DSPIX vs. DRCAX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

DSPIX (BNY Mellon Institutional S&P 500 Stock Index Fund) and DRCAX (BNY MellonCalifornia AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund) are both mutual funds - DSPIX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index, while DRCAX is a Municipal Bonds fund managed by BNY Mellon. Over the past 10 years, DSPIX returned 15.05%/yr vs 1.50%/yr for DRCAX. At a correlation of -0.03, they often move in opposite directions. DSPIX charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.72%/yr for DRCAX.

Performance

DSPIX vs. DRCAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in BNY Mellon Institutional S&P 500 Stock Index Fund (DSPIX) and BNY MellonCalifornia AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund (DRCAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DSPIX achieves a 8.12% return, which is significantly higher than DRCAX's 1.69% return. Over the past 10 years, DSPIX has outperformed DRCAX with an annualized return of 15.05%, while DRCAX has yielded a comparatively lower 1.50% annualized return.

DSPIX

• 1D: -1.43%
• 1M: -1.35%
• YTD: 8.12%
• 6M: 6.79%
• 1Y: 22.31%
• 3Y*: 20.63%
• 5Y*: 12.92%
• 10Y*: 15.05%

DRCAX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 1.53%
• YTD: 1.69%
• 6M: 2.02%
• 1Y: 6.63%
• 3Y*: 3.57%
• 5Y*: 0.47%
• 10Y*: 1.50%

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

DSPIX vs. DRCAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DSPIX BNY Mellon Institutional S&P 500 Stock Index Fund	8.12%	17.81%	24.40%	26.36%	-18.51%	28.64%	14.18%	31.31%	-4.36%	21.59%
DRCAX BNY MellonCalifornia AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund	1.69%	3.90%	1.98%	5.53%	-10.78%	1.55%	4.09%	7.57%	0.16%	5.59%

Correlation

The correlation between DSPIX and DRCAX is 0.18, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.18
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.15
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.12
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.02
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 30, 1993	-0.03

The correlation between DSPIX and DRCAX shifts across timeframes, from -0.03 (all time) to 0.18 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DSPIX vs. DRCAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DSPIX

DSPIX Risk / Return Rank: 53
DSPIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
DSPIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
DSPIX Omega Ratio Rank: 48
DSPIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
DSPIX Martin Ratio Rank: 67

DRCAX

DRCAX Risk / Return Rank: 66
DRCAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
DRCAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
DRCAX Omega Ratio Rank: 87
DRCAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
DRCAX Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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.

DSPIX vs. DRCAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for BNY Mellon Institutional S&P 500 Stock Index Fund (DSPIX) and BNY MellonCalifornia AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund (DRCAX). 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.

	DSPIX	DRCAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.89	2.28	-0.38
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.58	3.58	-1.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.53	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.67	2.26	+0.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.95	7.62	+4.33

DSPIX vs. DRCAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DSPIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.89, which is comparable to the DRCAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DSPIX and DRCAX, 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

DSPIX vs. DRCAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DSPIX drawdown since its inception was -55.32%, which is greater than DRCAX's maximum drawdown of -18.57%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DSPIX and DRCAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DSPIX	DRCAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.32%	-18.57%	-36.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.92%	-2.92%	-6.00%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.81%	-6.35%	-12.46%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.62%	-15.74%	-8.88%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.79%	-15.74%	-18.05%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.14%	-0.42%	-2.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.26%	-2.90%	-6.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.99%	0.86%	+1.13%

Volatility

DSPIX vs. DRCAX - Volatility Comparison

BNY Mellon Institutional S&P 500 Stock Index Fund (DSPIX) has a higher volatility of 4.88% compared to BNY MellonCalifornia AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund (DRCAX) at 0.70%. This indicates that DSPIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DRCAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DSPIX	DRCAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.88%	0.70%	+4.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.94%	2.16%	+7.78%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.58%	2.89%	+9.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.03%	4.11%	+12.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.05%	4.08%	+13.97%

DSPIX vs. DRCAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DSPIX has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than DRCAX's 0.72% expense ratio.

Dividends

DSPIX vs. DRCAX - Dividend Comparison

DSPIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 31.30%, more than DRCAX's 2.93% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DRCAX BNY MellonCalifornia AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund	2.93%	3.84%	2.77%	2.20%	2.29%	2.20%	2.78%	3.68%	3.71%	3.91%	3.53%	3.52%
DSPIX BNY Mellon Institutional S&P 500 Stock Index Fund	31.30%	33.86%	27.60%	27.46%	18.33%	12.91%	1.15%	5.01%	6.33%	2.53%	2.91%	2.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DSPIX and DRCAX in my portfolio?

DSPIX and DRCAX have a correlation of 0.18, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DSPIX or DRCAX?

DSPIX has higher volatility (4.88%) compared to DRCAX (0.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DSPIX dropped -55.32% vs DRCAX's -18.57%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DRCAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 vs 1.89), 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.