BISAX vs. FSTSX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

BISAX (Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund) and FSTSX (Fidelity Series International Small Cap Fund) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, BISAX returned 10.66%/yr vs 9.85%/yr for FSTSX. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BISAX charges 1.36%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for FSTSX.

Performance

BISAX vs. FSTSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund (BISAX) and Fidelity Series International Small Cap Fund (FSTSX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BISAX achieves a 1.11% return, which is significantly lower than FSTSX's 7.21% return. Over the past 10 years, BISAX has outperformed FSTSX with an annualized return of 10.66%, while FSTSX has yielded a comparatively lower 9.85% annualized return.

BISAX

• 1D: -0.49%
• 1M: -0.75%
• YTD: 1.11%
• 6M: 4.25%
• 1Y: 15.51%
• 3Y*: 29.23%
• 5Y*: 16.94%
• 10Y*: 10.66%

FSTSX

• 1D: -1.54%
• 1M: 1.97%
• YTD: 7.21%
• 6M: 10.28%
• 1Y: 17.16%
• 3Y*: 15.66%
• 5Y*: 6.25%
• 10Y*: 9.85%

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

BISAX vs. FSTSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BISAX Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund	1.11%	45.50%	23.18%	39.03%	-8.68%	18.39%	4.62%	6.80%	-20.13%	11.52%
FSTSX Fidelity Series International Small Cap Fund	7.21%	27.49%	4.97%	18.36%	-26.25%	18.29%	19.61%	28.24%	-13.19%	34.44%

Correlation

The correlation between BISAX and FSTSX is 0.80, 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	0.80
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2012	0.79

The correlation between BISAX and FSTSX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BISAX vs. FSTSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

BISAX

BISAX Risk / Return Rank: 19
BISAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
BISAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
BISAX Omega Ratio Rank: 21
BISAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
BISAX Martin Ratio Rank: 14

FSTSX

FSTSX Risk / Return Rank: 19
FSTSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
FSTSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
FSTSX Omega Ratio Rank: 19
FSTSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
FSTSX Martin Ratio Rank: 20

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.

BISAX vs. FSTSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund (BISAX) and Fidelity Series International Small Cap Fund (FSTSX). 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.

	BISAX	FSTSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.37	1.31	+0.06
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.05	1.92	+0.12
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.24	+0.01
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.46	1.62	-0.16
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	4.37	5.50	-1.12
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BISAX vs. FSTSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BISAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.37, which is comparable to the FSTSX Sharpe Ratio of 1.31. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BISAX and FSTSX, 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

	BISAX	FSTSX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.37	1.31	+0.06
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.23	0.38	+0.84
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.75	0.62	+0.13
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.82	0.62	+0.20

Drawdowns

BISAX vs. FSTSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BISAX drawdown since its inception was -47.30%, which is greater than FSTSX's maximum drawdown of -38.91%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BISAX and FSTSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BISAX	FSTSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.30%	-38.91%	-8.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.63%	-11.22%	-0.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.63%	-14.47%	+2.84%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.44%	-38.91%	+7.47%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.30%	-38.91%	-8.39%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.23%	-1.54%	-5.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.04%	-7.90%	-0.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.87%	3.30%	+0.57%

Volatility

BISAX vs. FSTSX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund (BISAX) is 3.13%, while Fidelity Series International Small Cap Fund (FSTSX) has a volatility of 4.42%. This indicates that BISAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FSTSX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BISAX	FSTSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.13%	4.42%	-1.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.97%	11.10%	-1.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.38%	13.95%	-1.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.88%	16.42%	-2.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.28%	15.94%	-1.66%

BISAX vs. FSTSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BISAX has a 1.36% expense ratio, which is higher than FSTSX's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

BISAX vs. FSTSX - Dividend Comparison

BISAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.19%, less than FSTSX's 14.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BISAX Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund	3.19%	3.23%	3.06%	2.81%	3.87%	3.46%	0.81%	0.66%	3.88%	8.33%	4.00%	3.44%
FSTSX Fidelity Series International Small Cap Fund	14.21%	15.24%	10.22%	3.34%	6.38%	13.22%	0.81%	4.27%	10.99%	6.30%	4.01%	7.32%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BISAX and FSTSX in my portfolio?

BISAX and FSTSX have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BISAX or FSTSX?

FSTSX has higher volatility (4.42%) compared to BISAX (3.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BISAX dropped -47.30% vs FSTSX's -38.91%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BISAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.37 vs 1.31), 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.