DFABX vs. DFIEX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFABX (DFA Short-Term Selective State Municipal Bond Portfolio) and DFIEX (DFA International Core Equity Portfolio I) are both mutual funds - DFABX is a Municipal Bonds fund managed by Dimensional, while DFIEX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by Dimensional. Over the past 3 years, DFABX returned 2.78%/yr vs 19.70%/yr for DFIEX. At a 0.13 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. DFABX charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.24%/yr for DFIEX.

Performance

DFABX vs. DFIEX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA Short-Term Selective State Municipal Bond Portfolio (DFABX) and DFA International Core Equity Portfolio I (DFIEX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFABX achieves a 1.18% return, which is significantly lower than DFIEX's 10.75% return.

DFABX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.30%
• YTD: 1.18%
• 6M: 1.18%
• 1Y: 2.66%
• 3Y*: 2.78%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFIEX

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 0.72%
• YTD: 10.75%
• 6M: 10.21%
• 1Y: 27.85%
• 3Y*: 19.70%
• 5Y*: 10.12%
• 10Y*: 10.71%

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

DFABX vs. DFIEX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFABX DFA Short-Term Selective State Municipal Bond Portfolio	1.18%	2.46%	2.90%	2.87%	0.55%
DFIEX DFA International Core Equity Portfolio I	10.75%	36.18%	3.99%	17.50%	-7.80%

Correlation

The correlation between DFABX and DFIEX is 0.18, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.18
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.12
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 14, 2022	0.13

Return for Risk

DFABX vs. DFIEX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFABX

DFABX Risk / Return Rank: 100
DFABX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
DFABX Sortino Ratio Rank: 100
DFABX Omega Ratio Rank: 100
DFABX Calmar Ratio Rank: 100
DFABX Martin Ratio Rank: 100

DFIEX

DFIEX Risk / Return Rank: 53
DFIEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
DFIEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
DFIEX Omega Ratio Rank: 53
DFIEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
DFIEX Martin Ratio Rank: 53

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.

DFABX vs. DFIEX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA Short-Term Selective State Municipal Bond Portfolio (DFABX) and DFA International Core Equity Portfolio I (DFIEX). 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.

	DFABX	DFIEX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	4.77	2.03	+2.74
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	12.57	2.81	+9.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	6.47	1.37	+5.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	24.96	2.62	+22.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	107.63	10.16	+97.47

DFABX vs. DFIEX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFABX Sharpe Ratio is 4.77, which is higher than the DFIEX Sharpe Ratio of 2.03. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFABX and DFIEX, 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

DFABX vs. DFIEX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFABX drawdown since its inception was -2.46%, smaller than the maximum DFIEX drawdown of -62.22%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFABX and DFIEX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFABX	DFIEX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.46%	-62.22%	+59.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.11%	-11.01%	+10.90%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-0.60%	-12.81%	+12.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-28.66%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.04%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.61%	+0.61%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.23%	-12.15%	+11.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.02%	2.82%	-2.80%

Volatility

DFABX vs. DFIEX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA Short-Term Selective State Municipal Bond Portfolio (DFABX) is 0.17%, while DFA International Core Equity Portfolio I (DFIEX) has a volatility of 4.48%. This indicates that DFABX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFIEX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFABX	DFIEX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.17%	4.48%	-4.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.42%	11.73%	-11.31%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.56%	14.25%	-13.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	0.96%	15.80%	-14.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	0.96%	16.35%	-15.39%

DFABX vs. DFIEX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFABX has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than DFIEX's 0.24% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

DFABX vs. DFIEX - Dividend Comparison

DFABX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.62%, less than DFIEX's 2.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFABX DFA Short-Term Selective State Municipal Bond Portfolio	2.62%	2.33%	2.86%	2.52%	1.25%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DFIEX DFA International Core Equity Portfolio I	2.92%	3.22%	3.42%	3.36%	2.88%	2.98%	1.77%	2.90%	2.95%	2.49%	2.76%	4.20%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFABX and DFIEX in my portfolio?

DFABX and DFIEX have a correlation of 0.18, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFABX or DFIEX?

DFIEX has higher volatility (4.48%) compared to DFABX (0.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFABX dropped -2.46% vs DFIEX's -62.22%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFABX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.77 vs 2.03), 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.