PSTIX vs. BRPIX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

PSTIX (PIMCO StocksPLUS Short Fund) and BRPIX (ProFunds Bear Fund) are both Inverse Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, PSTIX returned -10.34%/yr vs -14.31%/yr for BRPIX. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. PSTIX charges 0.64%/yr vs 1.64%/yr for BRPIX.

Performance

PSTIX vs. BRPIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PIMCO StocksPLUS Short Fund (PSTIX) and ProFunds Bear Fund (BRPIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PSTIX achieves a -6.34% return, which is significantly higher than BRPIX's -7.68% return. Over the past 10 years, PSTIX has outperformed BRPIX with an annualized return of -10.34%, while BRPIX has yielded a comparatively lower -14.31% annualized return.

PSTIX

• 1D: -1.13%
• 1M: 0.72%
• YTD: -6.34%
• 6M: -5.47%
• 1Y: -13.81%
• 3Y*: -9.42%
• 5Y*: -7.10%
• 10Y*: -10.34%

BRPIX

• 1D: -1.06%
• 1M: -0.36%
• YTD: -7.68%
• 6M: -7.14%
• 1Y: -17.56%
• 3Y*: -14.92%
• 5Y*: -11.37%
• 10Y*: -14.31%

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

PSTIX vs. BRPIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PSTIX PIMCO StocksPLUS Short Fund	-6.34%	-8.24%	-11.28%	-11.01%	17.41%	-21.89%	-20.83%	-20.27%	5.21%	-14.04%
BRPIX ProFunds Bear Fund	-7.68%	-12.27%	-20.40%	-15.39%	17.31%	-24.68%	-25.63%	-23.18%	4.03%	-18.03%

Correlation

The correlation between PSTIX and BRPIX is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2004	0.95

The correlation between PSTIX and BRPIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PSTIX vs. BRPIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSTIX

PSTIX Risk / Return Rank: 0
PSTIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 0
PSTIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 0
PSTIX Omega Ratio Rank: 0
PSTIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 0
PSTIX Martin Ratio Rank: 0

BRPIX

BRPIX Risk / Return Rank: 0
BRPIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 0
BRPIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 0
BRPIX Omega Ratio Rank: 0
BRPIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 0
BRPIX Martin Ratio Rank: 0

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.

PSTIX vs. BRPIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PIMCO StocksPLUS Short Fund (PSTIX) and ProFunds Bear Fund (BRPIX). 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.

	PSTIX	BRPIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.13	-1.39	+0.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.62	-2.01	+0.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.82	0.78	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.89	-0.93	+0.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.62	-1.63	+0.01

PSTIX vs. BRPIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSTIX Sharpe Ratio is -1.13, which is comparable to the BRPIX Sharpe Ratio of -1.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSTIX and BRPIX, 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

PSTIX vs. BRPIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSTIX drawdown since its inception was -90.52%, smaller than the maximum BRPIX drawdown of -96.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSTIX and BRPIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSTIX	BRPIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-90.52%	-96.76%	+6.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.05%	-17.86%	+2.81%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-33.92%	-44.49%	+10.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.53%	-50.06%	+12.53%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-68.34%	-79.74%	+11.40%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-90.34%	-96.33%	+5.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-57.24%	-62.17%	+4.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.39%	10.65%	-2.26%

Volatility

PSTIX vs. BRPIX - Volatility Comparison

PIMCO StocksPLUS Short Fund (PSTIX) and ProFunds Bear Fund (BRPIX) have volatilities of 4.48% and 4.70%, 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

	PSTIX	BRPIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.48%	4.70%	-0.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.46%	10.00%	-0.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.11%	12.53%	-0.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.55%	17.27%	-0.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.54%	17.92%	-0.38%

PSTIX vs. BRPIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSTIX has a 0.64% expense ratio, which is lower than BRPIX's 1.64% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSTIX vs. BRPIX - Dividend Comparison

PSTIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.90%, less than BRPIX's 4.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BRPIX ProFunds Bear Fund	4.71%	4.35%	0.00%	5.58%	0.00%	0.00%	0.06%	0.27%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PSTIX PIMCO StocksPLUS Short Fund	0.90%	0.00%	0.00%	4.09%	1.16%	0.68%	5.06%	1.23%	1.26%	1.68%	0.00%	3.57%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSTIX and BRPIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, PSTIX and BRPIX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, PSTIX or BRPIX?

BRPIX has higher volatility (4.70%) compared to PSTIX (4.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSTIX dropped -90.52% vs BRPIX's -96.76%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PSTIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-1.13 vs -1.39), 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.