BEMIX vs. VIESX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

BEMIX (Brandes Emerging Markets Fund) and VIESX (Virtus KAR Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. Over the past 10 years, BEMIX returned 9.79%/yr vs 9.42%/yr for VIESX. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BEMIX charges 1.12%/yr vs 1.51%/yr for VIESX.

Performance

BEMIX vs. VIESX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Brandes Emerging Markets Fund (BEMIX) and Virtus KAR Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund (VIESX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BEMIX achieves a 19.80% return, which is significantly higher than VIESX's 0.43% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with BEMIX having a 9.79% annualized return and VIESX not far behind at 9.42%.

BEMIX

• 1D: 0.14%
• 1M: -1.82%
• YTD: 19.80%
• 6M: 20.67%
• 1Y: 47.82%
• 3Y*: 25.82%
• 5Y*: 11.74%
• 10Y*: 9.79%

VIESX

• 1D: -0.24%
• 1M: -3.58%
• YTD: 0.43%
• 6M: 0.67%
• 1Y: -0.08%
• 3Y*: 9.71%
• 5Y*: 0.85%
• 10Y*: 9.42%

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

BEMIX vs. VIESX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BEMIX Brandes Emerging Markets Fund	19.80%	47.83%	4.01%	22.53%	-15.91%	1.68%	-6.17%	18.60%	-15.56%	26.00%
VIESX Virtus KAR Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund	0.43%	13.61%	3.62%	21.83%	-22.92%	-1.62%	38.88%	18.28%	-5.40%	31.01%

Correlation

The correlation between BEMIX and VIESX is 0.68, 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	0.68
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.70
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 19, 2013	0.71

The correlation between BEMIX and VIESX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.68 to 0.71 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BEMIX vs. VIESX — Risk / Return Rank

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

BEMIX

BEMIX Risk / Return Rank: 89
BEMIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
BEMIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
BEMIX Omega Ratio Rank: 87
BEMIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
BEMIX Martin Ratio Rank: 91

VIESX

VIESX Risk / Return Rank: 3
VIESX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
VIESX Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
VIESX Omega Ratio Rank: 3
VIESX Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
VIESX Martin Ratio Rank: 3

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.

BEMIX vs. VIESX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Brandes Emerging Markets Fund (BEMIX) and Virtus KAR Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund (VIESX). 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.

	BEMIX	VIESX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.68	-0.00	+2.68
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.37	0.08	+3.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.52	1.01	+0.51
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.02	-0.00	+4.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.84	-0.01	+15.85

BEMIX vs. VIESX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BEMIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.68, which is higher than the VIESX Sharpe Ratio of -0.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BEMIX and VIESX, 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

BEMIX vs. VIESX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BEMIX drawdown since its inception was -46.05%, which is greater than VIESX's maximum drawdown of -35.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BEMIX and VIESX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BEMIX	VIESX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.05%	-35.10%	-10.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.07%	-10.58%	-1.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.08%	-11.97%	-4.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.97%	-35.10%	-0.87%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.05%	-35.10%	-10.95%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.77%	-8.47%	+3.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.14%	-9.72%	-4.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.05%	4.29%	-1.24%

Volatility

BEMIX vs. VIESX - Volatility Comparison

Brandes Emerging Markets Fund (BEMIX) has a higher volatility of 8.40% compared to Virtus KAR Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund (VIESX) at 4.34%. This indicates that BEMIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VIESX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BEMIX	VIESX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.40%	4.34%	+4.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.09%	9.40%	+6.69%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.21%	11.55%	+6.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.87%	13.24%	+3.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.13%	13.23%	+3.90%

BEMIX vs. VIESX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BEMIX has a 1.12% expense ratio, which is lower than VIESX's 1.51% expense ratio.

Dividends

BEMIX vs. VIESX - Dividend Comparison

BEMIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.79%, less than VIESX's 2.78% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BEMIX Brandes Emerging Markets Fund	1.79%	2.15%	3.04%	2.45%	2.86%	2.31%	1.31%	2.56%	1.55%	1.41%	2.20%	1.54%
VIESX Virtus KAR Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund	2.78%	2.79%	3.64%	0.00%	0.00%	8.80%	1.17%	2.06%	0.38%	0.83%	2.01%	2.24%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BEMIX and VIESX in my portfolio?

BEMIX and VIESX have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BEMIX or VIESX?

BEMIX has higher volatility (8.40%) compared to VIESX (4.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BEMIX dropped -46.05% vs VIESX's -35.10%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BEMIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.68 vs -0.00), 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.