VSGAX vs. NPSGX
Compare and contrast key facts about Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSGAX) and Nicholas Partners Small Cap Growth Fund (NPSGX).
VSGAX is managed by Vanguard. It was launched on Sep 27, 2011. NPSGX is managed by Nicholas. It was launched on Jan 16, 2019.
Performance
VSGAX vs. NPSGX - Performance Comparison
Loading graphics...
VSGAX vs. NPSGX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VSGAX Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares | 1.13% | 8.44% | 14.94% | 23.04% | -28.39% | 5.70% | 35.26% | 19.87% |
NPSGX Nicholas Partners Small Cap Growth Fund | 4.92% | 17.88% | 20.83% | 20.05% | -31.62% | 10.52% | 69.72% | 22.14% |
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VSGAX achieves a 1.13% return, which is significantly lower than NPSGX's 4.92% return.
VSGAX
- 1D
- 0.87%
- 1M
- -3.55%
- YTD
- 1.13%
- 6M
- 1.30%
- 1Y
- 19.19%
- 3Y*
- 12.75%
- 5Y*
- 2.34%
- 10Y*
- 10.54%
NPSGX
- 1D
- 1.46%
- 1M
- -1.32%
- YTD
- 4.92%
- 6M
- 8.38%
- 1Y
- 39.30%
- 3Y*
- 20.44%
- 5Y*
- 5.60%
- 10Y*
- —
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
VSGAX vs. NPSGX - Expense Ratio Comparison
VSGAX has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than NPSGX's 1.13% expense ratio.
Return for Risk
VSGAX vs. NPSGX — Risk / Return Rank
VSGAX
NPSGX
VSGAX vs. NPSGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSGAX) and Nicholas Partners Small Cap Growth Fund (NPSGX). 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.
| VSGAX | NPSGX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 0.87 | 1.58 | -0.71 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 1.36 | 2.16 | -0.80 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.18 | 1.29 | -0.11 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.50 | 3.13 | -1.63 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 5.96 | 10.75 | -4.80 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading graphics...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| VSGAX | NPSGX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.87 | 1.58 | -0.71 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.10 | 0.20 | -0.10 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.46 | — | — |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.53 | 0.54 | -0.02 |
Correlation
The correlation between VSGAX and NPSGX is 0.94, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.
Dividends
VSGAX vs. NPSGX - Dividend Comparison
VSGAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.52%, less than NPSGX's 4.29% yield.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VSGAX Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares | 0.52% | 0.54% | 0.54% | 0.67% | 0.55% | 0.36% | 0.44% | 0.57% | 0.79% | 0.81% | 1.08% | 0.98% |
NPSGX Nicholas Partners Small Cap Growth Fund | 4.29% | 4.50% | 5.89% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 21.28% | 9.50% | 3.24% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Drawdowns
VSGAX vs. NPSGX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VSGAX drawdown since its inception was -38.70%, smaller than the maximum NPSGX drawdown of -46.95%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSGAX and NPSGX.
Loading graphics...
Drawdown Indicators
| VSGAX | NPSGX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -38.70% | -46.95% | +8.25% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -11.37% | -13.45% | +2.08% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -38.36% | -46.95% | +8.59% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -38.70% | — | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -6.72% | -7.22% | +0.50% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -8.63% | -18.29% | +9.66% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.65% | 3.92% | -0.27% |
Volatility
VSGAX vs. NPSGX - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSGAX) is 8.73%, while Nicholas Partners Small Cap Growth Fund (NPSGX) has a volatility of 11.40%. This indicates that VSGAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NPSGX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading graphics...
Volatility by Period
| VSGAX | NPSGX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 8.73% | 11.40% | -2.67% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 15.72% | 19.53% | -3.81% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 24.53% | 26.92% | -2.39% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 23.54% | 27.93% | -4.39% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 22.94% | 28.69% | -5.75% |