BSCFX vs. CALF

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BSCFX (Baron Small Cap Fund) and CALF (Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows 100 ETF) are both funds - BSCFX is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Baron Capital Group, Inc., while CALF is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows Index. Over the past 5 years, BSCFX returned 1.04%/yr vs 4.12%/yr for CALF. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BSCFX charges 1.29%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for CALF.

Performance

BSCFX vs. CALF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Baron Small Cap Fund (BSCFX) and Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows 100 ETF (CALF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BSCFX achieves a -1.94% return, which is significantly lower than CALF's 13.34% return.

BSCFX

• 1D: -1.03%
• 1M: 3.00%
• YTD: -1.94%
• 6M: -2.17%
• 1Y: -0.10%
• 3Y*: 8.85%
• 5Y*: 1.04%
• 10Y*: 10.21%

CALF

• 1D: -1.12%
• 1M: 4.91%
• YTD: 13.34%
• 6M: 12.53%
• 1Y: 30.24%
• 3Y*: 10.69%
• 5Y*: 4.12%
• 10Y*: —

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

BSCFX vs. CALF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BSCFX Baron Small Cap Fund	-1.94%	-0.92%	13.11%	26.90%	-31.19%	15.42%	40.38%	34.60%	-7.39%	10.02%
CALF Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows 100 ETF	13.34%	2.33%	-7.41%	35.43%	-15.20%	40.68%	16.55%	18.18%	-10.06%	5.78%

Correlation

The correlation between BSCFX and CALF is 0.73, 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	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.78
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 20, 2017	0.75

The correlation between BSCFX and CALF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BSCFX vs. CALF — Risk / Return Rank

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

BSCFX

BSCFX Risk / Return Rank: 3
BSCFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
BSCFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
BSCFX Omega Ratio Rank: 3
BSCFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
BSCFX Martin Ratio Rank: 3

CALF

CALF Risk / Return Rank: 66
CALF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
CALF Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
CALF Omega Ratio Rank: 54
CALF Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
CALF Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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.

BSCFX vs. CALF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Baron Small Cap Fund (BSCFX) and Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows 100 ETF (CALF). 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.

	BSCFX	CALF	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.07	1.93	-1.86
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	0.23	2.82	-2.59
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.03	1.34	-0.32
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.09	4.94	-4.85
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	0.23	14.08	-13.85
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BSCFX vs. CALF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BSCFX Sharpe Ratio is 0.07, which is lower than the CALF Sharpe Ratio of 1.93. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BSCFX and CALF, 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

	BSCFX	CALF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.07	1.93	-1.86
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.05	0.18	-0.13
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.46	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.42	0.37	+0.05

Drawdowns

BSCFX vs. CALF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BSCFX drawdown since its inception was -55.59%, which is greater than CALF's maximum drawdown of -47.58%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BSCFX and CALF.

Drawdown Indicators

	BSCFX	CALF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.59%	-47.58%	-8.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.00%	-6.15%	-8.85%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.91%	-34.22%	+7.31%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.94%	-34.22%	-3.72%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.58%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.02%	-1.95%	-9.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.08%	-10.74%	-0.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.63%	2.15%	+3.48%

Volatility

BSCFX vs. CALF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Baron Small Cap Fund (BSCFX) is 4.22%, while Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows 100 ETF (CALF) has a volatility of 4.92%. This indicates that BSCFX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than CALF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BSCFX	CALF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.22%	4.92%	-0.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.09%	10.47%	+2.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.67%	15.84%	+1.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.33%	23.44%	-1.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.37%	26.02%	-3.65%

BSCFX vs. CALF - Expense Ratio Comparison

BSCFX has a 1.29% expense ratio, which is higher than CALF's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

BSCFX vs. CALF - Dividend Comparison

BSCFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.69%, more than CALF's 1.28% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BSCFX Baron Small Cap Fund	9.69%	9.50%	13.96%	3.04%	5.90%	12.47%	11.17%	9.60%	10.91%	13.57%	22.41%	12.56%
CALF Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows 100 ETF	1.28%	1.43%	1.07%	1.18%	0.85%	2.63%	0.82%	0.99%	1.39%	0.70%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BSCFX and CALF in my portfolio?

BSCFX and CALF have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BSCFX or CALF?

CALF has higher volatility (4.92%) compared to BSCFX (4.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BSCFX dropped -55.59% vs CALF's -47.58%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CALF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.93 vs 0.07), 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.