BCSM vs. RONB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BCSM (Baron SMID Cap ETF) and RONB (Baron First Principles ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BCSM is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Baron Capital, while RONB is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Baron Capital. Both are actively managed. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BCSM charges 0.75%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for RONB.

Performance

BCSM vs. RONB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Baron SMID Cap ETF (BCSM) and Baron First Principles ETF (RONB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BCSM achieves a 0.41% return, which is significantly higher than RONB's -3.75% return.

BCSM

• 1D: -1.38%
• 1M: 6.09%
• YTD: 0.41%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

RONB

• 1D: -1.11%
• 1M: 4.33%
• YTD: -3.75%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BCSM vs. RONB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BCSM Baron SMID Cap ETF	0.41%	-0.51%
RONB Baron First Principles ETF	-3.75%	-0.33%

Correlation

The correlation between BCSM and RONB is 0.78, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 16, 2025	0.78

Return for Risk

BCSM vs. RONB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Baron SMID Cap ETF (BCSM) and Baron First Principles ETF (RONB). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BCSM	RONB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.01	-0.51	+0.50

Drawdowns

BCSM vs. RONB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BCSM drawdown since its inception was -17.45%, which is greater than RONB's maximum drawdown of -13.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BCSM and RONB.

Drawdown Indicators

	BCSM	RONB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.45%	-13.08%	-4.37%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.06%	-5.80%	+1.74%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.36%	-6.33%	-1.03%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BCSM	RONB	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.15%	16.85%	+3.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.15%	16.85%	+3.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.15%	16.85%	+3.30%

BCSM vs. RONB - Expense Ratio Comparison

BCSM has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is lower than RONB's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

BCSM vs. RONB - Dividend Comparison

Neither BCSM nor RONB has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BCSM and RONB in my portfolio?

BCSM and RONB have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, BCSM or RONB?

On fees, BCSM is cheaper at 0.75% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BCSM or RONB?

BCSM is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for RONB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BCSM or RONB?

BCSM and RONB have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between BCSM and RONB?

BCSM is categorized as Mid Cap Growth Equities, while RONB is Large Cap Growth Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for BCSM and 1.00% for RONB.