NMSCX vs. TISBX
NMSCX (Columbia Small Cap Index Fund) and TISBX (TIAA-CREF Small-Cap Blend Index Fund) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, NMSCX returned 10.36%/yr vs 11.71%/yr for TISBX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. NMSCX charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for TISBX.
Performance
NMSCX vs. TISBX - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, NMSCX achieves a 12.03% return, which is significantly lower than TISBX's 21.71% return. Over the past 10 years, NMSCX has underperformed TISBX with an annualized return of 10.36%, while TISBX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.71% 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%
TISBX
- 1D
- 0.83%
- 1M
- 4.83%
- YTD
- 21.71%
- 6M
- 18.99%
- 1Y
- 42.52%
- 3Y*
- 19.80%
- 5Y*
- 6.97%
- 10Y*
- 11.71%
NMSCX vs. TISBX - 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% |
TISBX TIAA-CREF Small-Cap Blend Index Fund | 21.71% | 12.72% | 11.60% | 17.07% | -20.31% | 14.85% | 20.14% | 25.61% | -10.99% | 13.14% |
Correlation
The correlation between NMSCX and TISBX 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 30, 2002 | 0.98 |
The correlation between NMSCX and TISBX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
NMSCX vs. TISBX — Risk / Return Rank
NMSCX
TISBX
NMSCX vs. TISBX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Columbia Small Cap Index Fund (NMSCX) and TIAA-CREF Small-Cap Blend Index Fund (TISBX). 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 | TISBX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.77 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.98 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.27 | 1.37 | -0.10 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 3.25 | 4.07 | -0.82 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 10.80 | 14.37 | -3.57 |
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Drawdowns
NMSCX vs. TISBX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum NMSCX drawdown since its inception was -54.97%, roughly equal to the maximum TISBX drawdown of -56.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NMSCX and TISBX.
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Drawdown Indicators
| NMSCX | TISBX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -54.97% | -56.50% | +1.53% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -8.68% | -10.95% | +2.27% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -27.92% | -27.44% | -0.48% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -27.92% | -31.89% | +3.97% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -44.31% | -41.69% | -2.62% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -6.38% | 0.00% | -6.38% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -8.60% | -9.67% | +1.07% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.61% | 3.09% | -0.48% |
Volatility
NMSCX vs. TISBX - Volatility Comparison
Columbia Small Cap Index Fund (NMSCX) has a higher volatility of 8.40% compared to TIAA-CREF Small-Cap Blend Index Fund (TISBX) at 6.39%. This indicates that NMSCX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than TISBX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| NMSCX | TISBX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 8.40% | 6.39% | +2.01% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 13.84% | 14.34% | -0.50% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 18.97% | 19.76% | -0.79% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 21.67% | 22.64% | -0.97% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 23.31% | 23.49% | -0.18% |
NMSCX vs. TISBX - Expense Ratio Comparison
NMSCX has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is higher than TISBX's 0.05% 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. TISBX - Dividend Comparison
NMSCX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.28%, more than TISBX's 3.39% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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% |
TISBX TIAA-CREF Small-Cap Blend Index Fund | 3.39% | 4.12% | 6.82% | 3.09% | 1.97% | 8.96% | 2.65% | 5.16% | 9.29% | 4.49% | 4.03% | 4.77% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.93, NMSCX and TISBX 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.
NMSCX has higher volatility (8.40%) compared to TISBX (6.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NMSCX dropped -54.97% vs TISBX's -56.50%.
TISBX 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.
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