DISMX vs. BISAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DISMX (DFA International Small Cap Growth Portfolio) and BISAX (Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, DISMX returned 7.80%/yr vs 10.97%/yr for BISAX. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DISMX charges 0.53%/yr vs 1.36%/yr for BISAX.

Performance

DISMX vs. BISAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA International Small Cap Growth Portfolio (DISMX) 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, DISMX achieves a 7.14% return, which is significantly higher than BISAX's -2.34% return. Over the past 10 years, DISMX has underperformed BISAX with an annualized return of 7.80%, while BISAX has yielded a comparatively higher 10.97% annualized return.

DISMX

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: 0.15%
• YTD: 7.14%
• 6M: 6.46%
• 1Y: 15.84%
• 3Y*: 14.19%
• 5Y*: 2.80%
• 10Y*: 7.80%

BISAX

• 1D: -1.05%
• 1M: -2.98%
• YTD: -2.34%
• 6M: -2.29%
• 1Y: 9.24%
• 3Y*: 27.71%
• 5Y*: 16.31%
• 10Y*: 10.97%

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

DISMX vs. BISAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DISMX DFA International Small Cap Growth Portfolio	7.14%	27.95%	1.30%	11.55%	-25.16%	9.27%	16.42%	25.78%	-17.96%	34.06%
BISAX Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund	-2.34%	45.50%	23.18%	39.03%	-8.68%	18.39%	4.62%	6.80%	-20.13%	11.52%

Correlation

The correlation between DISMX and BISAX 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	0.83
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2013	0.82

The correlation between DISMX and BISAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DISMX vs. BISAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DISMX

DISMX Risk / Return Rank: 19
DISMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
DISMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
DISMX Omega Ratio Rank: 18
DISMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
DISMX Martin Ratio Rank: 23

BISAX

BISAX Risk / Return Rank: 10
BISAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
BISAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
BISAX Omega Ratio Rank: 10
BISAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
BISAX Martin Ratio Rank: 8

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.

DISMX vs. BISAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA International Small Cap Growth Portfolio (DISMX) 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.

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.

	DISMX	BISAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.15	0.78	+0.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.71	1.22	+0.49
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.14	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.37	0.85	+0.53
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.13	2.24	+2.89

DISMX vs. BISAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DISMX Sharpe Ratio is 1.15, which is higher than the BISAX Sharpe Ratio of 0.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DISMX 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.

Drawdowns

DISMX vs. BISAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DISMX drawdown since its inception was -41.53%, smaller than the maximum BISAX drawdown of -47.30%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DISMX and BISAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DISMX	BISAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.53%	-47.30%	+5.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.22%	-11.63%	-0.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.59%	-11.63%	-3.96%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-41.53%	-31.44%	-10.09%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.53%	-47.30%	+5.77%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.69%	-10.40%	+8.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.47%	-8.04%	-2.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.26%	4.38%	-1.12%

Volatility

DISMX vs. BISAX - Volatility Comparison

DFA International Small Cap Growth Portfolio (DISMX) has a higher volatility of 4.45% compared to Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund (BISAX) at 3.57%. This indicates that DISMX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BISAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DISMX	BISAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.45%	3.57%	+0.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.18%	10.41%	+1.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.62%	12.57%	+2.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.83%	13.90%	+2.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.38%	14.27%	+2.11%

DISMX vs. BISAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DISMX has a 0.53% expense ratio, which is lower than BISAX's 1.36% expense ratio.

Dividends

DISMX vs. BISAX - Dividend Comparison

DISMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.84%, less than BISAX's 3.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BISAX Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund	3.30%	3.23%	3.06%	2.81%	3.87%	3.46%	0.81%	0.66%	3.88%	8.33%	4.00%	3.44%
DISMX DFA International Small Cap Growth Portfolio	1.84%	1.98%	2.48%	2.15%	2.17%	1.89%	1.11%	2.31%	5.59%	3.79%	1.73%	2.75%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DISMX and BISAX in my portfolio?

DISMX and BISAX 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, DISMX or BISAX?

DISMX has higher volatility (4.45%) compared to BISAX (3.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DISMX dropped -41.53% vs BISAX's -47.30%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DISMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.15 vs 0.78), 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.