BISMX vs. BISAX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

BISMX (Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund Class I) and BISAX (Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds from Brandes. Over the past 10 years, BISMX returned 10.74%/yr vs 10.51%/yr for BISAX. With a 1.00 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. BISMX charges 1.11%/yr vs 1.36%/yr for BISAX.

Performance

BISMX vs. BISAX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BISMX achieves a -0.11% return, which is significantly higher than BISAX's -0.19% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with BISMX having a 10.74% annualized return and BISAX not far behind at 10.51%.

BISMX

• 1D: -1.21%
• 1M: -2.53%
• YTD: -0.11%
• 6M: 1.75%
• 1Y: 13.14%
• 3Y*: 28.94%
• 5Y*: 16.91%
• 10Y*: 10.74%

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%

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

BISMX vs. BISAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BISMX Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund Class I	-0.11%	45.81%	23.44%	39.27%	-8.48%	18.58%	4.85%	7.16%	-20.04%	11.79%
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%

Correlation

The correlation between BISMX and BISAX is 1.00 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.00
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	1.00
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.00
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.00
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 6, 2012	1.00

The correlation between BISMX and BISAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 1.00 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BISMX vs. BISAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

BISMX

BISMX Risk / Return Rank: 16
BISMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
BISMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
BISMX Omega Ratio Rank: 17
BISMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
BISMX Martin Ratio Rank: 13

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

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.

BISMX vs. BISAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund Class I (BISMX) and Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund (BISAX). 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.

	BISMX	BISAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.17	1.15	+0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.77	1.75	+0.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.21	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.25	1.23	+0.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.69	3.62	+0.07
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BISMX vs. BISAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BISMX Sharpe Ratio is 1.17, which is comparable to the BISAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BISMX and BISAX, 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

	BISMX	BISAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.17	1.15	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.22	1.21	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.76	0.74	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.83	0.81	+0.02

Drawdowns

BISMX vs. BISAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BISMX drawdown since its inception was -47.07%, roughly equal to the maximum BISAX drawdown of -47.30%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BISMX and BISAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BISMX	BISAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.07%	-47.30%	+0.23%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.61%	-11.63%	+0.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.61%	-11.63%	+0.02%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.26%	-31.44%	+0.18%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.07%	-47.30%	+0.23%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.36%	-8.42%	+0.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.93%	-8.04%	+0.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.92%	3.94%	-0.02%

Volatility

BISMX vs. BISAX - Volatility Comparison

Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund Class I (BISMX) and Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund (BISAX) have volatilities of 3.31% and 3.34%, 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

	BISMX	BISAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.31%	3.34%	-0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.01%	10.00%	+0.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.38%	12.38%	0.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.88%	13.88%	0.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.25%	14.28%	-0.03%

BISMX vs. BISAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BISMX has a 1.11% expense ratio, which is lower than BISAX's 1.36% expense ratio.

Dividends

BISMX vs. BISAX - Dividend Comparison

BISMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.34%, more than BISAX's 3.23% 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%
BISMX Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund Class I	3.34%	3.34%	3.22%	2.93%	4.16%	3.45%	0.92%	0.82%	4.10%	8.51%	4.16%	3.65%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BISMX and BISAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, BISMX and BISAX 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, BISMX or BISAX?

BISAX has higher volatility (3.34%) compared to BISMX (3.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BISMX dropped -47.07% vs BISAX's -47.30%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BISMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.17 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.