BSMIX vs. PRFZ

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BSMIX (iShares Russell Small/Mid-Cap Index Fund) and PRFZ (Invesco FTSE RAFI US 1500 Small-Mid ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, BSMIX returned 11.77%/yr vs 11.50%/yr for PRFZ. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. BSMIX charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for PRFZ.

Performance

BSMIX vs. PRFZ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Russell Small/Mid-Cap Index Fund (BSMIX) and Invesco FTSE RAFI US 1500 Small-Mid ETF (PRFZ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BSMIX achieves a 19.06% return, which is significantly higher than PRFZ's 12.74% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with BSMIX having a 11.77% annualized return and PRFZ not far behind at 11.50%.

BSMIX

• 1D: 0.93%
• 1M: 5.13%
• YTD: 19.06%
• 6M: 18.96%
• 1Y: 36.89%
• 3Y*: 18.79%
• 5Y*: 7.82%
• 10Y*: 11.77%

PRFZ

• 1D: -1.32%
• 1M: 2.22%
• YTD: 12.74%
• 6M: 11.50%
• 1Y: 31.75%
• 3Y*: 17.38%
• 5Y*: 7.93%
• 10Y*: 11.50%

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

BSMIX vs. PRFZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BSMIX iShares Russell Small/Mid-Cap Index Fund	19.06%	11.92%	12.04%	17.15%	-18.39%	18.00%	20.28%	27.62%	-10.22%	16.75%
PRFZ Invesco FTSE RAFI US 1500 Small-Mid ETF	12.74%	11.26%	12.68%	20.21%	-16.29%	28.26%	11.84%	21.91%	-11.43%	13.82%

Correlation

The correlation between BSMIX and PRFZ is 0.97 - 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	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 5, 2016	0.97

The correlation between BSMIX and PRFZ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BSMIX vs. PRFZ — Risk / Return Rank

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

BSMIX

BSMIX Risk / Return Rank: 67
BSMIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
BSMIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
BSMIX Omega Ratio Rank: 49
BSMIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
BSMIX Martin Ratio Rank: 83

PRFZ

PRFZ Risk / Return Rank: 54
PRFZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
PRFZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
PRFZ Omega Ratio Rank: 47
PRFZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
PRFZ Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

BSMIX vs. PRFZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Russell Small/Mid-Cap Index Fund (BSMIX) and Invesco FTSE RAFI US 1500 Small-Mid ETF (PRFZ). 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.

	BSMIX	PRFZ	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.26	1.79	+0.48
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.14	2.58	+0.56
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.30	+0.08
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.15	3.07	+1.07
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	15.76	10.58	+5.18
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BSMIX vs. PRFZ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BSMIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.26, which is comparable to the PRFZ Sharpe Ratio of 1.79. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BSMIX and PRFZ, 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

	BSMIX	PRFZ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.26	1.79	+0.48
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.37	0.37	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.54	0.51	+0.03
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.56	0.41	+0.15

Drawdowns

BSMIX vs. PRFZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BSMIX drawdown since its inception was -41.32%, smaller than the maximum PRFZ drawdown of -62.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BSMIX and PRFZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	BSMIX	PRFZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.32%	-62.41%	+21.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.39%	-10.38%	+0.99%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.49%	-26.54%	+1.05%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.33%	-26.58%	-1.75%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.32%	-44.28%	+2.96%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.32%	+1.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.41%	-9.42%	+2.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.47%	3.01%	-0.54%

Volatility

BSMIX vs. PRFZ - Volatility Comparison

iShares Russell Small/Mid-Cap Index Fund (BSMIX) has a higher volatility of 5.13% compared to Invesco FTSE RAFI US 1500 Small-Mid ETF (PRFZ) at 4.51%. This indicates that BSMIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PRFZ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BSMIX	PRFZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.13%	4.51%	+0.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.67%	12.32%	+0.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.21%	17.90%	-0.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.18%	21.31%	-0.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.71%	22.44%	-0.73%

BSMIX vs. PRFZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

BSMIX has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than PRFZ's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

BSMIX vs. PRFZ - Dividend Comparison

BSMIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.43%, more than PRFZ's 0.85% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BSMIX iShares Russell Small/Mid-Cap Index Fund	2.43%	2.90%	2.04%	1.37%	4.94%	4.77%	4.42%	2.83%	4.33%	2.83%	1.45%	0.00%
PRFZ Invesco FTSE RAFI US 1500 Small-Mid ETF	0.85%	0.82%	1.45%	1.42%	1.33%	0.93%	0.91%	1.29%	1.37%	0.97%	1.31%	1.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BSMIX and PRFZ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, BSMIX and PRFZ 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, BSMIX or PRFZ?

BSMIX has higher volatility (5.13%) compared to PRFZ (4.51%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BSMIX dropped -41.32% vs PRFZ's -62.41%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BSMIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.26 vs 1.79), 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.