-0.80
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.80	14.35	-3.56

NMSCX vs. FSSNX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NMSCX Sharpe Ratio is 1.49, which is lower than the FSSNX Sharpe Ratio of 2.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NMSCX and FSSNX, 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

NMSCX vs. FSSNX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NMSCX drawdown since its inception was -54.97%, which is greater than FSSNX's maximum drawdown of -41.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NMSCX and FSSNX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NMSCX	FSSNX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.97%	-41.72%	-13.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.68%	-11.00%	+2.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.92%	-27.45%	-0.47%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.92%	-31.87%	+3.95%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.31%	-41.72%	-2.59%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.38%	0.00%	-6.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.60%	-8.27%	-0.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.61%	3.10%	-0.49%

Volatility

NMSCX vs. FSSNX - Volatility Comparison

Columbia Small Cap Index Fund (NMSCX) has a higher volatility of 8.40% compared to Fidelity Small Cap Index Fund (FSSNX) at 6.43%. This indicates that NMSCX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FSSNX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NMSCX	FSSNX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.40%	6.43%	+1.97%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.84%	14.33%	-0.49%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.97%	19.75%	-0.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.67%	22.67%	-1.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.31%	23.50%	-0.19%

NMSCX vs. FSSNX - Expense Ratio Comparison

NMSCX has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is higher than FSSNX's 0.03% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

NMSCX vs. FSSNX - Dividend Comparison

NMSCX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.28%, more than FSSNX's 0.89% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSSNX Fidelity Small Cap Index Fund	0.89%	1.08%	1.04%	1.43%	1.26%	3.92%	0.94%	2.96%	4.94%	3.37%	2.27%	2.66%
NMSCX Columbia Small Cap Index Fund	7.28%	12.11%	15.80%	5.44%	10.78%	8.22%	3.07%	6.37%	11.64%	6.43%	7.28%	11.25%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NMSCX and FSSNX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, NMSCX and FSSNX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, NMSCX or FSSNX?

NMSCX has higher volatility (8.40%) compared to FSSNX (6.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NMSCX dropped -54.97% vs FSSNX's -41.72%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FSSNX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.26 vs 1.49), 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.