DFALX vs. BTMKX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

DFALX (DFA Large Cap International Portfolio) and BTMKX (iShares MSCI EAFE International Index Fund) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, DFALX returned 9.97%/yr vs 9.38%/yr for BTMKX. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFALX charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for BTMKX.

Performance

DFALX vs. BTMKX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA Large Cap International Portfolio (DFALX) and iShares MSCI EAFE International Index Fund (BTMKX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFALX achieves a 10.25% return, which is significantly higher than BTMKX's 9.29% return. Over the past 10 years, DFALX has outperformed BTMKX with an annualized return of 9.97%, while BTMKX has yielded a comparatively lower 9.38% annualized return.

DFALX

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: 2.09%
• YTD: 10.25%
• 6M: 13.47%
• 1Y: 24.95%
• 3Y*: 18.51%
• 5Y*: 9.58%
• 10Y*: 9.97%

BTMKX

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 2.62%
• YTD: 9.29%
• 6M: 12.25%
• 1Y: 21.09%
• 3Y*: 17.08%
• 5Y*: 8.76%
• 10Y*: 9.38%

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

DFALX vs. BTMKX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFALX DFA Large Cap International Portfolio	10.25%	33.60%	4.55%	17.88%	-13.04%	12.79%	8.13%	22.05%	-14.15%	25.35%
BTMKX iShares MSCI EAFE International Index Fund	9.29%	31.70%	3.70%	18.37%	-14.04%	11.30%	8.07%	21.96%	-13.38%	25.17%

Correlation

The correlation between DFALX and BTMKX is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 1, 2011	0.99

The correlation between DFALX and BTMKX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFALX vs. BTMKX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFALX

DFALX Risk / Return Rank: 42
DFALX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
DFALX Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
DFALX Omega Ratio Rank: 40
DFALX Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
DFALX Martin Ratio Rank: 48

BTMKX

BTMKX Risk / Return Rank: 27
BTMKX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
BTMKX Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
BTMKX Omega Ratio Rank: 26
BTMKX Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
BTMKX Martin Ratio Rank: 32

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.

DFALX vs. BTMKX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA Large Cap International Portfolio (DFALX) and iShares MSCI EAFE International Index Fund (BTMKX). 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.

	DFALX	BTMKX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.89	1.49	+0.40
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.63	2.13	+0.50
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.27	+0.07
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.56	2.01	+0.55
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	10.00	7.54	+2.46
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFALX vs. BTMKX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFALX Sharpe Ratio is 1.89, which is comparable to the BTMKX Sharpe Ratio of 1.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFALX and BTMKX, 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

	DFALX	BTMKX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.89	1.49	+0.40
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.61	0.54	+0.07
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.62	0.56	+0.05
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.38	0.39	-0.02

Drawdowns

DFALX vs. BTMKX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFALX drawdown since its inception was -59.76%, which is greater than BTMKX's maximum drawdown of -33.92%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFALX and BTMKX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFALX	BTMKX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.76%	-33.92%	-25.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.70%	-11.30%	+0.60%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.11%	-13.66%	+0.55%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.52%	-29.23%	+1.71%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.58%	-33.92%	-1.66%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.60%	-0.70%	+0.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.01%	-7.77%	-4.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.74%	3.01%	-0.27%

Volatility

DFALX vs. BTMKX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA Large Cap International Portfolio (DFALX) is 4.27%, while iShares MSCI EAFE International Index Fund (BTMKX) has a volatility of 4.73%. This indicates that DFALX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BTMKX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFALX	BTMKX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.27%	4.73%	-0.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.41%	12.29%	-0.88%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.13%	15.17%	-1.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.67%	16.17%	-0.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.18%	16.67%	-0.49%

DFALX vs. BTMKX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFALX has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is higher than BTMKX's 0.05% 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

DFALX vs. BTMKX - Dividend Comparison

DFALX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.74%, less than BTMKX's 3.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BTMKX iShares MSCI EAFE International Index Fund	3.43%	3.74%	3.43%	3.19%	2.80%	3.06%	1.99%	3.34%	4.58%	2.45%	2.85%	2.42%
DFALX DFA Large Cap International Portfolio	2.74%	2.89%	3.18%	3.24%	2.86%	3.00%	1.88%	2.88%	3.07%	2.55%	2.89%	2.94%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFALX and BTMKX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, DFALX and BTMKX 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, DFALX or BTMKX?

BTMKX has higher volatility (4.73%) compared to DFALX (4.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFALX dropped -59.76% vs BTMKX's -33.92%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFALX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.89 vs 1.49), 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.