BBGSX vs. BARAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

BBGSX (Bridge Builder Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund) and BARAX (Baron Asset Fund) are both Mid Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, BBGSX returned 11.34%/yr vs 11.75%/yr for BARAX. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BBGSX charges 0.38%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for BARAX.

Performance

BBGSX vs. BARAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Bridge Builder Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund (BBGSX) and Baron Asset Fund (BARAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BBGSX achieves a 11.42% return, which is significantly higher than BARAX's 4.02% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with BBGSX having a 11.34% annualized return and BARAX not far ahead at 11.75%.

BBGSX

• 1D: 0.89%
• 1M: 3.89%
• YTD: 11.42%
• 6M: 9.01%
• 1Y: 13.37%
• 3Y*: 12.27%
• 5Y*: 2.85%
• 10Y*: 11.34%

BARAX

• 1D: -6.28%
• 1M: 10.31%
• YTD: 4.02%
• 6M: 2.97%
• 1Y: 8.57%
• 3Y*: 11.15%
• 5Y*: 2.47%
• 10Y*: 11.75%

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

BBGSX vs. BARAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BBGSX Bridge Builder Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund	11.42%	0.99%	14.47%	20.98%	-29.84%	16.57%	34.41%	29.01%	-2.18%	21.47%
BARAX Baron Asset Fund	4.02%	7.89%	10.35%	17.05%	-26.06%	13.88%	32.98%	37.64%	-0.15%	26.18%

Correlation

The correlation between BBGSX and BARAX is 0.67, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.67
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.76
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2016	0.89

Over the past year, the correlation between BBGSX and BARAX has dropped to 0.67 - well below their long-term average of 0.89, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

BBGSX vs. BARAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

BBGSX

BBGSX Risk / Return Rank: 10
BBGSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
BBGSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
BBGSX Omega Ratio Rank: 10
BBGSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
BBGSX Martin Ratio Rank: 10

BARAX

BARAX Risk / Return Rank: 8
BARAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
BARAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
BARAX Omega Ratio Rank: 8
BARAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
BARAX Martin Ratio Rank: 7

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.

BBGSX vs. BARAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Bridge Builder Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund (BBGSX) and Baron Asset Fund (BARAX). 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.

	BBGSX	BARAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.81	0.48	+0.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.22	0.96	+0.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.12	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.89	0.89	0.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.66	1.82	+0.84

BBGSX vs. BARAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BBGSX Sharpe Ratio is 0.81, which is higher than the BARAX Sharpe Ratio of 0.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BBGSX and BARAX, 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

BBGSX vs. BARAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BBGSX drawdown since its inception was -37.95%, smaller than the maximum BARAX drawdown of -59.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BBGSX and BARAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BBGSX	BARAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.95%	-59.71%	+21.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.72%	-10.75%	-5.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.11%	-17.82%	-8.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.95%	-37.53%	-0.42%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.95%	-37.53%	-0.42%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-9.91%	+9.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.52%	-11.41%	+1.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.53%	5.26%	+0.27%

Volatility

BBGSX vs. BARAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Bridge Builder Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund (BBGSX) is 6.51%, while Baron Asset Fund (BARAX) has a volatility of 13.52%. This indicates that BBGSX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BARAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BBGSX	BARAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.51%	13.52%	-7.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.00%	15.74%	-0.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.59%	19.83%	-1.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.84%	20.33%	+1.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.03%	20.22%	+0.81%

BBGSX vs. BARAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BBGSX has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is lower than BARAX's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

BBGSX vs. BARAX - Dividend Comparison

BBGSX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while BARAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 11.06%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BARAX Baron Asset Fund	11.06%	11.51%	19.23%	3.48%	0.01%	7.65%	3.05%	1.78%	7.42%	7.25%	4.88%	11.50%
BBGSX Bridge Builder Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund	0.00%	0.00%	0.58%	0.32%	0.19%	18.00%	12.59%	4.07%	6.12%	1.09%	0.36%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BBGSX and BARAX in my portfolio?

BBGSX and BARAX have a correlation of 0.67, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BBGSX or BARAX?

BARAX has higher volatility (13.52%) compared to BBGSX (6.51%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BBGSX dropped -37.95% vs BARAX's -59.71%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BBGSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.81 vs 0.48), 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.