NSTAX vs. NML

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

NSTAX (Neuberger Berman Strategic Income Fund Class A) and NML (Neuberger Berman MLP) are both mutual funds - NSTAX is a Multisector Bonds fund actively managed by Neuberger Berman, while NML is a MLPs fund actively managed by Neuberger Berman. Both are actively managed. Over the past 10 years, NSTAX returned 3.55%/yr vs 10.00%/yr for NML. At a 0.22 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. NSTAX charges 0.98%/yr vs 2.72%/yr for NML.

Performance

NSTAX vs. NML - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Neuberger Berman Strategic Income Fund Class A (NSTAX) and Neuberger Berman MLP (NML). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NSTAX achieves a 0.41% return, which is significantly lower than NML's 22.96% return. Over the past 10 years, NSTAX has underperformed NML with an annualized return of 3.55%, while NML has yielded a comparatively higher 10.00% annualized return.

NSTAX

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: 0.32%
• YTD: 0.41%
• 6M: 0.74%
• 1Y: 5.79%
• 3Y*: 6.77%
• 5Y*: 2.18%
• 10Y*: 3.55%

NML

• 1D: 0.80%
• 1M: -2.32%
• YTD: 22.96%
• 6M: 20.27%
• 1Y: 27.46%
• 3Y*: 27.10%
• 5Y*: 23.73%
• 10Y*: 10.00%

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

NSTAX vs. NML - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NSTAX Neuberger Berman Strategic Income Fund Class A	0.41%	9.04%	5.64%	8.64%	-12.06%	2.55%	7.36%	10.09%	-2.71%	6.55%
NML Neuberger Berman MLP	22.96%	4.36%	40.55%	14.61%	32.75%	61.76%	-45.84%	10.60%	-23.02%	7.07%

Correlation

The correlation between NSTAX and NML is -0.09, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.09
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.13
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.22
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.22
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 27, 2013	0.22

The correlation between NSTAX and NML shifts across timeframes, from -0.09 (1 year) to 0.22 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

NSTAX vs. NML — Risk / Return Rank

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

NSTAX

NSTAX Risk / Return Rank: 37
NSTAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
NSTAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
NSTAX Omega Ratio Rank: 43
NSTAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
NSTAX Martin Ratio Rank: 31

NML

NML Risk / Return Rank: 37
NML Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
NML Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
NML Omega Ratio Rank: 29
NML Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
NML Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

NSTAX vs. NML - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Neuberger Berman Strategic Income Fund Class A (NSTAX) and Neuberger Berman MLP (NML). 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.

	NSTAX	NML	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.76	1.64	+0.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.70	2.23	+0.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.28	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.90	2.85	-0.95
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.83	8.13	-1.30
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

NSTAX vs. NML - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NSTAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.76, which is comparable to the NML Sharpe Ratio of 1.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NSTAX and NML, 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

	NSTAX	NML	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.76	1.64	+0.12
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.44	1.00	-0.56
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.72	0.29	+0.43
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.91	0.07	+0.84

Drawdowns

NSTAX vs. NML - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NSTAX drawdown since its inception was -19.01%, smaller than the maximum NML drawdown of -90.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NSTAX and NML.

Drawdown Indicators

	NSTAX	NML	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.01%	-90.48%	+71.47%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.29%	-9.67%	+6.38%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.91%	-16.92%	+12.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.86%	-21.40%	+4.54%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-19.01%	-84.84%	+65.83%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.15%	-4.35%	+3.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.46%	-37.08%	+34.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.91%	3.39%	-2.48%

Volatility

NSTAX vs. NML - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Neuberger Berman Strategic Income Fund Class A (NSTAX) is 1.36%, while Neuberger Berman MLP (NML) has a volatility of 6.70%. This indicates that NSTAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NML based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NSTAX	NML	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.36%	6.70%	-5.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.83%	13.35%	-10.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.56%	16.89%	-13.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.01%	23.91%	-18.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.94%	35.15%	-30.21%

NSTAX vs. NML - Expense Ratio Comparison

NSTAX has a 0.98% expense ratio, which is lower than NML's 2.72% expense ratio.

Dividends

NSTAX vs. NML - Dividend Comparison

NSTAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.18%, less than NML's 7.16% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NML Neuberger Berman MLP	7.16%	8.24%	7.94%	10.19%	4.26%	3.54%	8.33%	9.76%	9.87%	7.04%	8.63%	15.44%
NSTAX Neuberger Berman Strategic Income Fund Class A	5.18%	5.10%	4.95%	4.14%	3.60%	5.90%	3.44%	3.62%	3.94%	3.23%	3.14%	3.64%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NSTAX and NML in my portfolio?

NSTAX and NML have a correlation of -0.09, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NSTAX or NML?

NML has higher volatility (6.70%) compared to NSTAX (1.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NSTAX dropped -19.01% vs NML's -90.48%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NSTAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.76 vs 1.64), 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.