BIMSX vs. DFAI

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

BIMSX (Baird Intermediate Bond Fund) and DFAI (Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF) are both funds - BIMSX is a Intermediate Core Bond fund managed by Baird, while DFAI is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. Over the past 5 years, BIMSX returned 1.03%/yr vs 9.46%/yr for DFAI. At a 0.20 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BIMSX charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for DFAI.

Performance

BIMSX vs. DFAI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Baird Intermediate Bond Fund (BIMSX) and Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BIMSX achieves a 0.27% return, which is significantly lower than DFAI's 10.05% return.

BIMSX

• 1D: 0.36%
• 1M: 0.68%
• YTD: 0.27%
• 6M: 0.71%
• 1Y: 4.00%
• 3Y*: 4.59%
• 5Y*: 1.03%
• 10Y*: 1.95%

DFAI

• 1D: 0.43%
• 1M: 2.45%
• YTD: 10.05%
• 6M: 11.52%
• 1Y: 25.01%
• 3Y*: 17.84%
• 5Y*: 9.46%
• 10Y*: —

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

BIMSX vs. DFAI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
BIMSX Baird Intermediate Bond Fund	0.27%	6.76%	3.21%	5.53%	-8.88%	-1.68%	0.58%
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	10.05%	34.04%	4.68%	17.60%	-12.95%	13.86%	5.34%

Correlation

The correlation between BIMSX and DFAI is 0.38, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.38
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.31
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.21
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 18, 2020	0.20

The correlation between BIMSX and DFAI shifts across timeframes, from 0.20 (all time) to 0.38 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

BIMSX vs. DFAI — Risk / Return Rank

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

BIMSX

BIMSX Risk / Return Rank: 47
BIMSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
BIMSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
BIMSX Omega Ratio Rank: 49
BIMSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
BIMSX Martin Ratio Rank: 34

DFAI

DFAI Risk / Return Rank: 54
DFAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
DFAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
DFAI Omega Ratio Rank: 54
DFAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
DFAI Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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.

BIMSX vs. DFAI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Baird Intermediate Bond Fund (BIMSX) and Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI). 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.

	BIMSX	DFAI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.61	1.63	-0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.48	2.32	+0.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.29	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.15	2.18	-0.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.36	8.47	-2.11

BIMSX vs. DFAI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BIMSX Sharpe Ratio is 1.61, which is comparable to the DFAI Sharpe Ratio of 1.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BIMSX and DFAI, 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

BIMSX vs. DFAI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BIMSX drawdown since its inception was -13.07%, smaller than the maximum DFAI drawdown of -27.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BIMSX and DFAI.

Drawdown Indicators

	BIMSX	DFAI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.07%	-27.44%	+14.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.87%	-10.95%	+9.08%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-2.57%	-13.25%	+10.68%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-13.00%	-27.44%	+14.44%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-13.07%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.89%	-0.80%	-0.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.59%	-5.11%	+3.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.63%	2.82%	-2.19%

Volatility

BIMSX vs. DFAI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Baird Intermediate Bond Fund (BIMSX) is 0.88%, while Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI) has a volatility of 5.12%. This indicates that BIMSX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFAI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BIMSX	DFAI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.88%	5.12%	-4.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.84%	12.29%	-10.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.50%	14.60%	-12.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.88%	16.01%	-12.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.25%	15.75%	-12.50%

BIMSX vs. DFAI - Expense Ratio Comparison

BIMSX has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAI's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

BIMSX vs. DFAI - Dividend Comparison

BIMSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.59%, more than DFAI's 2.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BIMSX Baird Intermediate Bond Fund	3.59%	3.50%	3.44%	2.81%	1.81%	1.90%	3.08%	2.16%	2.14%	1.98%	1.89%	2.21%
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	2.24%	2.45%	2.72%	2.64%	2.72%	2.06%	0.09%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BIMSX and DFAI in my portfolio?

BIMSX and DFAI have a correlation of 0.38, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BIMSX or DFAI?

DFAI has higher volatility (5.12%) compared to BIMSX (0.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BIMSX dropped -13.07% vs DFAI's -27.44%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.63 vs 1.61), 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.