CCASX vs. DFEMX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

CCASX (Conestoga Small Cap) and DFEMX (DFA Emerging Markets Portfolio) are both mutual funds - CCASX is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Conestoga Capital Advisors, while DFEMX is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund managed by Dimensional. Over the past 10 years, CCASX returned 9.17%/yr vs 11.51%/yr for DFEMX. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CCASX charges 1.10%/yr vs 0.36%/yr for DFEMX.

Performance

CCASX vs. DFEMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Conestoga Small Cap (CCASX) and DFA Emerging Markets Portfolio (DFEMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CCASX achieves a 1.93% return, which is significantly lower than DFEMX's 31.30% return. Over the past 10 years, CCASX has underperformed DFEMX with an annualized return of 9.17%, while DFEMX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.51% annualized return.

CCASX

• 1D: 0.35%
• 1M: 2.66%
• YTD: 1.93%
• 6M: 0.36%
• 1Y: -2.91%
• 3Y*: 2.10%
• 5Y*: -0.32%
• 10Y*: 9.17%

DFEMX

• 1D: 1.02%
• 1M: 10.69%
• YTD: 31.30%
• 6M: 34.75%
• 1Y: 60.80%
• 3Y*: 25.98%
• 5Y*: 10.30%
• 10Y*: 11.51%

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

CCASX vs. DFEMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CCASX Conestoga Small Cap	1.93%	-11.00%	8.74%	22.13%	-28.32%	16.02%	30.34%	25.18%	0.60%	28.42%
DFEMX DFA Emerging Markets Portfolio	31.30%	33.57%	6.90%	13.08%	-16.91%	2.53%	13.89%	16.02%	-13.62%	36.57%

Correlation

The correlation between CCASX and DFEMX is 0.42, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.42
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.47
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.51
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 15, 2002	0.59

The correlation between CCASX and DFEMX shifts across timeframes, from 0.42 (1 year) to 0.59 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

CCASX vs. DFEMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

CCASX

CCASX Risk / Return Rank: 2
CCASX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
CCASX Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
CCASX Omega Ratio Rank: 2
CCASX Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
CCASX Martin Ratio Rank: 2

DFEMX

DFEMX Risk / Return Rank: 93
DFEMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
DFEMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
DFEMX Omega Ratio Rank: 92
DFEMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
DFEMX Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

CCASX vs. DFEMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Conestoga Small Cap (CCASX) and DFA Emerging Markets Portfolio (DFEMX). 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.

	CCASX	DFEMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.07	3.69	-3.75
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.04	4.67	-4.63
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.00	1.69	-0.69
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.09	4.82	-4.90
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.23	19.39	-19.62
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CCASX vs. DFEMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CCASX Sharpe Ratio is -0.07, which is lower than the DFEMX Sharpe Ratio of 3.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CCASX and DFEMX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	CCASX	DFEMX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.07	3.69	-3.75
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.01	0.66	-0.68
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.43	0.70	-0.27
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.44	0.41	+0.03

Drawdowns

CCASX vs. DFEMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CCASX drawdown since its inception was -48.00%, smaller than the maximum DFEMX drawdown of -62.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CCASX and DFEMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	CCASX	DFEMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.00%	-62.43%	+14.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.51%	-12.85%	-1.66%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.74%	-16.12%	-11.62%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.14%	-31.84%	-6.30%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.14%	-40.44%	+2.30%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-18.14%	0.00%	-18.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.19%	-15.34%	+6.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.52%	3.17%	+2.35%

Volatility

CCASX vs. DFEMX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Conestoga Small Cap (CCASX) is 4.88%, while DFA Emerging Markets Portfolio (DFEMX) has a volatility of 7.55%. This indicates that CCASX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFEMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CCASX	DFEMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.88%	7.55%	-2.67%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.55%	14.71%	-1.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.72%	16.80%	+1.92%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.77%	15.69%	+6.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.51%	16.57%	+4.94%

CCASX vs. DFEMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

CCASX has a 1.10% expense ratio, which is higher than DFEMX's 0.36% expense ratio.

Dividends

CCASX vs. DFEMX - Dividend Comparison

CCASX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.48%, more than DFEMX's 1.94% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CCASX Conestoga Small Cap	5.48%	5.58%	0.00%	0.86%	4.12%	5.27%	0.00%	2.14%	1.46%	5.63%	1.18%	1.88%
DFEMX DFA Emerging Markets Portfolio	1.94%	2.55%	3.14%	3.34%	3.90%	6.13%	1.45%	2.33%	2.14%	1.74%	1.92%	2.08%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CCASX and DFEMX in my portfolio?

CCASX and DFEMX have a correlation of 0.42, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CCASX or DFEMX?

DFEMX has higher volatility (7.55%) compared to CCASX (4.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CCASX dropped -48.00% vs DFEMX's -62.43%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFEMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.69 vs -0.07), 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.