BSPAX vs. BDOAX

Last updated Jul 19, 2026

BSPAX (iShares S&P 500 Index Fund Investor A Shares) and BDOAX (iShares MSCI Total International Index Fund Class A) are both mutual funds - BSPAX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index, while BDOAX is a International Equity fund tracking the MSCI All Country World ex US Index (Net TR) (USD). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, BSPAX returned 14.55%/yr vs 8.93%/yr for BDOAX. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BSPAX charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.41%/yr for BDOAX.

Performance

BSPAX vs. BDOAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares S&P 500 Index Fund Investor A Shares (BSPAX) and iShares MSCI Total International Index Fund Class A (BDOAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BSPAX achieves a 9.42% return, which is significantly lower than BDOAX's 12.48% return. Over the past 10 years, BSPAX has outperformed BDOAX with an annualized return of 14.55%, while BDOAX has yielded a comparatively lower 8.93% annualized return.

BSPAX

• 1D: -1.01%
• 1M: -0.53%
• 6M: 7.88%
• YTD: 9.42%
• 1Y: 19.39%
• 3Y*: 19.01%
• 5Y*: 12.71%
• 10Y*: 14.55%

BDOAX

• 1D: -1.06%
• 1M: -3.18%
• 6M: 8.01%
• YTD: 12.48%
• 1Y: 25.74%
• 3Y*: 16.95%
• 5Y*: 8.35%
• 10Y*: 8.93%

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

BSPAX vs. BDOAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BSPAX iShares S&P 500 Index Fund Investor A Shares	9.42%	17.46%	24.54%	25.85%	-18.40%	28.22%	18.05%	31.02%	-5.05%	20.97%
BDOAX iShares MSCI Total International Index Fund Class A	12.48%	32.20%	5.02%	14.81%	-16.63%	7.36%	10.47%	20.81%	-14.19%	26.16%

Correlation

The correlation between BSPAX and BDOAX is 0.82, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.82
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.76
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2014	0.79

The correlation between BSPAX and BDOAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.76 to 0.82 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BSPAX vs. BDOAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

BSPAX

BSPAX Risk / Return Rank: 48
BSPAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
BSPAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
BSPAX Omega Ratio Rank: 45
BSPAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
BSPAX Martin Ratio Rank: 61

BDOAX

BDOAX Risk / Return Rank: 49
BDOAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
BDOAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
BDOAX Omega Ratio Rank: 50
BDOAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
BDOAX Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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.

BSPAX vs. BDOAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares S&P 500 Index Fund Investor A Shares (BSPAX) and iShares MSCI Total International Index Fund Class A (BDOAX). 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.

	BSPAX	BDOAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.55	1.61	-0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.15	2.20	-0.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.30	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.18	2.30	-0.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.50	8.65	+0.85

BSPAX vs. BDOAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BSPAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.55, which is comparable to the BDOAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BSPAX and BDOAX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

BSPAX vs. BDOAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BSPAX drawdown since its inception was -33.76%, roughly equal to the maximum BDOAX drawdown of -35.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BSPAX and BDOAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BSPAX	BDOAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.76%	-35.53%	+1.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.95%	-11.37%	+2.42%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.77%	-13.54%	-5.23%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.70%	-30.25%	+5.55%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.76%	-35.53%	+1.77%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.90%	-3.38%	+1.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.97%	-8.67%	+4.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.05%	3.02%	-0.97%

Volatility

BSPAX vs. BDOAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares S&P 500 Index Fund Investor A Shares (BSPAX) is 3.37%, while iShares MSCI Total International Index Fund Class A (BDOAX) has a volatility of 5.57%. This indicates that BSPAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BDOAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BSPAX	BDOAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.37%	5.57%	-2.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.04%	14.30%	-4.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.59%	16.25%	-3.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.98%	15.75%	+1.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.01%	16.13%	+1.88%

BSPAX vs. BDOAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BSPAX has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than BDOAX's 0.41% expense ratio.

Dividends

BSPAX vs. BDOAX - Dividend Comparison

BSPAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.37%, less than BDOAX's 2.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BDOAX iShares MSCI Total International Index Fund Class A	2.42%	2.84%	2.62%	2.74%	2.61%	2.46%	1.79%	2.85%	3.05%	1.65%	3.33%	3.78%
BSPAX iShares S&P 500 Index Fund Investor A Shares	1.37%	1.43%	1.12%	1.22%	1.67%	1.52%	1.37%	1.70%	1.74%	1.40%	1.62%	2.17%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BSPAX and BDOAX in my portfolio?

BSPAX and BDOAX have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BSPAX or BDOAX?

BDOAX has higher volatility (5.57%) compared to BSPAX (3.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BSPAX dropped -33.76% vs BDOAX's -35.53%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BDOAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.61 vs 1.55), 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.