NSIDX vs. NOSGX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

NSIDX (Northern Small Cap Index Fund) and NOSGX (Northern Small Cap Value Fund) are both mutual funds - NSIDX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Northern Funds, while NOSGX is a Small Cap Value Equities fund managed by Northern Funds. Over the past 10 years, NSIDX returned 10.76%/yr vs 8.60%/yr for NOSGX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. NSIDX charges 0.10%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for NOSGX.

Performance

NSIDX vs. NOSGX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with NSIDX having a 20.69% return and NOSGX slightly higher at 20.80%. Over the past 10 years, NSIDX has outperformed NOSGX with an annualized return of 10.76%, while NOSGX has yielded a comparatively lower 8.60% annualized return.

NSIDX

• 1D: -0.48%
• 1M: 1.25%
• 6M: 13.63%
• YTD: 20.69%
• 1Y: 34.97%
• 3Y*: 17.47%
• 5Y*: 6.80%
• 10Y*: 10.76%

NOSGX

• 1D: 0.25%
• 1M: 1.85%
• 6M: 14.42%
• YTD: 20.80%
• 1Y: 31.42%
• 3Y*: 14.70%
• 5Y*: 8.42%
• 10Y*: 8.60%

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

NSIDX vs. NOSGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NSIDX Northern Small Cap Index Fund	20.69%	12.88%	11.45%	16.87%	-20.63%	14.38%	19.59%	25.22%	-11.33%	14.62%
NOSGX Northern Small Cap Value Fund	20.80%	10.63%	2.60%	15.67%	-10.50%	26.17%	-2.29%	22.30%	-13.79%	6.47%

Correlation

The correlation between NSIDX and NOSGX is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 3, 1999	0.97

The correlation between NSIDX and NOSGX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NSIDX vs. NOSGX — Risk / Return Rank

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

NSIDX

NSIDX Risk / Return Rank: 65
NSIDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
NSIDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
NSIDX Omega Ratio Rank: 49
NSIDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
NSIDX Martin Ratio Rank: 76

NOSGX

NOSGX Risk / Return Rank: 71
NOSGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
NOSGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
NOSGX Omega Ratio Rank: 57
NOSGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
NOSGX 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.

NSIDX vs. NOSGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Northern Small Cap Index Fund (NSIDX) and Northern Small Cap Value Fund (NOSGX). 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.

	NSIDX	NOSGX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.67	1.72	-0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.44	2.60	-0.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.31	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.07	3.36	-0.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.81	11.71	-0.90

NSIDX vs. NOSGX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NSIDX Sharpe Ratio is 1.67, which is comparable to the NOSGX Sharpe Ratio of 1.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NSIDX and NOSGX, 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

NSIDX vs. NOSGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NSIDX drawdown since its inception was -59.02%, roughly equal to the maximum NOSGX drawdown of -56.92%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NSIDX and NOSGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NSIDX	NOSGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.02%	-56.92%	-2.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.97%	-9.07%	-1.90%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.71%	-28.13%	+0.42%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.89%	-28.34%	-4.55%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.09%	-45.66%	+3.57%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.53%	-0.25%	-1.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.02%	-9.02%	-3.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.11%	2.60%	+0.51%

Volatility

NSIDX vs. NOSGX - Volatility Comparison

Northern Small Cap Index Fund (NSIDX) has a higher volatility of 4.84% compared to Northern Small Cap Value Fund (NOSGX) at 3.64%. This indicates that NSIDX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than NOSGX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NSIDX	NOSGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.84%	3.64%	+1.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.23%	11.89%	+2.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.18%	17.72%	+2.46%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.27%	23.74%	+0.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.22%	24.50%	-0.28%

NSIDX vs. NOSGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

NSIDX has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than NOSGX's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

NSIDX vs. NOSGX - Dividend Comparison

NSIDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.30%, less than NOSGX's 36.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NOSGX Northern Small Cap Value Fund	36.42%	43.99%	57.55%	6.99%	5.84%	16.35%	1.96%	7.08%	11.90%	9.76%	2.26%	4.50%
NSIDX Northern Small Cap Index Fund	1.30%	1.57%	6.72%	2.01%	6.38%	12.15%	3.52%	1.78%	12.16%	6.55%	4.06%	6.68%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NSIDX and NOSGX in my portfolio?

NSIDX and NOSGX have a correlation of 0.90, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NSIDX or NOSGX?

NSIDX has higher volatility (4.84%) compared to NOSGX (3.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NSIDX dropped -59.02% vs NOSGX's -56.92%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NOSGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.72 vs 1.67), 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.