NWKDX vs. VBK

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

NWKDX (Nationwide Geneva Small Cap Growth Fund) and VBK (Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, NWKDX returned 9.54%/yr vs 12.20%/yr for VBK. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NWKDX charges 0.94%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VBK.

Performance

NWKDX vs. VBK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nationwide Geneva Small Cap Growth Fund (NWKDX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NWKDX achieves a 4.98% return, which is significantly lower than VBK's 18.61% return. Over the past 10 years, NWKDX has underperformed VBK with an annualized return of 9.54%, while VBK has yielded a comparatively higher 12.20% annualized return.

NWKDX

• 1D: 1.53%
• 1M: 4.04%
• YTD: 4.98%
• 6M: 2.66%
• 1Y: 4.32%
• 3Y*: 5.19%
• 5Y*: 1.11%
• 10Y*: 9.54%

VBK

• 1D: 0.39%
• 1M: 3.11%
• YTD: 18.61%
• 6M: 15.14%
• 1Y: 33.39%
• 3Y*: 18.20%
• 5Y*: 5.09%
• 10Y*: 12.20%

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

NWKDX vs. VBK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NWKDX Nationwide Geneva Small Cap Growth Fund	4.98%	-8.35%	13.47%	19.56%	-24.48%	12.47%	32.69%	28.33%	-0.89%	22.21%
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF	18.61%	8.50%	16.50%	21.45%	-28.44%	5.66%	35.44%	32.75%	-5.70%	21.87%

Correlation

The correlation between NWKDX and VBK is 0.79, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 17, 2013	0.92

The correlation between NWKDX and VBK shifts across timeframes, from 0.79 (1 year) to 0.92 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

NWKDX vs. VBK — Risk / Return Rank

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

NWKDX

NWKDX Risk / Return Rank: 4
NWKDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
NWKDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
NWKDX Omega Ratio Rank: 4
NWKDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
NWKDX Martin Ratio Rank: 5

VBK

VBK Risk / Return Rank: 53
VBK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
VBK Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
VBK Omega Ratio Rank: 45
VBK Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
VBK Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

NWKDX vs. VBK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nationwide Geneva Small Cap Growth Fund (NWKDX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK). 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.

	NWKDX	VBK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.23	1.67	-1.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.46	2.30	-1.84
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.05	1.28	-0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.29	2.93	-2.64
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.77	10.98	-10.21

NWKDX vs. VBK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NWKDX Sharpe Ratio is 0.23, which is lower than the VBK Sharpe Ratio of 1.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NWKDX and VBK, 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

NWKDX vs. VBK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NWKDX drawdown since its inception was -34.81%, smaller than the maximum VBK drawdown of -58.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NWKDX and VBK.

Drawdown Indicators

	NWKDX	VBK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.81%	-58.68%	+23.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.64%	-11.44%	-2.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.68%	-27.54%	+2.86%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.66%	-38.39%	+5.73%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.81%	-38.70%	+3.89%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.02%	-0.05%	-11.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.82%	-10.14%	+1.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.11%	3.05%	+2.06%

Volatility

NWKDX vs. VBK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Nationwide Geneva Small Cap Growth Fund (NWKDX) is 4.96%, while Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) has a volatility of 6.94%. This indicates that NWKDX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VBK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NWKDX	VBK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.96%	6.94%	-1.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.72%	15.58%	-2.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.32%	20.07%	-2.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.59%	23.62%	-3.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.19%	22.94%	-1.75%

NWKDX vs. VBK - Expense Ratio Comparison

NWKDX has a 0.94% expense ratio, which is higher than VBK's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

NWKDX vs. VBK - Dividend Comparison

NWKDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.50%, more than VBK's 0.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NWKDX Nationwide Geneva Small Cap Growth Fund	2.50%	2.62%	3.31%	0.71%	1.80%	8.46%	0.45%	2.12%	6.11%	4.65%	0.16%	5.02%
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF	0.44%	0.54%	0.54%	0.68%	0.55%	0.36%	0.44%	0.57%	0.79%	0.82%	1.08%	0.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NWKDX and VBK in my portfolio?

NWKDX and VBK have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NWKDX or VBK?

VBK has higher volatility (6.94%) compared to NWKDX (4.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NWKDX dropped -34.81% vs VBK's -58.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.67 vs 0.23), 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.