NWGSX vs. SWSSX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

NWGSX (Nationwide WCM Focused Small Cap Fund) and SWSSX (Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, NWGSX returned 7.92%/yr vs 11.20%/yr for SWSSX. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NWGSX charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for SWSSX.

Performance

NWGSX vs. SWSSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nationwide WCM Focused Small Cap Fund (NWGSX) and Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares (SWSSX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NWGSX achieves a 5.18% return, which is significantly lower than SWSSX's 18.71% return. Over the past 10 years, NWGSX has underperformed SWSSX with an annualized return of 7.92%, while SWSSX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.20% annualized return.

NWGSX

• 1D: 1.04%
• 1M: 4.73%
• YTD: 5.18%
• 6M: 3.69%
• 1Y: 8.78%
• 3Y*: 4.90%
• 5Y*: 2.59%
• 10Y*: 7.92%

SWSSX

• 1D: 0.92%
• 1M: 5.00%
• YTD: 18.71%
• 6M: 17.43%
• 1Y: 41.24%
• 3Y*: 18.69%
• 5Y*: 6.65%
• 10Y*: 11.20%

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

NWGSX vs. SWSSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NWGSX Nationwide WCM Focused Small Cap Fund	5.18%	-5.72%	3.23%	26.14%	-14.72%	19.18%	1.19%	28.90%	-8.64%	13.95%
SWSSX Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares	18.71%	12.88%	11.57%	17.07%	-20.43%	14.77%	20.12%	25.63%	-11.19%	14.76%

Correlation

The correlation between NWGSX and SWSSX is 0.84, 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	0.84
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 18, 2013	0.92

The correlation between NWGSX and SWSSX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NWGSX vs. SWSSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

NWGSX

NWGSX Risk / Return Rank: 7
NWGSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
NWGSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
NWGSX Omega Ratio Rank: 6
NWGSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
NWGSX Martin Ratio Rank: 7

SWSSX

SWSSX Risk / Return Rank: 64
SWSSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
SWSSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
SWSSX Omega Ratio Rank: 47
SWSSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
SWSSX Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

NWGSX vs. SWSSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nationwide WCM Focused Small Cap Fund (NWGSX) and Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares (SWSSX). 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.

	NWGSX	SWSSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.54	2.28	-1.74
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.94	3.13	-2.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.10	1.37	-0.27
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.64	3.97	-3.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.91	14.11	-12.19
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

NWGSX vs. SWSSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NWGSX Sharpe Ratio is 0.54, which is lower than the SWSSX Sharpe Ratio of 2.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NWGSX and SWSSX, 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

	NWGSX	SWSSX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.54	2.28	-1.74
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.13	0.30	-0.17
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.36	0.47	-0.11
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.36	0.36	0.00

Drawdowns

NWGSX vs. SWSSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NWGSX drawdown since its inception was -46.36%, smaller than the maximum SWSSX drawdown of -60.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NWGSX and SWSSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NWGSX	SWSSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.36%	-60.34%	+13.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.31%	-11.00%	-5.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.66%	-27.50%	+0.84%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.66%	-31.93%	+5.27%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.36%	-41.81%	-4.55%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.83%	-0.13%	-9.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.41%	-10.73%	+3.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.49%	3.09%	+2.40%

Volatility

NWGSX vs. SWSSX - Volatility Comparison

Nationwide WCM Focused Small Cap Fund (NWGSX) and Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares (SWSSX) have volatilities of 5.75% and 5.61%, 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

	NWGSX	SWSSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.75%	5.61%	+0.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.97%	13.60%	+0.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.50%	19.15%	+0.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.20%	22.59%	-2.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.16%	24.09%	-1.93%

NWGSX vs. SWSSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

NWGSX has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than SWSSX's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

NWGSX vs. SWSSX - Dividend Comparison

NWGSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 24.41%, more than SWSSX's 1.08% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NWGSX Nationwide WCM Focused Small Cap Fund	24.41%	25.67%	4.86%	3.16%	2.09%	2.19%	0.00%	4.35%	64.46%	8.48%	0.13%	3.32%
SWSSX Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares	1.08%	1.29%	1.66%	1.49%	1.32%	8.88%	2.55%	6.12%	10.45%	5.22%	4.10%	6.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NWGSX and SWSSX in my portfolio?

NWGSX and SWSSX have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NWGSX or SWSSX?

NWGSX has higher volatility (5.75%) compared to SWSSX (5.61%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NWGSX dropped -46.36% vs SWSSX's -60.34%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SWSSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 vs 0.54), 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.