NWNSX vs. GRISX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

NWNSX (Nationwide Destination 2045 Fund) and GRISX (Nationwide S&P 500 Index Fund) are both mutual funds - NWNSX is a Target Retirement Date fund managed by Nationwide, while GRISX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 10 years, NWNSX returned 9.92%/yr vs 15.19%/yr for GRISX. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. NWNSX charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.44%/yr for GRISX.

Performance

NWNSX vs. GRISX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nationwide Destination 2045 Fund (NWNSX) and Nationwide S&P 500 Index Fund (GRISX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NWNSX achieves a 10.54% return, which is significantly higher than GRISX's 10.00% return. Over the past 10 years, NWNSX has underperformed GRISX with an annualized return of 9.92%, while GRISX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.19% annualized return.

NWNSX

• 1D: 1.00%
• 1M: 1.65%
• YTD: 10.54%
• 6M: 10.30%
• 1Y: 24.72%
• 3Y*: 16.47%
• 5Y*: 8.78%
• 10Y*: 9.92%

GRISX

• 1D: 1.08%
• 1M: 0.43%
• YTD: 10.00%
• 6M: 9.47%
• 1Y: 26.76%
• 3Y*: 20.31%
• 5Y*: 13.56%
• 10Y*: 15.19%

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

NWNSX vs. GRISX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NWNSX Nationwide Destination 2045 Fund	10.54%	18.52%	12.32%	19.53%	-18.69%	16.11%	13.60%	20.36%	-8.80%	16.79%
GRISX Nationwide S&P 500 Index Fund	10.00%	17.41%	24.13%	25.55%	-18.49%	28.32%	17.92%	30.94%	-3.84%	21.35%

Correlation

The correlation between NWNSX and GRISX is 0.95, 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 30, 2007	0.95

The correlation between NWNSX and GRISX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NWNSX vs. GRISX — Risk / Return Rank

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

NWNSX

NWNSX Risk / Return Rank: 64
NWNSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
NWNSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
NWNSX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
NWNSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
NWNSX Martin Ratio Rank: 72

GRISX

GRISX Risk / Return Rank: 64
GRISX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
GRISX Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
GRISX Omega Ratio Rank: 58
GRISX Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
GRISX Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

NWNSX vs. GRISX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nationwide Destination 2045 Fund (NWNSX) and Nationwide S&P 500 Index Fund (GRISX). 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.

	NWNSX	GRISX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.13	2.13	0.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.00	2.89	+0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.39	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.92	2.97	-0.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.82	13.43	-0.60

NWNSX vs. GRISX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NWNSX Sharpe Ratio is 2.13, which is comparable to the GRISX Sharpe Ratio of 2.13. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NWNSX and GRISX, 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

NWNSX vs. GRISX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NWNSX drawdown since its inception was -56.11%, roughly equal to the maximum GRISX drawdown of -55.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NWNSX and GRISX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NWNSX	GRISX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.11%	-55.53%	-0.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.38%	-8.95%	+0.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.77%	-18.78%	+5.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.65%	-24.75%	-6.90%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.02%	-33.85%	-0.17%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.27%	-1.38%	+1.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.66%	-10.84%	+1.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.90%	1.98%	-0.08%

Volatility

NWNSX vs. GRISX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Nationwide Destination 2045 Fund (NWNSX) is 4.51%, while Nationwide S&P 500 Index Fund (GRISX) has a volatility of 4.75%. This indicates that NWNSX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GRISX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NWNSX	GRISX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.51%	4.75%	-0.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.59%	9.91%	-0.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.49%	12.49%	-1.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.42%	17.03%	-1.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.00%	18.12%	-2.12%

NWNSX vs. GRISX - Expense Ratio Comparison

NWNSX has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is lower than GRISX's 0.44% expense ratio.

Dividends

NWNSX vs. GRISX - Dividend Comparison

NWNSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.70%, more than GRISX's 4.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GRISX Nationwide S&P 500 Index Fund	4.66%	5.08%	2.62%	0.79%	1.67%	4.96%	1.27%	6.26%	18.54%	6.66%	7.42%	11.98%
NWNSX Nationwide Destination 2045 Fund	8.70%	9.85%	15.59%	6.32%	2.63%	10.36%	6.60%	6.90%	12.02%	6.54%	7.40%	4.55%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NWNSX and GRISX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, NWNSX and GRISX 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, NWNSX or GRISX?

GRISX has higher volatility (4.75%) compared to NWNSX (4.51%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NWNSX dropped -56.11% vs GRISX's -55.53%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GRISX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.13 vs 2.13), 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.