SPSCX vs. NSDVX

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

SPSCX (Sterling Capital Behavioral Small Cap Value Equity Fund) and NSDVX (North Star Dividend Fund) are both Small Cap Value Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, SPSCX returned 10.63%/yr vs 7.26%/yr for NSDVX. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SPSCX charges 0.81%/yr vs 1.37%/yr for NSDVX.

Performance

SPSCX vs. NSDVX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Sterling Capital Behavioral Small Cap Value Equity Fund (SPSCX) and North Star Dividend Fund (NSDVX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with SPSCX having a 22.92% return and NSDVX slightly lower at 22.46%. Over the past 10 years, SPSCX has outperformed NSDVX with an annualized return of 10.63%, while NSDVX has yielded a comparatively lower 7.26% annualized return.

SPSCX

• 1D: 0.68%
• 1M: 4.16%
• 6M: 16.77%
• YTD: 22.92%
• 1Y: 34.70%
• 3Y*: 18.26%
• 5Y*: 11.93%
• 10Y*: 10.63%

NSDVX

• 1D: 0.66%
• 1M: 3.47%
• 6M: 15.67%
• YTD: 22.46%
• 1Y: 24.05%
• 3Y*: 12.25%
• 5Y*: 6.18%
• 10Y*: 7.26%

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

SPSCX vs. NSDVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SPSCX Sterling Capital Behavioral Small Cap Value Equity Fund	22.92%	8.64%	10.10%	19.36%	-10.99%	43.51%	-5.80%	21.95%	-17.24%	8.89%
NSDVX North Star Dividend Fund	22.46%	-1.31%	9.25%	8.06%	-6.36%	16.16%	6.51%	16.13%	-12.35%	8.27%

Correlation

The correlation between SPSCX and NSDVX 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	0.85
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 31, 2013	0.85

The correlation between SPSCX and NSDVX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SPSCX vs. NSDVX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SPSCX

SPSCX Risk / Return Rank: 86
SPSCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
SPSCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
SPSCX Omega Ratio Rank: 79
SPSCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
SPSCX Martin Ratio Rank: 90

NSDVX

NSDVX Risk / Return Rank: 55
NSDVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
NSDVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
NSDVX Omega Ratio Rank: 53
NSDVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
NSDVX Martin Ratio Rank: 41

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.

SPSCX vs. NSDVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Sterling Capital Behavioral Small Cap Value Equity Fund (SPSCX) and North Star Dividend Fund (NSDVX). 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.

	SPSCX	NSDVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.31	1.72	+0.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.35	2.61	+0.74
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.30	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.31	2.39	+1.91
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.08	7.05	+7.03

SPSCX vs. NSDVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SPSCX Sharpe Ratio is 2.31, which is higher than the NSDVX Sharpe Ratio of 1.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SPSCX and NSDVX, 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

SPSCX vs. NSDVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SPSCX drawdown since its inception was -74.51%, which is greater than NSDVX's maximum drawdown of -38.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SPSCX and NSDVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SPSCX	NSDVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-74.51%	-38.64%	-35.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.27%	-10.48%	+2.21%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.07%	-16.41%	-8.66%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.07%	-21.27%	-3.80%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-51.12%	-38.64%	-12.48%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.21%	+0.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.84%	-6.49%	-8.35%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.53%	3.55%	-1.02%

Volatility

SPSCX vs. NSDVX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Sterling Capital Behavioral Small Cap Value Equity Fund (SPSCX) is 3.15%, while North Star Dividend Fund (NSDVX) has a volatility of 3.79%. This indicates that SPSCX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NSDVX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SPSCX	NSDVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.15%	3.79%	-0.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.02%	9.67%	+1.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.57%	14.79%	+0.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.30%	16.04%	+4.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.12%	17.73%	+5.39%

SPSCX vs. NSDVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SPSCX has a 0.81% expense ratio, which is lower than NSDVX's 1.37% expense ratio.

Dividends

SPSCX vs. NSDVX - Dividend Comparison

SPSCX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.75%, more than NSDVX's 2.73% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NSDVX North Star Dividend Fund	2.73%	3.45%	7.00%	2.52%	6.57%	3.31%	1.52%	2.64%	6.87%	2.48%	4.67%	3.51%
SPSCX Sterling Capital Behavioral Small Cap Value Equity Fund	8.75%	10.76%	9.96%	2.03%	9.70%	2.34%	0.91%	1.60%	16.59%	4.44%	1.25%	1.55%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SPSCX and NSDVX in my portfolio?

SPSCX and NSDVX 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, SPSCX or NSDVX?

NSDVX has higher volatility (3.79%) compared to SPSCX (3.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SPSCX dropped -74.51% vs NSDVX's -38.64%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPSCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.31 vs 1.72), 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.