NSVAX vs. FESCX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

NSVAX (Columbia Small Cap Value Fund II) and FESCX (First Eagle Small Cap Opportunity Fund) are both Small Cap Value Equities funds. Over the past 3 years, NSVAX returned 16.69%/yr vs 19.20%/yr for FESCX. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NSVAX charges 1.02%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for FESCX.

Performance

NSVAX vs. FESCX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Columbia Small Cap Value Fund II (NSVAX) and First Eagle Small Cap Opportunity Fund (FESCX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NSVAX achieves a 16.40% return, which is significantly lower than FESCX's 29.72% return.

NSVAX

• 1D: 1.24%
• 1M: -0.26%
• YTD: 16.40%
• 6M: 14.18%
• 1Y: 32.35%
• 3Y*: 16.69%
• 5Y*: 7.51%
• 10Y*: 10.73%

FESCX

• 1D: 0.60%
• 1M: 3.93%
• YTD: 29.72%
• 6M: 26.87%
• 1Y: 51.70%
• 3Y*: 19.20%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NSVAX vs. FESCX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
NSVAX Columbia Small Cap Value Fund II	16.40%	8.20%	11.25%	14.10%	-13.70%	7.94%
FESCX First Eagle Small Cap Opportunity Fund	29.72%	13.33%	6.47%	16.75%	-14.05%	1.23%

Correlation

The correlation between NSVAX and FESCX 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 14, 2021	0.94

The correlation between NSVAX and FESCX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NSVAX vs. FESCX — Risk / Return Rank

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

NSVAX

NSVAX Risk / Return Rank: 62
NSVAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
NSVAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
NSVAX Omega Ratio Rank: 49
NSVAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
NSVAX Martin Ratio Rank: 72

FESCX

FESCX Risk / Return Rank: 88
FESCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
FESCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
FESCX Omega Ratio Rank: 78
FESCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
FESCX Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

NSVAX vs. FESCX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Columbia Small Cap Value Fund II (NSVAX) and First Eagle Small Cap Opportunity Fund (FESCX). 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.

	NSVAX	FESCX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.75	2.55	-0.80
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.47	3.51	-1.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.42	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.30	4.93	-1.63
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.30	17.77	-6.47

NSVAX vs. FESCX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NSVAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.75, which is lower than the FESCX Sharpe Ratio of 2.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NSVAX and FESCX, 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

NSVAX vs. FESCX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NSVAX drawdown since its inception was -59.32%, which is greater than FESCX's maximum drawdown of -28.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NSVAX and FESCX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NSVAX	FESCX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.32%	-28.53%	-30.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.51%	-10.26%	+0.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.11%	-28.53%	+1.42%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.11%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-48.33%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.55%	-0.86%	-3.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.72%	-8.74%	-0.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.77%	2.84%	-0.07%

Volatility

NSVAX vs. FESCX - Volatility Comparison

Columbia Small Cap Value Fund II (NSVAX) has a higher volatility of 7.40% compared to First Eagle Small Cap Opportunity Fund (FESCX) at 6.53%. This indicates that NSVAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FESCX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NSVAX	FESCX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.40%	6.53%	+0.87%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.21%	14.28%	-1.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.99%	19.84%	-1.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.51%	22.66%	-0.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.93%	22.66%	+1.27%

NSVAX vs. FESCX - Expense Ratio Comparison

NSVAX has a 1.02% expense ratio, which is higher than FESCX's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

NSVAX vs. FESCX - Dividend Comparison

NSVAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.92%, more than FESCX's 0.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FESCX First Eagle Small Cap Opportunity Fund	0.80%	1.03%	1.56%	0.60%	0.11%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
NSVAX Columbia Small Cap Value Fund II	9.92%	15.89%	29.38%	6.93%	6.46%	13.95%	0.83%	3.68%	14.97%	9.10%	5.23%	12.66%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NSVAX and FESCX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, NSVAX and FESCX 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, NSVAX or FESCX?

NSVAX has higher volatility (7.40%) compared to FESCX (6.53%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NSVAX dropped -59.32% vs FESCX's -28.53%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FESCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.55 vs 1.75), 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.