BIAGX vs. BAFWX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

BIAGX (Brown Advisory Growth Equity Fund) and BAFWX (Brown Advisory Sustainable Growth Fund Institutional Shares) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds from Brown Advisory Funds. Over the past 10 years, BIAGX returned 13.43%/yr vs 15.66%/yr for BAFWX. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. BIAGX charges 0.81%/yr vs 0.64%/yr for BAFWX.

Performance

BIAGX vs. BAFWX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Brown Advisory Growth Equity Fund (BIAGX) and Brown Advisory Sustainable Growth Fund Institutional Shares (BAFWX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BIAGX achieves a 6.22% return, which is significantly higher than BAFWX's 2.06% return. Over the past 10 years, BIAGX has underperformed BAFWX with an annualized return of 13.43%, while BAFWX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.66% annualized return.

BIAGX

• 1D: -1.24%
• 1M: 1.27%
• YTD: 6.22%
• 6M: 5.17%
• 1Y: 3.06%
• 3Y*: 11.49%
• 5Y*: 3.31%
• 10Y*: 13.43%

BAFWX

• 1D: -1.41%
• 1M: 1.21%
• YTD: 2.06%
• 6M: 0.84%
• 1Y: 4.44%
• 3Y*: 13.20%
• 5Y*: 7.37%
• 10Y*: 15.66%

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

BIAGX vs. BAFWX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BIAGX Brown Advisory Growth Equity Fund	6.22%	0.61%	16.60%	33.90%	-33.60%	18.56%	32.41%	47.97%	4.66%	30.37%
BAFWX Brown Advisory Sustainable Growth Fund Institutional Shares	2.06%	3.35%	20.35%	39.07%	-30.90%	30.01%	39.09%	36.09%	4.51%	28.10%

Correlation

The correlation between BIAGX and BAFWX is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 29, 2012	0.95

The correlation between BIAGX and BAFWX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BIAGX vs. BAFWX — Risk / Return Rank

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

BIAGX

BIAGX Risk / Return Rank: 4
BIAGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
BIAGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
BIAGX Omega Ratio Rank: 5
BIAGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
BIAGX Martin Ratio Rank: 4

BAFWX

BAFWX Risk / Return Rank: 5
BAFWX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
BAFWX Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
BAFWX Omega Ratio Rank: 5
BAFWX Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
BAFWX Martin Ratio Rank: 4

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.

BIAGX vs. BAFWX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Brown Advisory Growth Equity Fund (BIAGX) and Brown Advisory Sustainable Growth Fund Institutional Shares (BAFWX). 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.

	BIAGX	BAFWX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.27	0.29	-0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.47	0.51	-0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	1.06	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.20	0.25	-0.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.49	0.65	-0.16

BIAGX vs. BAFWX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BIAGX Sharpe Ratio is 0.27, which is comparable to the BAFWX Sharpe Ratio of 0.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BIAGX and BAFWX, 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

BIAGX vs. BAFWX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BIAGX drawdown since its inception was -56.68%, which is greater than BAFWX's maximum drawdown of -36.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BIAGX and BAFWX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BIAGX	BAFWX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.68%	-36.86%	-19.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.56%	-19.93%	-0.63%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-56.68%	-25.03%	-31.65%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-56.68%	-36.86%	-19.82%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-56.68%	-36.86%	-19.82%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-44.38%	-4.84%	-39.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.04%	-5.70%	-9.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.43%	7.70%	+0.73%

Volatility

BIAGX vs. BAFWX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Brown Advisory Growth Equity Fund (BIAGX) is 6.32%, while Brown Advisory Sustainable Growth Fund Institutional Shares (BAFWX) has a volatility of 7.20%. This indicates that BIAGX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BAFWX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BIAGX	BAFWX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.32%	7.20%	-0.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.45%	14.13%	-1.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.55%	17.36%	-1.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	47.31%	22.73%	+24.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	36.39%	21.58%	+14.81%

BIAGX vs. BAFWX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BIAGX has a 0.81% expense ratio, which is higher than BAFWX's 0.64% expense ratio.

Dividends

BIAGX vs. BAFWX - Dividend Comparison

BIAGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 81.44%, more than BAFWX's 23.35% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BAFWX Brown Advisory Sustainable Growth Fund Institutional Shares	23.35%	23.83%	5.23%	0.01%	0.00%	1.82%	0.00%	1.48%	3.71%	1.70%	0.71%	4.73%
BIAGX Brown Advisory Growth Equity Fund	81.44%	86.50%	91.52%	6.80%	7.75%	13.04%	4.95%	9.82%	12.64%	8.09%	9.13%	6.59%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BIAGX and BAFWX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, BIAGX and BAFWX 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, BIAGX or BAFWX?

BAFWX has higher volatility (7.20%) compared to BIAGX (6.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BIAGX dropped -56.68% vs BAFWX's -36.86%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BAFWX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.29 vs 0.27), 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.