BIGFX vs. VXUS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BIGFX (Baron International Growth Fund) and VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are both funds - BIGFX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by Baron Capital Group, Inc., while VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. Over the past 10 years, BIGFX returned 8.51%/yr vs 9.76%/yr for VXUS. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BIGFX charges 1.20%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VXUS.

Performance

BIGFX vs. VXUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Baron International Growth Fund (BIGFX) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BIGFX achieves a 12.38% return, which is significantly lower than VXUS's 14.25% return. Over the past 10 years, BIGFX has underperformed VXUS with an annualized return of 8.51%, while VXUS has yielded a comparatively higher 9.76% annualized return.

BIGFX

• 1D: 0.28%
• 1M: 5.08%
• YTD: 12.38%
• 6M: 13.06%
• 1Y: 20.14%
• 3Y*: 13.29%
• 5Y*: 1.99%
• 10Y*: 8.51%

VXUS

• 1D: -0.99%
• 1M: 4.68%
• YTD: 14.25%
• 6M: 16.92%
• 1Y: 32.01%
• 3Y*: 19.30%
• 5Y*: 8.46%
• 10Y*: 9.76%

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

BIGFX vs. VXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BIGFX Baron International Growth Fund	12.38%	20.80%	4.11%	7.33%	-27.47%	9.63%	30.52%	29.06%	-17.88%	36.95%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	14.25%	32.35%	5.08%	15.86%	-16.08%	8.98%	10.66%	21.75%	-14.43%	27.46%

Correlation

The correlation between BIGFX and VXUS is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 31, 2011	0.89

The correlation between BIGFX and VXUS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BIGFX vs. VXUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

BIGFX

BIGFX Risk / Return Rank: 18
BIGFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
BIGFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
BIGFX Omega Ratio Rank: 18
BIGFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
BIGFX Martin Ratio Rank: 19

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 60
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 62
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

BIGFX vs. VXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Baron International Growth Fund (BIGFX) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). 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.

	BIGFX	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.20	2.12	-0.92
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.74	2.90	-1.16
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.39	-0.16
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.53	2.85	-1.32
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	5.04	11.14	-6.10
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BIGFX vs. VXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BIGFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.20, which is lower than the VXUS Sharpe Ratio of 2.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BIGFX and VXUS, 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

	BIGFX	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.20	2.12	-0.92
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.12	0.53	-0.41
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.50	0.57	-0.07
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.56	0.39	+0.17

Drawdowns

BIGFX vs. VXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BIGFX drawdown since its inception was -41.12%, which is greater than VXUS's maximum drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BIGFX and VXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	BIGFX	VXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.12%	-35.97%	-5.15%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.71%	-11.27%	-1.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.71%	-13.58%	-3.13%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-41.12%	-29.44%	-11.68%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.12%	-35.97%	-5.15%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.99%	+0.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.04%	-8.22%	-1.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.86%	2.88%	+0.98%

Volatility

BIGFX vs. VXUS - Volatility Comparison

Baron International Growth Fund (BIGFX) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) have volatilities of 5.52% and 5.60%, 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

	BIGFX	VXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.52%	5.60%	-0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.41%	13.00%	+0.41%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.34%	15.21%	+1.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.07%	16.05%	+1.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.23%	17.16%	+0.07%

BIGFX vs. VXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

BIGFX has a 1.20% expense ratio, which is higher than VXUS's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

BIGFX vs. VXUS - Dividend Comparison

BIGFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.75%, less than VXUS's 2.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BIGFX Baron International Growth Fund	0.75%	0.85%	0.80%	0.35%	1.25%	5.24%	0.02%	0.08%	3.56%	3.54%	0.93%	0.62%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.66%	3.18%	3.37%	3.24%	3.09%	3.10%	2.14%	3.06%	3.18%	2.73%	2.93%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BIGFX and VXUS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, BIGFX and VXUS 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, BIGFX or VXUS?

VXUS has higher volatility (5.60%) compared to BIGFX (5.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BIGFX dropped -41.12% vs VXUS's -35.97%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VXUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.12 vs 1.20), 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.