HLMSX vs. BISMX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

HLMSX (Harding Loevner International Small Companies Portfolio) and BISMX (Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund Class I) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, HLMSX returned 6.40%/yr vs 11.19%/yr for BISMX. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HLMSX charges 1.37%/yr vs 1.11%/yr for BISMX.

Performance

HLMSX vs. BISMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Harding Loevner International Small Companies Portfolio (HLMSX) and Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund Class I (BISMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HLMSX achieves a 5.12% return, which is significantly higher than BISMX's -2.29% return. Over the past 10 years, HLMSX has underperformed BISMX with an annualized return of 6.40%, while BISMX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.19% annualized return.

HLMSX

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: -1.34%
• YTD: 5.12%
• 6M: 5.01%
• 1Y: 5.66%
• 3Y*: 5.97%
• 5Y*: -0.06%
• 10Y*: 6.40%

BISMX

• 1D: -1.04%
• 1M: -2.99%
• YTD: -2.29%
• 6M: -2.22%
• 1Y: 9.44%
• 3Y*: 27.96%
• 5Y*: 16.55%
• 10Y*: 11.19%

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

HLMSX vs. BISMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HLMSX Harding Loevner International Small Companies Portfolio	5.12%	14.87%	-6.92%	11.78%	-24.50%	12.82%	18.51%	29.45%	-17.65%	34.42%
BISMX Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund Class I	-2.29%	45.81%	23.44%	39.27%	-8.48%	18.58%	4.85%	7.16%	-20.04%	11.79%

Correlation

The correlation between HLMSX and BISMX is 0.77, 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	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.80
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.82
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 3, 2012	0.77

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

Return for Risk

HLMSX vs. BISMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

HLMSX

HLMSX Risk / Return Rank: 6
HLMSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
HLMSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
HLMSX Omega Ratio Rank: 6
HLMSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
HLMSX Martin Ratio Rank: 6

BISMX

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

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.

HLMSX vs. BISMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Harding Loevner International Small Companies Portfolio (HLMSX) and Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund Class I (BISMX). 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.

	HLMSX	BISMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.49	0.80	-0.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.77	1.25	-0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.10	1.15	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.57	0.86	-0.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.43	2.30	-0.87

HLMSX vs. BISMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HLMSX Sharpe Ratio is 0.49, which is lower than the BISMX Sharpe Ratio of 0.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HLMSX and BISMX, 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

HLMSX vs. BISMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HLMSX drawdown since its inception was -60.77%, which is greater than BISMX's maximum drawdown of -47.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HLMSX and BISMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	HLMSX	BISMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.77%	-47.07%	-13.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.59%	-11.61%	+1.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.57%	-11.61%	-4.96%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.22%	-31.26%	-6.96%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.22%	-47.07%	+8.85%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.27%	-10.35%	+0.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.21%	-7.93%	-5.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.26%	4.36%	-0.10%

Volatility

HLMSX vs. BISMX - Volatility Comparison

Harding Loevner International Small Companies Portfolio (HLMSX) and Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund Class I (BISMX) have volatilities of 3.53% and 3.55%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HLMSX	BISMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.53%	3.55%	-0.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.08%	10.41%	-0.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.33%	12.57%	-0.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.08%	13.90%	+1.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.95%	14.24%	+0.71%

HLMSX vs. BISMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

HLMSX has a 1.37% expense ratio, which is higher than BISMX's 1.11% expense ratio.

Dividends

HLMSX vs. BISMX - Dividend Comparison

HLMSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.84%, more than BISMX's 3.41% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BISMX Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund Class I	3.41%	3.34%	3.22%	2.93%	4.16%	3.45%	0.92%	0.82%	4.10%	8.51%	4.16%	3.65%
HLMSX Harding Loevner International Small Companies Portfolio	3.84%	4.04%	1.17%	1.00%	1.83%	2.82%	0.03%	0.52%	7.56%	1.13%	4.37%	1.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HLMSX and BISMX in my portfolio?

HLMSX and BISMX have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HLMSX or BISMX?

BISMX has higher volatility (3.55%) compared to HLMSX (3.53%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HLMSX dropped -60.77% vs BISMX's -47.07%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BISMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.80 vs 0.49), 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.