BISAX vs. VSGAX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

BISAX (Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund) and VSGAX (Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - BISAX is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund managed by Brandes, while VSGAX is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, BISAX returned 10.51%/yr vs 11.73%/yr for VSGAX. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BISAX charges 1.36%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VSGAX.

Performance

BISAX vs. VSGAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund (BISAX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSGAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BISAX achieves a -0.19% return, which is significantly lower than VSGAX's 17.46% return. Over the past 10 years, BISAX has underperformed VSGAX with an annualized return of 10.51%, while VSGAX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.73% annualized return.

BISAX

• 1D: -1.22%
• 1M: -2.55%
• YTD: -0.19%
• 6M: 1.64%
• 1Y: 12.87%
• 3Y*: 28.67%
• 5Y*: 16.67%
• 10Y*: 10.51%

VSGAX

• 1D: -1.07%
• 1M: 3.64%
• YTD: 17.46%
• 6M: 15.68%
• 1Y: 32.13%
• 3Y*: 17.71%
• 5Y*: 5.69%
• 10Y*: 11.73%

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

BISAX vs. VSGAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BISAX Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund	-0.19%	45.50%	23.18%	39.03%	-8.68%	18.39%	4.62%	6.80%	-20.13%	11.52%
VSGAX Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares	17.46%	8.44%	14.94%	23.04%	-28.39%	5.70%	35.26%	32.76%	-5.69%	21.92%

Correlation

The correlation between BISAX and VSGAX is 0.66, 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	0.66
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.66
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2012	0.62

The correlation between BISAX and VSGAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.62 to 0.66 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BISAX vs. VSGAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

BISAX

BISAX Risk / Return Rank: 15
BISAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
BISAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
BISAX Omega Ratio Rank: 16
BISAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
BISAX Martin Ratio Rank: 13

VSGAX

VSGAX Risk / Return Rank: 41
VSGAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
VSGAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
VSGAX Omega Ratio Rank: 29
VSGAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VSGAX Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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. VSGAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund (BISAX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSGAX). 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	VSGAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.15	1.69	-0.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.75	2.36	-0.61
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.29	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.23	2.89	-1.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.62	10.99	-7.38
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. VSGAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BISAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.15, which is lower than the VSGAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BISAX and VSGAX, 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	VSGAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.15	1.69	-0.54
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.21	0.24	+0.96
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.74	0.51	+0.23
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.81	0.57	+0.24

Drawdowns

BISAX vs. VSGAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BISAX drawdown since its inception was -47.30%, which is greater than VSGAX's maximum drawdown of -38.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BISAX and VSGAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BISAX	VSGAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.30%	-38.70%	-8.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.63%	-11.37%	-0.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.63%	-27.47%	+15.84%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.44%	-38.36%	+6.92%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.30%	-38.70%	-8.60%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.42%	-1.07%	-7.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.04%	-8.55%	+0.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.94%	2.98%	+0.96%

Volatility

BISAX vs. VSGAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund (BISAX) is 3.34%, while Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSGAX) has a volatility of 5.45%. This indicates that BISAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VSGAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BISAX	VSGAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.34%	5.45%	-2.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.00%	14.84%	-4.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.38%	19.48%	-7.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.88%	23.56%	-9.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.28%	23.00%	-8.72%

BISAX vs. VSGAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BISAX has a 1.36% expense ratio, which is higher than VSGAX's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

BISAX vs. VSGAX - Dividend Comparison

BISAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.23%, more than VSGAX's 0.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BISAX Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund	3.23%	3.23%	3.06%	2.81%	3.87%	3.46%	0.81%	0.66%	3.88%	8.33%	4.00%	3.44%
VSGAX Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares	0.44%	0.54%	0.54%	0.67%	0.55%	0.36%	0.44%	0.57%	0.79%	0.81%	1.08%	0.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BISAX and VSGAX in my portfolio?

BISAX and VSGAX have a correlation of 0.66, 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 VSGAX?

VSGAX has higher volatility (5.45%) compared to BISAX (3.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BISAX dropped -47.30% vs VSGAX's -38.70%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSGAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.69 vs 1.15), 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.