BIAUX vs. VSMAX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

BIAUX (Brown Advisory Small-Cap Fundamental Value Fund) and VSMAX (Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, BIAUX returned 9.79%/yr vs 11.28%/yr for VSMAX. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BIAUX charges 1.10%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VSMAX.

Performance

BIAUX vs. VSMAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Brown Advisory Small-Cap Fundamental Value Fund (BIAUX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSMAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BIAUX achieves a 11.88% return, which is significantly lower than VSMAX's 14.03% return. Over the past 10 years, BIAUX has underperformed VSMAX with an annualized return of 9.79%, while VSMAX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.28% annualized return.

BIAUX

• 1D: -0.67%
• 1M: -1.10%
• YTD: 11.88%
• 6M: 12.78%
• 1Y: 30.43%
• 3Y*: 15.57%
• 5Y*: 7.53%
• 10Y*: 9.79%

VSMAX

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 2.89%
• YTD: 14.03%
• 6M: 15.16%
• 1Y: 30.33%
• 3Y*: 16.99%
• 5Y*: 7.01%
• 10Y*: 11.28%

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

BIAUX vs. VSMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BIAUX Brown Advisory Small-Cap Fundamental Value Fund	11.88%	5.71%	11.73%	16.16%	-8.74%	31.11%	-5.69%	29.85%	-13.48%	12.17%
VSMAX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares	14.03%	8.83%	14.23%	18.17%	-17.61%	17.74%	19.06%	27.36%	-9.33%	16.24%

Correlation

The correlation between BIAUX and VSMAX is 0.89, 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	0.89
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 5, 2009	0.93

The correlation between BIAUX and VSMAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BIAUX vs. VSMAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

BIAUX

BIAUX Risk / Return Rank: 46
BIAUX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
BIAUX Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
BIAUX Omega Ratio Rank: 33
BIAUX Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
BIAUX Martin Ratio Rank: 49

VSMAX

VSMAX Risk / Return Rank: 50
VSMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
VSMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
VSMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 37
VSMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
VSMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

BIAUX vs. VSMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Brown Advisory Small-Cap Fundamental Value Fund (BIAUX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSMAX). 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.

	BIAUX	VSMAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.74	1.86	-0.13
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.58	2.66	-0.07
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.32	-0.02
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.48	3.31	+0.16
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	10.15	12.26	-2.11
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BIAUX vs. VSMAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BIAUX Sharpe Ratio is 1.74, which is comparable to the VSMAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BIAUX and VSMAX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BIAUX	VSMAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.74	1.86	-0.13
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.38	0.34	+0.04
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.46	0.52	-0.07
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.59	0.39	+0.20

Drawdowns

BIAUX vs. VSMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BIAUX drawdown since its inception was -45.55%, smaller than the maximum VSMAX drawdown of -59.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BIAUX and VSMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BIAUX	VSMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.55%	-59.68%	+14.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.22%	-8.97%	+0.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.16%	-25.25%	+0.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.16%	-28.14%	+2.98%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.55%	-41.82%	-3.73%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.59%	-0.32%	-1.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.19%	-9.70%	+3.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.82%	2.43%	+0.39%

Volatility

BIAUX vs. VSMAX - Volatility Comparison

Brown Advisory Small-Cap Fundamental Value Fund (BIAUX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSMAX) have volatilities of 4.23% and 4.35%, 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

	BIAUX	VSMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.23%	4.35%	-0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.19%	11.71%	-0.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.02%	16.29%	+0.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.78%	20.71%	-0.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.56%	21.56%	0.00%

BIAUX vs. VSMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BIAUX has a 1.10% expense ratio, which is higher than VSMAX's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

BIAUX vs. VSMAX - Dividend Comparison

BIAUX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 12.05%, more than VSMAX's 1.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BIAUX Brown Advisory Small-Cap Fundamental Value Fund	12.05%	13.49%	16.54%	5.94%	6.16%	0.48%	0.47%	9.38%	14.31%	4.11%	0.34%	2.41%
VSMAX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.19%	1.33%	1.30%	1.56%	1.54%	1.24%	1.14%	1.39%	1.67%	1.35%	1.49%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BIAUX and VSMAX in my portfolio?

BIAUX and VSMAX have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BIAUX or VSMAX?

VSMAX has higher volatility (4.35%) compared to BIAUX (4.23%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BIAUX dropped -45.55% vs VSMAX's -59.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSMAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.86 vs 1.74), 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.