DAFGX vs. DCEMX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

DAFGX (Dunham Focused Large Cap Growth Fund) and DCEMX (Dunham Emerging Markets Stock Fund) are both mutual funds - DAFGX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Dunham, while DCEMX is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund managed by Dunham. Over the past 10 years, DAFGX returned 13.09%/yr vs 7.23%/yr for DCEMX. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DAFGX charges 1.37%/yr vs 2.03%/yr for DCEMX.

Performance

DAFGX vs. DCEMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dunham Focused Large Cap Growth Fund (DAFGX) and Dunham Emerging Markets Stock Fund (DCEMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DAFGX achieves a 4.06% return, which is significantly lower than DCEMX's 25.63% return. Over the past 10 years, DAFGX has outperformed DCEMX with an annualized return of 13.09%, while DCEMX has yielded a comparatively lower 7.23% annualized return.

DAFGX

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: 5.57%
• 6M: 3.19%
• YTD: 4.06%
• 1Y: 0.11%
• 3Y*: 9.13%
• 5Y*: 2.29%
• 10Y*: 13.09%

DCEMX

• 1D: 0.62%
• 1M: -1.86%
• 6M: 18.83%
• YTD: 25.63%
• 1Y: 44.59%
• 3Y*: 19.68%
• 5Y*: 4.66%
• 10Y*: 7.23%

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

DAFGX vs. DCEMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DAFGX Dunham Focused Large Cap Growth Fund	4.06%	1.72%	11.42%	54.81%	-38.96%	13.01%	49.42%	35.17%	9.80%	26.10%
DCEMX Dunham Emerging Markets Stock Fund	25.63%	28.90%	4.84%	6.16%	-25.20%	-7.30%	23.89%	21.88%	-20.99%	32.42%

Correlation

The correlation between DAFGX and DCEMX is 0.59, 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	0.59
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.57
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 8, 2011	0.60

The correlation between DAFGX and DCEMX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.57 to 0.60 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DAFGX vs. DCEMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DAFGX

DAFGX Risk / Return Rank: 3
DAFGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
DAFGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
DAFGX Omega Ratio Rank: 3
DAFGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
DAFGX Martin Ratio Rank: 3

DCEMX

DCEMX Risk / Return Rank: 67
DCEMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
DCEMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
DCEMX Omega Ratio Rank: 64
DCEMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
DCEMX Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

DAFGX vs. DCEMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dunham Focused Large Cap Growth Fund (DAFGX) and Dunham Emerging Markets Stock Fund (DCEMX). 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.

	DAFGX	DCEMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.04	1.77	-1.82
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.08	2.26	-2.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.01	1.33	-0.32
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.03	3.18	-3.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.07	10.59	-10.66

DAFGX vs. DCEMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DAFGX Sharpe Ratio is -0.04, which is lower than the DCEMX Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DAFGX and DCEMX, 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

DAFGX vs. DCEMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DAFGX drawdown since its inception was -47.69%, smaller than the maximum DCEMX drawdown of -70.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DAFGX and DCEMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DAFGX	DCEMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.69%	-70.65%	+22.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-27.70%	-13.89%	-13.81%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-34.81%	-16.83%	-17.98%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-47.69%	-39.23%	-8.46%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.69%	-45.88%	-1.81%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.31%	-7.56%	-4.75%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.59%	-26.04%	+16.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	12.36%	4.16%	+8.20%

Volatility

DAFGX vs. DCEMX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dunham Focused Large Cap Growth Fund (DAFGX) is 7.48%, while Dunham Emerging Markets Stock Fund (DCEMX) has a volatility of 11.91%. This indicates that DAFGX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DCEMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DAFGX	DCEMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.48%	11.91%	-4.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.60%	22.61%	-6.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.38%	24.90%	-4.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.39%	19.15%	+7.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.46%	18.65%	+6.81%

DAFGX vs. DCEMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DAFGX has a 1.37% expense ratio, which is lower than DCEMX's 2.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

DAFGX vs. DCEMX - Dividend Comparison

DAFGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 15.87%, more than DCEMX's 1.72% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DAFGX Dunham Focused Large Cap Growth Fund	15.87%	16.51%	0.00%	2.40%	0.00%	8.61%	2.31%	3.33%	8.90%	0.95%	0.00%	0.58%
DCEMX Dunham Emerging Markets Stock Fund	1.72%	2.17%	0.00%	0.12%	0.00%	9.47%	0.00%	0.26%	1.00%	0.38%	1.27%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DAFGX and DCEMX in my portfolio?

DAFGX and DCEMX have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DAFGX or DCEMX?

DCEMX has higher volatility (11.91%) compared to DAFGX (7.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DAFGX dropped -47.69% vs DCEMX's -70.65%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DCEMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs -0.04), 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.