PNVAX vs. BISAX

Last updated Jun 20, 2026

PNVAX (Putnam International Capital Opportunities Fund) and BISAX (Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, PNVAX returned 8.41%/yr vs 10.57%/yr for BISAX. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PNVAX charges 1.51%/yr vs 1.36%/yr for BISAX.

Performance

PNVAX vs. BISAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Putnam International Capital Opportunities Fund (PNVAX) 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, PNVAX achieves a 2.08% return, which is significantly higher than BISAX's -1.31% return. Over the past 10 years, PNVAX has underperformed BISAX with an annualized return of 8.41%, while BISAX has yielded a comparatively higher 10.57% annualized return.

PNVAX

• 1D: 0.53%
• 1M: 0.13%
• YTD: 2.08%
• 6M: 2.52%
• 1Y: 9.61%
• 3Y*: 12.85%
• 5Y*: 5.90%
• 10Y*: 8.41%

BISAX

• 1D: -0.46%
• 1M: -1.95%
• YTD: -1.31%
• 6M: -0.19%
• 1Y: 10.95%
• 3Y*: 26.85%
• 5Y*: 16.97%
• 10Y*: 10.57%

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

PNVAX vs. BISAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PNVAX Putnam International Capital Opportunities Fund	2.08%	30.18%	3.09%	15.24%	-18.02%	13.59%	11.02%	25.85%	-16.67%	34.55%
BISAX Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund	-1.31%	45.50%	23.18%	39.03%	-8.68%	18.39%	4.62%	6.80%	-20.13%	11.52%

Correlation

The correlation between PNVAX and BISAX is 0.78, 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	0.78
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 1, 2012	0.82

The correlation between PNVAX and BISAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PNVAX vs. BISAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PNVAX

PNVAX Risk / Return Rank: 8
PNVAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
PNVAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
PNVAX Omega Ratio Rank: 8
PNVAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
PNVAX Martin Ratio Rank: 9

BISAX

BISAX Risk / Return Rank: 11
BISAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
BISAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
BISAX Omega Ratio Rank: 11
BISAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
BISAX 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.

PNVAX vs. BISAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Putnam International Capital Opportunities Fund (PNVAX) 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.

	PNVAX	BISAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.63	0.84	-0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.97	1.30	-0.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	1.15	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.70	0.90	-0.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.41	2.41	0.00

PNVAX vs. BISAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PNVAX Sharpe Ratio is 0.63, which is comparable to the BISAX Sharpe Ratio of 0.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PNVAX 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

PNVAX vs. BISAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PNVAX drawdown since its inception was -64.91%, which is greater than BISAX's maximum drawdown of -47.30%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PNVAX and BISAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PNVAX	BISAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.91%	-47.30%	-17.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.87%	-11.63%	-1.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.16%	-11.63%	-1.53%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.83%	-31.44%	-5.39%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.07%	-47.30%	+10.23%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.86%	-9.45%	+5.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.76%	-8.04%	-9.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.75%	4.33%	-0.58%

Volatility

PNVAX vs. BISAX - Volatility Comparison

Putnam International Capital Opportunities Fund (PNVAX) has a higher volatility of 4.83% compared to Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund (BISAX) at 3.52%. This indicates that PNVAX'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

	PNVAX	BISAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.83%	3.52%	+1.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.62%	10.36%	+1.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.44%	12.51%	+1.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.85%	13.91%	+1.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.25%	14.28%	+1.97%

PNVAX vs. BISAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PNVAX has a 1.51% expense ratio, which is higher than BISAX's 1.36% expense ratio.

Dividends

PNVAX vs. BISAX - Dividend Comparison

PNVAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 12.80%, more than BISAX's 3.27% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BISAX Brandes International Small Cap Equity Fund	3.27%	3.23%	3.06%	2.81%	3.87%	3.46%	0.81%	0.66%	3.88%	8.33%	4.00%	3.44%
PNVAX Putnam International Capital Opportunities Fund	12.80%	13.06%	3.89%	1.21%	0.48%	13.42%	4.40%	1.33%	9.91%	2.75%	2.53%	1.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PNVAX and BISAX in my portfolio?

PNVAX and BISAX have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PNVAX or BISAX?

PNVAX has higher volatility (4.83%) compared to BISAX (3.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PNVAX dropped -64.91% vs BISAX's -47.30%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BISAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.83 vs 0.63), 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.