BIBL vs. ISMD

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

BIBL (Inspire 100 ETF) and ISMD (Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BIBL is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Inspire 100 Index, while ISMD is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact Equal Weight Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, BIBL returned 9.44%/yr vs 7.49%/yr for ISMD. Their correlation of 0.80 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BIBL charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.57%/yr for ISMD.

Performance

BIBL vs. ISMD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Inspire 100 ETF (BIBL) and Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF (ISMD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with BIBL having a 20.10% return and ISMD slightly higher at 20.84%.

BIBL

• 1D: -3.23%
• 1M: 0.73%
• YTD: 20.10%
• 6M: 18.49%
• 1Y: 36.38%
• 3Y*: 20.92%
• 5Y*: 9.44%
• 10Y*: —

ISMD

• 1D: -2.41%
• 1M: 2.45%
• YTD: 20.84%
• 6M: 20.40%
• 1Y: 36.49%
• 3Y*: 15.54%
• 5Y*: 7.49%
• 10Y*: —

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

BIBL vs. ISMD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BIBL Inspire 100 ETF	20.10%	17.27%	12.49%	17.87%	-23.26%	27.44%	22.62%	29.68%	-7.64%	4.38%
ISMD Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF	20.84%	4.14%	9.53%	16.74%	-13.44%	29.38%	7.45%	24.62%	-12.63%	2.43%

Correlation

The correlation between BIBL and ISMD 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.78
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.80
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 1, 2017	0.80

The correlation between BIBL and ISMD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.82 - a consistent structural relationship.

BIBL vs. ISMD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BIBL	ISMD
Technology	30.1%	17.3%
Industrials	26.8%	17.7%
Real Estate	14.7%	8.9%
Financial Services	8.3%	15.2%
Energy	6.9%	3.3%
Healthcare	4.3%	9.5%
Basic Materials	4.2%	5.2%
Utilities	3.5%	3.3%
Consumer Defensive	0.5%	6.1%
Consumer Cyclical	0.3%	11.2%
Communication Services	-	2.5%

Return for Risk

BIBL vs. ISMD — Risk / Return Rank

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

BIBL

BIBL Risk / Return Rank: 77
BIBL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
BIBL Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
BIBL Omega Ratio Rank: 71
BIBL Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
BIBL Martin Ratio Rank: 86

ISMD

ISMD Risk / Return Rank: 65
ISMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
ISMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
ISMD Omega Ratio Rank: 57
ISMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
ISMD Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

BIBL vs. ISMD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Inspire 100 ETF (BIBL) and Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF (ISMD). 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.

	BIBL	ISMD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.31	1.96	+0.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.09	2.75	+0.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.33	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.09	3.80	+0.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.62	11.89	+5.73
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BIBL vs. ISMD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BIBL Sharpe Ratio is 2.31, which is comparable to the ISMD Sharpe Ratio of 1.96. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BIBL and ISMD, 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

	BIBL	ISMD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.31	1.96	+0.35
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.48	0.36	+0.12
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.61	0.39	+0.21

Drawdowns

BIBL vs. ISMD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BIBL drawdown since its inception was -36.12%, smaller than the maximum ISMD drawdown of -44.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BIBL and ISMD.

Drawdown Indicators

	BIBL	ISMD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.12%	-44.60%	+8.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.94%	-9.64%	+0.70%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.60%	-26.64%	+6.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.85%	-26.64%	-4.21%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.23%	-2.41%	-0.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.04%	-8.17%	+1.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.07%	3.08%	-1.01%

Volatility

BIBL vs. ISMD - Volatility Comparison

Inspire 100 ETF (BIBL) and Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF (ISMD) have volatilities of 5.71% and 5.71%, 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

	BIBL	ISMD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.71%	5.71%	0.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.07%	12.82%	+0.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.82%	18.73%	-2.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.63%	20.90%	-1.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.10%	23.75%	-2.65%

BIBL vs. ISMD - Expense Ratio Comparison

BIBL has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than ISMD's 0.57% expense ratio.

Dividends

BIBL vs. ISMD - Dividend Comparison

BIBL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.98%, more than ISMD's 0.95% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BIBL Inspire 100 ETF	0.98%	1.01%	0.92%	1.02%	0.98%	17.87%	1.67%	1.30%	1.49%	0.31%
ISMD Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF	0.95%	1.21%	1.24%	1.17%	1.28%	9.35%	0.99%	0.88%	1.35%	2.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BIBL and ISMD in my portfolio?

BIBL and ISMD 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 is riskier, BIBL or ISMD?

ISMD has higher volatility (5.71%) compared to BIBL (5.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BIBL dropped -36.12% vs ISMD's -44.60%.

Which ETF is better, BIBL or ISMD?

On 5-year performance, BIBL leads with 9.44% vs 7.49% for ISMD. On fees, BIBL is cheaper at 0.35% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BIBL or ISMD?

Over the 5-year period, BIBL has performed better with a 9.44% return vs 7.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BIBL or ISMD?

BIBL is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.57% for ISMD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BIBL or ISMD?

BIBL has the higher dividend yield at 0.98%, compared with 0.95% for ISMD.

What is the main difference between BIBL and ISMD?

BIBL is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while ISMD is Small Cap Blend Equities. BIBL tracks Inspire 100 Index, while ISMD tracks Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact Equal Weight Index. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for BIBL and 0.57% for ISMD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BIBL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.31 vs 1.96), 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.