NSTLX vs. NGUAX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

NSTLX (Neuberger Berman Strategic Income Fund) and NGUAX (Neuberger Berman Guardian Fund) are both mutual funds - NSTLX is a Multisector Bonds fund managed by Neuberger Berman, while NGUAX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Neuberger Berman. Over the past 10 years, NSTLX returned 4.04%/yr vs 15.98%/yr for NGUAX. At a 0.24 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. NSTLX charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.82%/yr for NGUAX.

Performance

NSTLX vs. NGUAX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NSTLX achieves a 0.56% return, which is significantly lower than NGUAX's 6.03% return. Over the past 10 years, NSTLX has underperformed NGUAX with an annualized return of 4.04%, while NGUAX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.98% annualized return.

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%

NGUAX

• 1D: -0.91%
• 1M: 3.18%
• YTD: 6.03%
• 6M: 5.21%
• 1Y: 17.45%
• 3Y*: 19.68%
• 5Y*: 12.30%
• 10Y*: 15.98%

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

NSTLX vs. NGUAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
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%
NGUAX Neuberger Berman Guardian Fund	6.03%	14.38%	23.80%	35.98%	-24.47%	27.43%	34.56%	36.69%	-7.16%	25.28%

Correlation

The correlation between NSTLX and NGUAX is 0.36, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.36
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.28
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.36
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.31
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 16, 2003	0.24

The correlation between NSTLX and NGUAX shifts across timeframes, from 0.24 (all time) to 0.36 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

NSTLX vs. NGUAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

NGUAX

NGUAX Risk / Return Rank: 19
NGUAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
NGUAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
NGUAX Omega Ratio Rank: 22
NGUAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
NGUAX Martin Ratio Rank: 16

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.

NSTLX vs. NGUAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Neuberger Berman Strategic Income Fund (NSTLX) and Neuberger Berman Guardian Fund (NGUAX). 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.

	NSTLX	NGUAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.84	1.36	+0.48
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.86	1.93	+0.93
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.24	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.02	1.29	+0.73
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.35	4.44	+2.91
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

NSTLX vs. NGUAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NSTLX Sharpe Ratio is 1.84, which is higher than the NGUAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.36. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NSTLX and NGUAX, 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

	NSTLX	NGUAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.84	1.36	+0.48
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.54	0.68	-0.13
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.81	0.88	-0.07
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.87	0.04	+0.83

Drawdowns

NSTLX vs. NGUAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NSTLX drawdown since its inception was -19.00%, smaller than the maximum NGUAX drawdown of -78.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NSTLX and NGUAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NSTLX	NGUAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.00%	-78.07%	+59.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.30%	-14.16%	+10.86%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.85%	-20.89%	+16.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.65%	-28.43%	+11.78%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-19.00%	-31.99%	+12.99%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.06%	-1.35%	+0.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.70%	-31.87%	+29.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.90%	4.10%	-3.20%

Volatility

NSTLX vs. NGUAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Neuberger Berman Strategic Income Fund (NSTLX) is 1.37%, while Neuberger Berman Guardian Fund (NGUAX) has a volatility of 3.16%. This indicates that NSTLX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NGUAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NSTLX	NGUAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.37%	3.16%	-1.79%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.88%	10.21%	-7.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.62%	13.43%	-9.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.06%	18.26%	-13.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.99%	18.26%	-13.27%

NSTLX vs. NGUAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

NSTLX has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is lower than NGUAX's 0.82% expense ratio.

Dividends

NSTLX vs. NGUAX - Dividend Comparison

NSTLX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.55%, less than NGUAX's 11.72% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NGUAX Neuberger Berman Guardian Fund	11.72%	12.43%	6.01%	4.30%	6.62%	10.92%	7.60%	6.21%	11.21%	6.87%	13.11%	12.82%
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 NSTLX and NGUAX in my portfolio?

NSTLX and NGUAX have a correlation of 0.36, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NSTLX or NGUAX?

NGUAX has higher volatility (3.16%) compared to NSTLX (1.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NSTLX dropped -19.00% vs NGUAX's -78.07%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NSTLX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.84 vs 1.36), 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.