NSTAX vs. NSTLX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

NSTAX (Neuberger Berman Strategic Income Fund Class A) and NSTLX (Neuberger Berman Strategic Income Fund) are both Multisector Bonds funds from Neuberger Berman. Over the past 10 years, NSTAX returned 3.55%/yr vs 4.04%/yr for NSTLX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. NSTAX charges 0.98%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for NSTLX.

Performance

NSTAX vs. NSTLX - 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 Strategic Income Fund (NSTLX). 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 NSTLX's 0.56% return. Over the past 10 years, NSTAX has underperformed NSTLX with an annualized return of 3.55%, while NSTLX has yielded a comparatively higher 4.04% 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%

NSTLX

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: 0.36%
• YTD: 0.56%
• 6M: 0.92%
• 1Y: 6.18%
• 3Y*: 7.33%
• 5Y*: 2.73%
• 10Y*: 4.04%

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

NSTAX vs. NSTLX - 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%
NSTLX Neuberger Berman Strategic Income Fund	0.56%	9.44%	6.02%	10.07%	-11.81%	2.94%	7.78%	10.55%	-2.34%	7.00%

Correlation

The correlation between NSTAX and NSTLX is 0.99 - 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	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 28, 2007	0.98

The correlation between NSTAX and NSTLX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NSTAX vs. NSTLX — 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

NSTLX

NSTLX Risk / Return Rank: 38
NSTLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
NSTLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
NSTLX Omega Ratio Rank: 44
NSTLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
NSTLX Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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. NSTLX - 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 Strategic Income Fund (NSTLX). 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	NSTLX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.76	1.84	-0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.70	2.86	-0.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.36	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.90	2.02	-0.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.83	7.35	-0.53
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. NSTLX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NSTAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.76, which is comparable to the NSTLX Sharpe Ratio of 1.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NSTAX and NSTLX, 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	NSTLX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.76	1.84	-0.08
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.44	0.54	-0.11
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.72	0.81	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.91	0.87	+0.04

Drawdowns

NSTAX vs. NSTLX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NSTAX drawdown since its inception was -19.01%, roughly equal to the maximum NSTLX drawdown of -19.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NSTAX and NSTLX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NSTAX	NSTLX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.01%	-19.00%	-0.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.29%	-3.30%	+0.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.91%	-4.85%	-0.06%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.86%	-16.65%	-0.21%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-19.01%	-19.00%	-0.01%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.15%	-1.06%	-0.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.46%	-2.70%	+0.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.91%	0.90%	+0.01%

Volatility

NSTAX vs. NSTLX - Volatility Comparison

Neuberger Berman Strategic Income Fund Class A (NSTAX) and Neuberger Berman Strategic Income Fund (NSTLX) have volatilities of 1.36% and 1.37%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NSTAX	NSTLX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.36%	1.37%	-0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.83%	2.88%	-0.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.56%	3.62%	-0.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.01%	5.06%	-0.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.94%	4.99%	-0.05%

NSTAX vs. NSTLX - Expense Ratio Comparison

NSTAX has a 0.98% expense ratio, which is higher than NSTLX's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

NSTAX vs. NSTLX - Dividend Comparison

NSTAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.18%, less than NSTLX's 5.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
NSTLX Neuberger Berman Strategic Income Fund	5.55%	5.46%	5.31%	5.38%	3.92%	6.29%	3.81%	4.02%	4.33%	3.64%	3.54%	4.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NSTAX and NSTLX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, NSTAX and NSTLX 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, NSTAX or NSTLX?

NSTLX has higher volatility (1.37%) compared to NSTAX (1.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NSTAX dropped -19.01% vs NSTLX's -19.00%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NSTLX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.84 vs 1.76), 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.