SMARX vs. BFCAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SMARX (Brandes Separately Managed Account Reserve Trust) and BFCAX (American Funds Corporate Bond Fund) are both Corporate Bonds funds. Over the past 5 years, SMARX returned 1.74%/yr vs -0.59%/yr for BFCAX. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SMARX charges 0.00%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for BFCAX.

Performance

SMARX vs. BFCAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Brandes Separately Managed Account Reserve Trust (SMARX) and American Funds Corporate Bond Fund (BFCAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SMARX achieves a 0.87% return, which is significantly higher than BFCAX's 0.35% return.

SMARX

• 1D: 0.25%
• 1M: 1.33%
• YTD: 0.87%
• 6M: 1.31%
• 1Y: 4.99%
• 3Y*: 5.68%
• 5Y*: 1.74%
• 10Y*: 2.99%

BFCAX

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: 0.89%
• YTD: 0.35%
• 6M: 0.71%
• 1Y: 4.47%
• 3Y*: 4.31%
• 5Y*: -0.59%
• 10Y*: —

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

SMARX vs. BFCAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SMARX Brandes Separately Managed Account Reserve Trust	0.87%	6.91%	3.73%	9.76%	-11.77%	0.76%	6.55%	7.77%	-1.13%	4.75%
BFCAX American Funds Corporate Bond Fund	0.35%	6.67%	1.71%	6.85%	-16.51%	-2.15%	13.05%	13.21%	-2.50%	5.61%

Correlation

The correlation between SMARX and BFCAX is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2017	0.86

The correlation between SMARX and BFCAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SMARX vs. BFCAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMARX

SMARX Risk / Return Rank: 27
SMARX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
SMARX Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
SMARX Omega Ratio Rank: 24
SMARX Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
SMARX Martin Ratio Rank: 30

BFCAX

BFCAX Risk / Return Rank: 16
BFCAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
BFCAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
BFCAX Omega Ratio Rank: 14
BFCAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
BFCAX Martin Ratio Rank: 16

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.

SMARX vs. BFCAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Brandes Separately Managed Account Reserve Trust (SMARX) and American Funds Corporate Bond Fund (BFCAX). 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.

	SMARX	BFCAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.33	1.04	+0.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.01	1.53	+0.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.18	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.92	1.44	+0.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.52	4.08	+2.44

SMARX vs. BFCAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMARX Sharpe Ratio is 1.33, which is comparable to the BFCAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMARX and BFCAX, 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

SMARX vs. BFCAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMARX drawdown since its inception was -47.07%, which is greater than BFCAX's maximum drawdown of -23.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMARX and BFCAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMARX	BFCAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.07%	-23.01%	-24.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.61%	-3.11%	+0.50%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.19%	-6.92%	+1.73%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.20%	-22.55%	+6.35%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-16.20%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.45%	-4.95%	+4.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.96%	-6.45%	-0.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.77%	1.10%	-0.33%

Volatility

SMARX vs. BFCAX - Volatility Comparison

Brandes Separately Managed Account Reserve Trust (SMARX) and American Funds Corporate Bond Fund (BFCAX) have volatilities of 1.23% and 1.27%, 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

	SMARX	BFCAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.23%	1.27%	-0.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.89%	3.22%	-0.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.76%	4.31%	-0.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.16%	6.70%	-1.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.39%	5.98%	-1.59%

SMARX vs. BFCAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMARX has a 0.00% expense ratio, which is lower than BFCAX's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMARX vs. BFCAX - Dividend Comparison

SMARX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.76%, more than BFCAX's 4.20% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BFCAX American Funds Corporate Bond Fund	4.20%	4.20%	4.06%	2.82%	1.95%	1.50%	4.43%	3.44%	2.63%	2.68%	0.00%	0.00%
SMARX Brandes Separately Managed Account Reserve Trust	4.76%	5.02%	4.07%	3.85%	3.53%	2.57%	3.35%	4.19%	4.55%	4.20%	4.87%	5.24%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMARX and BFCAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, SMARX and BFCAX 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, SMARX or BFCAX?

BFCAX has higher volatility (1.27%) compared to SMARX (1.23%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMARX dropped -47.07% vs BFCAX's -23.01%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMARX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.33 vs 1.04), 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.