VISGX vs. NESIX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VISGX (Vanguard Small Cap Growth Index Fund) and NESIX (Needham Small Cap Growth Fund Institutional) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 5 years, VISGX returned 4.96%/yr vs 10.38%/yr for NESIX. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VISGX charges 0.19%/yr vs 1.18%/yr for NESIX.

Performance

VISGX vs. NESIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Small Cap Growth Index Fund (VISGX) and Needham Small Cap Growth Fund Institutional (NESIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VISGX achieves a 18.66% return, which is significantly lower than NESIX's 83.93% return.

VISGX

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: 3.09%
• YTD: 18.66%
• 6M: 15.65%
• 1Y: 32.31%
• 3Y*: 18.02%
• 5Y*: 4.96%
• 10Y*: 12.05%

NESIX

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: 10.56%
• YTD: 83.93%
• 6M: 79.27%
• 1Y: 122.28%
• 3Y*: 35.08%
• 5Y*: 10.38%
• 10Y*: —

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

VISGX vs. NESIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VISGX Vanguard Small Cap Growth Index Fund	18.66%	8.18%	14.80%	22.91%	-28.50%	5.58%	35.11%	32.60%	-5.81%	21.78%
NESIX Needham Small Cap Growth Fund Institutional	83.93%	11.16%	13.47%	5.85%	-29.71%	11.36%	73.06%	55.28%	-4.87%	12.63%

Correlation

The correlation between VISGX and NESIX is 0.86, 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	0.86
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2017	0.85

The correlation between VISGX and NESIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VISGX vs. NESIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VISGX

VISGX Risk / Return Rank: 45
VISGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
VISGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
VISGX Omega Ratio Rank: 32
VISGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
VISGX Martin Ratio Rank: 58

NESIX

NESIX Risk / Return Rank: 95
NESIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
NESIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
NESIX Omega Ratio Rank: 88
NESIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
NESIX Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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.

VISGX vs. NESIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small Cap Growth Index Fund (VISGX) and Needham Small Cap Growth Fund Institutional (NESIX). 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.

	VISGX	NESIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.64	4.03	-2.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.28	4.36	-2.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.57	-0.29
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.92	7.37	-4.44
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.93	30.02	-19.09

VISGX vs. NESIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VISGX Sharpe Ratio is 1.64, which is lower than the NESIX Sharpe Ratio of 4.03. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VISGX and NESIX, 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

VISGX vs. NESIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VISGX drawdown since its inception was -58.74%, which is greater than NESIX's maximum drawdown of -49.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VISGX and NESIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VISGX	NESIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.74%	-49.61%	-9.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.39%	-17.12%	+5.73%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.58%	-35.21%	+7.63%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.41%	-49.61%	+11.20%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.70%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.01%	-0.37%	+0.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.59%	-14.92%	+3.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.04%	4.19%	-1.15%

Volatility

VISGX vs. NESIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Small Cap Growth Index Fund (VISGX) is 6.94%, while Needham Small Cap Growth Fund Institutional (NESIX) has a volatility of 11.97%. This indicates that VISGX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NESIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VISGX	NESIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.94%	11.97%	-5.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.80%	22.24%	-6.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.32%	31.35%	-11.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.70%	29.59%	-5.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.06%	26.56%	-3.50%

VISGX vs. NESIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VISGX has a 0.19% expense ratio, which is lower than NESIX's 1.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

VISGX vs. NESIX - Dividend Comparison

VISGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.34%, while NESIX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NESIX Needham Small Cap Growth Fund Institutional	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	3.93%	23.92%	13.26%	8.25%	21.96%	8.89%	0.00%	0.00%
VISGX Vanguard Small Cap Growth Index Fund	0.34%	0.33%	0.42%	0.56%	0.46%	0.23%	0.35%	0.47%	0.65%	0.71%	0.97%	0.84%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VISGX and NESIX in my portfolio?

VISGX and NESIX have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VISGX or NESIX?

NESIX has higher volatility (11.97%) compared to VISGX (6.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VISGX dropped -58.74% vs NESIX's -49.61%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NESIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.03 vs 1.64), 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.