BROL vs. BCSM

Last updated Jul 8, 2026

BROL (Baron Risk Optimized Large Cap ETF) and BCSM (Baron SMID Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BROL is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Baron Capital, while BCSM is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Baron Capital. Both are actively managed. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BROL charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for BCSM.

Performance

BROL vs. BCSM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Baron Risk Optimized Large Cap ETF (BROL) and Baron SMID Cap ETF (BCSM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

BROL

• 1D: -0.63%
• 1M: 4.15%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BCSM

• 1D: -1.52%
• 1M: 5.61%
• 6M: 0.15%
• YTD: 3.73%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BROL vs. BCSM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
BROL Baron Risk Optimized Large Cap ETF	2.61%
BCSM Baron SMID Cap ETF	6.64%

Correlation

The correlation between BROL and BCSM is 0.77, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 27, 2026	0.77

Return for Risk

BROL vs. BCSM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Baron Risk Optimized Large Cap ETF (BROL) and Baron SMID Cap ETF (BCSM). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Drawdowns

BROL vs. BCSM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BROL drawdown since its inception was -4.67%, smaller than the maximum BCSM drawdown of -17.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BROL and BCSM.

Drawdown Indicators

	BROL	BCSM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.67%	-17.45%	+12.78%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.63%	-1.52%	+0.89%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.43%	-6.91%	+5.48%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BROL	BCSM	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.17%	20.33%	-3.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.17%	20.33%	-3.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.17%	20.33%	-3.16%

BROL vs. BCSM - Expense Ratio Comparison

BROL has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than BCSM's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

BROL vs. BCSM - Dividend Comparison

Neither BROL nor BCSM has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BROL and BCSM in my portfolio?

BROL and BCSM have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, BROL or BCSM?

On fees, BROL is cheaper at 0.45% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BROL or BCSM?

BROL is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for BCSM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BROL or BCSM?

BROL and BCSM have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between BROL and BCSM?

BROL is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while BCSM is Mid Cap Growth Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for BROL and 0.75% for BCSM.