CAEZX vs. DFCSX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

CAEZX (Columbia Acorn European Fund) and DFCSX (DFA Continental Small Company Portfolio) are both Europe Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, CAEZX returned 8.64%/yr vs 9.80%/yr for DFCSX. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CAEZX charges 1.19%/yr vs 0.42%/yr for DFCSX.

Performance

CAEZX vs. DFCSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Columbia Acorn European Fund (CAEZX) and DFA Continental Small Company Portfolio (DFCSX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with CAEZX having a 5.56% return and DFCSX slightly lower at 5.41%. Over the past 10 years, CAEZX has underperformed DFCSX with an annualized return of 8.64%, while DFCSX has yielded a comparatively higher 9.80% annualized return.

CAEZX

• 1D: -0.08%
• 1M: 0.14%
• YTD: 5.56%
• 6M: 5.86%
• 1Y: 12.63%
• 3Y*: 9.06%
• 5Y*: 1.51%
• 10Y*: 8.64%

DFCSX

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: -0.59%
• YTD: 5.41%
• 6M: 5.96%
• 1Y: 16.34%
• 3Y*: 14.92%
• 5Y*: 6.62%
• 10Y*: 9.80%

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

CAEZX vs. DFCSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CAEZX Columbia Acorn European Fund	5.56%	24.00%	-4.20%	25.11%	-38.02%	21.76%	23.09%	46.34%	-18.57%	38.37%
DFCSX DFA Continental Small Company Portfolio	5.41%	37.58%	0.20%	16.93%	-20.12%	14.66%	15.07%	25.90%	-19.67%	34.77%

Correlation

The correlation between CAEZX and DFCSX 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	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 18, 2011	0.89

The correlation between CAEZX and DFCSX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CAEZX vs. DFCSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

CAEZX

CAEZX Risk / Return Rank: 10
CAEZX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
CAEZX Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
CAEZX Omega Ratio Rank: 10
CAEZX Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
CAEZX Martin Ratio Rank: 12

DFCSX

DFCSX Risk / Return Rank: 18
DFCSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
DFCSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
DFCSX Omega Ratio Rank: 17
DFCSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
DFCSX Martin Ratio Rank: 19

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.

CAEZX vs. DFCSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Columbia Acorn European Fund (CAEZX) and DFA Continental Small Company Portfolio (DFCSX). 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.

	CAEZX	DFCSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.78	1.10	-0.33
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.22	1.64	-0.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.20	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.87	1.37	-0.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.17	4.60	-1.42

CAEZX vs. DFCSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CAEZX Sharpe Ratio is 0.78, which is comparable to the DFCSX Sharpe Ratio of 1.10. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CAEZX and DFCSX, 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

CAEZX vs. DFCSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CAEZX drawdown since its inception was -50.98%, smaller than the maximum DFCSX drawdown of -65.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CAEZX and DFCSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	CAEZX	DFCSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.98%	-65.47%	+14.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.38%	-11.82%	-2.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.07%	-15.96%	-6.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-50.98%	-39.25%	-11.73%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-50.98%	-43.16%	-7.82%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.26%	-2.69%	-3.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.50%	-13.62%	+2.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.95%	3.51%	+0.44%

Volatility

CAEZX vs. DFCSX - Volatility Comparison

Columbia Acorn European Fund (CAEZX) has a higher volatility of 5.01% compared to DFA Continental Small Company Portfolio (DFCSX) at 4.62%. This indicates that CAEZX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFCSX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CAEZX	DFCSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.01%	4.62%	+0.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.85%	11.98%	+1.87%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.18%	14.66%	+1.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.84%	17.96%	+3.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.88%	17.88%	+3.00%

CAEZX vs. DFCSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

CAEZX has a 1.19% expense ratio, which is higher than DFCSX's 0.42% expense ratio.

Dividends

CAEZX vs. DFCSX - Dividend Comparison

CAEZX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 20.30%, more than DFCSX's 2.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CAEZX Columbia Acorn European Fund	20.30%	20.97%	2.67%	0.84%	0.00%	0.40%	0.45%	1.04%	0.77%	1.26%	1.10%	1.57%
DFCSX DFA Continental Small Company Portfolio	2.86%	3.02%	4.94%	2.84%	2.45%	1.19%	1.55%	2.24%	6.28%	1.98%	1.97%	1.97%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CAEZX and DFCSX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, CAEZX and DFCSX 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, CAEZX or DFCSX?

CAEZX has higher volatility (5.01%) compared to DFCSX (4.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CAEZX dropped -50.98% vs DFCSX's -65.47%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFCSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.10 vs 0.78), 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.