USBNX vs. NSVAX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

USBNX (Pear Tree Polaris Small Cap Fund) and NSVAX (Columbia Small Cap Value Fund II) are both Small Cap Value Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, USBNX returned 8.51%/yr vs 10.73%/yr for NSVAX. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. USBNX charges 1.50%/yr vs 1.02%/yr for NSVAX.

Performance

USBNX vs. NSVAX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, USBNX achieves a 15.29% return, which is significantly lower than NSVAX's 16.40% return. Over the past 10 years, USBNX has underperformed NSVAX with an annualized return of 8.51%, while NSVAX has yielded a comparatively higher 10.73% annualized return.

USBNX

• 1D: 0.78%
• 1M: 3.10%
• YTD: 15.29%
• 6M: 13.30%
• 1Y: 25.23%
• 3Y*: 15.51%
• 5Y*: 6.33%
• 10Y*: 8.51%

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%

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

USBNX vs. NSVAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
USBNX Pear Tree Polaris Small Cap Fund	15.29%	8.02%	8.64%	12.83%	-5.09%	15.35%	-4.77%	23.53%	-11.05%	6.42%
NSVAX Columbia Small Cap Value Fund II	16.40%	8.20%	11.25%	14.10%	-13.70%	34.27%	10.11%	20.65%	-17.48%	10.46%

Correlation

The correlation between USBNX and NSVAX is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 1, 2002	0.94

The correlation between USBNX and NSVAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

USBNX vs. NSVAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

USBNX

USBNX Risk / Return Rank: 49
USBNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
USBNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
USBNX Omega Ratio Rank: 43
USBNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
USBNX Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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

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.

USBNX vs. NSVAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pear Tree Polaris Small Cap Fund (USBNX) and Columbia Small Cap Value Fund II (NSVAX). 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.

	USBNX	NSVAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.63	1.75	-0.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.46	2.47	-0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.31	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.61	3.30	-0.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.06	11.30	-3.24

USBNX vs. NSVAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current USBNX Sharpe Ratio is 1.63, which is comparable to the NSVAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.75. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of USBNX and NSVAX, 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

USBNX vs. NSVAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USBNX drawdown since its inception was -64.40%, which is greater than NSVAX's maximum drawdown of -59.32%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USBNX and NSVAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	USBNX	NSVAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.40%	-59.32%	-5.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.19%	-9.51%	+0.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.56%	-27.11%	+5.55%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.01%	-27.11%	+1.10%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.96%	-48.33%	+1.37%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-4.55%	+4.55%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.61%	-9.72%	-3.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.96%	2.77%	+0.19%

Volatility

USBNX vs. NSVAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Pear Tree Polaris Small Cap Fund (USBNX) is 3.40%, while Columbia Small Cap Value Fund II (NSVAX) has a volatility of 7.40%. This indicates that USBNX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NSVAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	USBNX	NSVAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.40%	7.40%	-4.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.35%	13.21%	-3.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.76%	17.99%	-3.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.72%	22.51%	-3.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.63%	23.93%	-2.30%

USBNX vs. NSVAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

USBNX has a 1.50% expense ratio, which is higher than NSVAX's 1.02% expense ratio.

Dividends

USBNX vs. NSVAX - Dividend Comparison

USBNX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 11.98%, more than NSVAX's 9.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
USBNX Pear Tree Polaris Small Cap Fund	11.98%	13.81%	3.27%	0.86%	10.05%	0.75%	0.68%	7.91%	8.39%	6.21%	1.17%	7.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USBNX and NSVAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, USBNX and NSVAX 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, USBNX or NSVAX?

NSVAX has higher volatility (7.40%) compared to USBNX (3.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, USBNX dropped -64.40% vs NSVAX's -59.32%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NSVAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.75 vs 1.63), 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.