ISCIX vs. BISMX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ISCIX (Federated Hermes International Small-Mid Company Fund IS) and BISMX (Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund Class I) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. ISCIX is passively managed, while BISMX is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, ISCIX returned 11.10%/yr vs 11.19%/yr for BISMX. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ISCIX charges 0.99%/yr vs 1.11%/yr for BISMX.

Performance

ISCIX vs. BISMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Federated Hermes International Small-Mid Company Fund IS (ISCIX) 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, ISCIX achieves a 10.97% return, which is significantly higher than BISMX's -2.29% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with ISCIX having a 11.10% annualized return and BISMX not far ahead at 11.19%.

ISCIX

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 0.68%
• YTD: 10.97%
• 6M: 10.47%
• 1Y: 20.88%
• 3Y*: 18.45%
• 5Y*: 6.16%
• 10Y*: 11.10%

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)

ISCIX vs. BISMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ISCIX Federated Hermes International Small-Mid Company Fund IS	10.97%	34.34%	5.73%	12.85%	-23.42%	6.25%	31.54%	32.03%	-18.74%	34.98%
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 ISCIX and BISMX is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.77
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.82
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 3, 2012	0.79

The correlation between ISCIX and BISMX shifts across timeframes, from 0.72 (1 year) to 0.82 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

ISCIX vs. BISMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ISCIX

ISCIX Risk / Return Rank: 33
ISCIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
ISCIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
ISCIX Omega Ratio Rank: 33
ISCIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
ISCIX Martin Ratio Rank: 35

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.

ISCIX vs. BISMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Federated Hermes International Small-Mid Company Fund IS (ISCIX) 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.

	ISCIX	BISMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.52	0.80	+0.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.24	1.25	+0.99
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.15	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.00	0.86	+1.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.37	2.30	+5.07

ISCIX vs. BISMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ISCIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.52, which is higher than the BISMX Sharpe Ratio of 0.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ISCIX 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

ISCIX vs. BISMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ISCIX drawdown since its inception was -62.00%, which is greater than BISMX's maximum drawdown of -47.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ISCIX and BISMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ISCIX	BISMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.00%	-47.07%	-14.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.88%	-11.61%	-0.27%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.85%	-11.61%	-2.24%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.17%	-31.26%	-8.91%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.17%	-47.07%	+6.90%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.75%	-10.35%	+8.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.12%	-7.93%	-7.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.09%	4.36%	-1.27%

Volatility

ISCIX vs. BISMX - Volatility Comparison

Federated Hermes International Small-Mid Company Fund IS (ISCIX) has a higher volatility of 5.51% compared to Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund Class I (BISMX) at 3.55%. This indicates that ISCIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BISMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ISCIX	BISMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.51%	3.55%	+1.96%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.04%	10.41%	+2.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.59%	12.57%	+3.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.27%	13.90%	+3.37%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.27%	14.24%	+3.03%

ISCIX vs. BISMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

ISCIX has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is lower than BISMX's 1.11% expense ratio.

Dividends

ISCIX vs. BISMX - Dividend Comparison

ISCIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.72%, 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%
ISCIX Federated Hermes International Small-Mid Company Fund IS	6.72%	7.45%	0.00%	1.05%	1.04%	7.82%	5.64%	4.97%	15.45%	6.38%	0.90%	12.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ISCIX and BISMX in my portfolio?

ISCIX and BISMX have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ISCIX or BISMX?

ISCIX has higher volatility (5.51%) compared to BISMX (3.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ISCIX dropped -62.00% vs BISMX's -47.07%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ISCIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.52 vs 0.80), 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.