DEMSX vs. ACWX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

DEMSX (DFA Emerging Markets Small Cap Portfolio) and ACWX (iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF) are both funds - DEMSX is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund managed by Dimensional, while ACWX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI All Country World ex-U.S. Index. Over the past 10 years, DEMSX returned 9.34%/yr vs 9.51%/yr for ACWX. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DEMSX charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for ACWX.

Performance

DEMSX vs. ACWX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA Emerging Markets Small Cap Portfolio (DEMSX) and iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF (ACWX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DEMSX achieves a 10.80% return, which is significantly lower than ACWX's 14.55% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with DEMSX having a 9.34% annualized return and ACWX not far ahead at 9.51%.

DEMSX

• 1D: -0.64%
• 1M: -0.81%
• YTD: 10.80%
• 6M: 11.82%
• 1Y: 22.40%
• 3Y*: 14.65%
• 5Y*: 6.78%
• 10Y*: 9.34%

ACWX

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: 3.98%
• YTD: 14.55%
• 6M: 16.91%
• 1Y: 31.47%
• 3Y*: 19.62%
• 5Y*: 8.41%
• 10Y*: 9.51%

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

DEMSX vs. ACWX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DEMSX DFA Emerging Markets Small Cap Portfolio	10.80%	19.01%	4.92%	16.32%	-15.30%	19.54%	13.82%	14.89%	-17.55%	33.32%
ACWX iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF	14.55%	32.59%	5.17%	15.63%	-16.07%	7.67%	10.29%	21.05%	-13.99%	27.20%

Correlation

The correlation between DEMSX and ACWX is 0.67, 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	0.67
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.72
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 1, 2008	0.79

The correlation between DEMSX and ACWX shifts across timeframes, from 0.67 (1 year) to 0.79 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DEMSX vs. ACWX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DEMSX

DEMSX Risk / Return Rank: 38
DEMSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
DEMSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
DEMSX Omega Ratio Rank: 40
DEMSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
DEMSX Martin Ratio Rank: 37

ACWX

ACWX Risk / Return Rank: 61
ACWX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
ACWX Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
ACWX Omega Ratio Rank: 62
ACWX Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
ACWX Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

DEMSX vs. ACWX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA Emerging Markets Small Cap Portfolio (DEMSX) and iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF (ACWX). 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.

	DEMSX	ACWX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.78	2.04	-0.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.48	2.81	-0.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.37	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.29	2.77	-0.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.13	10.77	-2.64
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DEMSX vs. ACWX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DEMSX Sharpe Ratio is 1.78, which is comparable to the ACWX Sharpe Ratio of 2.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DEMSX and ACWX, 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

	DEMSX	ACWX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.78	2.04	-0.26
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.51	0.52	-0.01
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.63	0.55	+0.08
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.61	0.23	+0.38

Drawdowns

DEMSX vs. ACWX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DEMSX drawdown since its inception was -66.70%, which is greater than ACWX's maximum drawdown of -60.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DEMSX and ACWX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DEMSX	ACWX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-66.70%	-60.40%	-6.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.30%	-11.42%	+1.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.21%	-13.84%	-3.37%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.40%	-30.07%	+5.67%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.28%	-35.38%	-11.90%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.49%	-0.84%	-1.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.60%	-13.33%	-0.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.89%	2.93%	-0.04%

Volatility

DEMSX vs. ACWX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA Emerging Markets Small Cap Portfolio (DEMSX) is 4.78%, while iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF (ACWX) has a volatility of 5.61%. This indicates that DEMSX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ACWX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DEMSX	ACWX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.78%	5.61%	-0.83%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.00%	13.26%	-2.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.23%	15.50%	-2.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.29%	16.28%	-2.99%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.79%	17.38%	-2.59%

DEMSX vs. ACWX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DEMSX has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than ACWX's 0.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

DEMSX vs. ACWX - Dividend Comparison

DEMSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.45%, more than ACWX's 2.46% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ACWX iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF	2.46%	2.82%	2.97%	2.96%	2.68%	2.74%	1.88%	3.22%	2.60%	2.40%	2.77%	2.51%
DEMSX DFA Emerging Markets Small Cap Portfolio	3.45%	3.79%	3.27%	2.94%	4.47%	10.20%	2.25%	3.11%	5.02%	3.41%	3.74%	3.24%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DEMSX and ACWX in my portfolio?

DEMSX and ACWX have a correlation of 0.67, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DEMSX or ACWX?

ACWX has higher volatility (5.61%) compared to DEMSX (4.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DEMSX dropped -66.70% vs ACWX's -60.40%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ACWX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.04 vs 1.78), 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.