NSIDX vs. NSGRX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

NSIDX (Northern Small Cap Index Fund) and NSGRX (Northern Small Cap Core Fund) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds from Northern Funds. Over the past 10 years, NSIDX returned 10.87%/yr vs 10.79%/yr for NSGRX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. NSIDX charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.62%/yr for NSGRX.

Performance

NSIDX vs. NSGRX - 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 Core Fund (NSGRX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NSIDX achieves a 17.58% return, which is significantly higher than NSGRX's 16.01% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with NSIDX having a 10.87% annualized return and NSGRX not far behind at 10.79%.

NSIDX

• 1D: -0.44%
• 1M: 3.41%
• YTD: 17.58%
• 6M: 18.58%
• 1Y: 42.23%
• 3Y*: 18.25%
• 5Y*: 6.10%
• 10Y*: 10.87%

NSGRX

• 1D: -0.36%
• 1M: 1.93%
• YTD: 16.01%
• 6M: 17.42%
• 1Y: 36.65%
• 3Y*: 16.84%
• 5Y*: 7.20%
• 10Y*: 10.79%

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

NSIDX vs. NSGRX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NSIDX Northern Small Cap Index Fund	17.58%	12.88%	11.45%	16.87%	-20.63%	14.38%	19.59%	25.22%	-11.33%	14.62%
NSGRX Northern Small Cap Core Fund	16.01%	10.57%	10.44%	16.96%	-16.14%	19.99%	14.53%	23.30%	-10.22%	13.05%

Correlation

The correlation between NSIDX and NSGRX is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 1, 1999	0.97

The correlation between NSIDX and NSGRX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NSIDX vs. NSGRX — Risk / Return Rank

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

NSIDX

NSIDX Risk / Return Rank: 63
NSIDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
NSIDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
NSIDX Omega Ratio Rank: 47
NSIDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
NSIDX Martin Ratio Rank: 76

NSGRX

NSGRX Risk / Return Rank: 63
NSGRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
NSGRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
NSGRX Omega Ratio Rank: 45
NSGRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
NSGRX Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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. NSGRX - 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 Core Fund (NSGRX). 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.

	NSIDX	NSGRX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.19	2.06	+0.13
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.08	2.96	+0.13
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.36	+0.01
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.04	4.38	-0.34
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	14.35	15.45	-1.10
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

NSIDX vs. NSGRX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NSIDX Sharpe Ratio is 2.19, which is comparable to the NSGRX Sharpe Ratio of 2.06. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NSIDX and NSGRX, 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

	NSIDX	NSGRX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.19	2.06	+0.13
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.25	0.31	-0.06
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.45	0.46	-0.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.34	0.34	0.00

Drawdowns

NSIDX vs. NSGRX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NSIDX drawdown since its inception was -59.02%, smaller than the maximum NSGRX drawdown of -64.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NSIDX and NSGRX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NSIDX	NSGRX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.02%	-64.89%	+5.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.97%	-8.66%	-2.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.71%	-26.45%	-1.26%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.89%	-32.31%	-0.58%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.09%	-40.37%	-1.72%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.03%	-0.92%	-0.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.06%	-22.17%	+10.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.09%	2.45%	+0.64%

Volatility

NSIDX vs. NSGRX - Volatility Comparison

Northern Small Cap Index Fund (NSIDX) has a higher volatility of 5.56% compared to Northern Small Cap Core Fund (NSGRX) at 4.90%. This indicates that NSIDX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than NSGRX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NSIDX	NSGRX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.56%	4.90%	+0.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.78%	12.58%	+1.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.80%	18.15%	+1.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.22%	23.36%	+0.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.26%	23.38%	+0.88%

NSIDX vs. NSGRX - Expense Ratio Comparison

NSIDX has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than NSGRX's 0.62% expense ratio.

Dividends

NSIDX vs. NSGRX - Dividend Comparison

NSIDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.34%, less than NSGRX's 13.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NSGRX Northern Small Cap Core Fund	13.66%	15.85%	17.77%	6.90%	0.55%	15.75%	5.00%	6.30%	1.26%	4.35%	0.67%	3.35%
NSIDX Northern Small Cap Index Fund	1.34%	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 NSGRX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, NSIDX and NSGRX 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, NSIDX or NSGRX?

NSIDX has higher volatility (5.56%) compared to NSGRX (4.90%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NSIDX dropped -59.02% vs NSGRX's -64.89%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NSIDX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.19 vs 2.06), 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.