BAFE vs. SPTM

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

BAFE (Brown Advisory Flexible Equity ETF) and SPTM (SPDR Portfolio S&P 1500 Composite Stock Market ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. BAFE is actively managed, while SPTM is passively managed. Over the past year, BAFE returned 14.24% vs 26.81% for SPTM. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BAFE charges 0.54%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for SPTM.

Performance

BAFE vs. SPTM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Brown Advisory Flexible Equity ETF (BAFE) and SPDR Portfolio S&P 1500 Composite Stock Market ETF (SPTM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BAFE achieves a 5.32% return, which is significantly lower than SPTM's 10.17% return.

BAFE

• 1D: -0.93%
• 1M: 1.39%
• YTD: 5.32%
• 6M: 4.99%
• 1Y: 14.24%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SPTM

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: 0.30%
• YTD: 10.17%
• 6M: 9.53%
• 1Y: 26.81%
• 3Y*: 20.92%
• 5Y*: 13.15%
• 10Y*: 15.51%

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

BAFE vs. SPTM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BAFE Brown Advisory Flexible Equity ETF	5.32%	9.80%	-0.51%
SPTM SPDR Portfolio S&P 1500 Composite Stock Market ETF	10.17%	16.93%	0.09%

Correlation

The correlation between BAFE and SPTM is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 18, 2024	0.91

The correlation between BAFE and SPTM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BAFE vs. SPTM — Risk / Return Rank

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

BAFE

BAFE Risk / Return Rank: 29
BAFE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
BAFE Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
BAFE Omega Ratio Rank: 29
BAFE Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
BAFE Martin Ratio Rank: 30

SPTM

SPTM Risk / Return Rank: 69
SPTM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
SPTM Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
SPTM Omega Ratio Rank: 69
SPTM Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
SPTM Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

BAFE vs. SPTM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Brown Advisory Flexible Equity ETF (BAFE) and SPDR Portfolio S&P 1500 Composite Stock Market ETF (SPTM). 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.

	BAFE	SPTM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.07	2.17	-1.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.54	2.94	-1.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.39	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.12	3.10	-1.98
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.01	14.03	-10.02

BAFE vs. SPTM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BAFE Sharpe Ratio is 1.07, which is lower than the SPTM Sharpe Ratio of 2.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BAFE and SPTM, 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

BAFE vs. SPTM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BAFE drawdown since its inception was -18.37%, smaller than the maximum SPTM drawdown of -54.80%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BAFE and SPTM.

Drawdown Indicators

	BAFE	SPTM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.37%	-54.80%	+36.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.73%	-8.68%	-4.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-18.87%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.14%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.66%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.56%	-1.50%	-0.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.33%	-9.03%	+5.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.56%	1.92%	+1.64%

Volatility

BAFE vs. SPTM - Volatility Comparison

Brown Advisory Flexible Equity ETF (BAFE) and SPDR Portfolio S&P 1500 Composite Stock Market ETF (SPTM) have volatilities of 4.58% and 4.60%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BAFE	SPTM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.58%	4.60%	-0.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.52%	9.74%	+0.78%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.44%	12.46%	+0.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.51%	16.95%	+0.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.51%	18.08%	-0.57%

BAFE vs. SPTM - Expense Ratio Comparison

BAFE has a 0.54% expense ratio, which is higher than SPTM's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

BAFE vs. SPTM - Dividend Comparison

BAFE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.28%, less than SPTM's 1.33% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BAFE Brown Advisory Flexible Equity ETF	0.28%	0.30%	0.06%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SPTM SPDR Portfolio S&P 1500 Composite Stock Market ETF	1.33%	1.13%	1.28%	1.44%	1.69%	1.25%	1.56%	1.72%	1.90%	1.66%	1.91%	1.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BAFE and SPTM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, BAFE and SPTM 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, BAFE or SPTM?

SPTM has higher volatility (4.60%) compared to BAFE (4.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BAFE dropped -18.37% vs SPTM's -54.80%.

Which ETF is better, BAFE or SPTM?

On 1-year performance, SPTM leads with 26.81% vs 14.24% for BAFE. On fees, SPTM is cheaper at 0.03% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BAFE or SPTM?

Over the 1-year period, SPTM has performed better with a 26.81% return vs 14.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BAFE or SPTM?

SPTM is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.54% for BAFE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BAFE or SPTM?

SPTM has the higher dividend yield at 1.33%, compared with 0.28% for BAFE.

What is the main difference between BAFE and SPTM?

They also come from different issuers: Brown Advisory and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.54% for BAFE and 0.03% for SPTM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPTM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.17 vs 1.07), 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.