DFCSX vs. DFIVX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

DFCSX (DFA Continental Small Company Portfolio) and DFIVX (DFA International Value Portfolio Institutional Class) are both mutual funds - DFCSX is a Europe Equities fund managed by Dimensional, while DFIVX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. Over the past 10 years, DFCSX returned 10.23%/yr vs 12.25%/yr for DFIVX. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFCSX charges 0.42%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for DFIVX.

Performance

DFCSX vs. DFIVX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA Continental Small Company Portfolio (DFCSX) and DFA International Value Portfolio Institutional Class (DFIVX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFCSX achieves a 3.80% return, which is significantly lower than DFIVX's 10.39% return. Over the past 10 years, DFCSX has underperformed DFIVX with an annualized return of 10.23%, while DFIVX has yielded a comparatively higher 12.25% annualized return.

DFCSX

• 1D: -1.29%
• 1M: -2.11%
• YTD: 3.80%
• 6M: 3.93%
• 1Y: 12.16%
• 3Y*: 15.79%
• 5Y*: 6.00%
• 10Y*: 10.23%

DFIVX

• 1D: -1.62%
• 1M: -1.53%
• YTD: 10.39%
• 6M: 9.96%
• 1Y: 32.31%
• 3Y*: 23.32%
• 5Y*: 14.27%
• 10Y*: 12.25%

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

DFCSX vs. DFIVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFCSX DFA Continental Small Company Portfolio	3.80%	37.58%	0.20%	16.93%	-20.12%	14.66%	15.07%	25.90%	-19.67%	34.77%
DFIVX DFA International Value Portfolio Institutional Class	10.39%	45.24%	6.87%	17.83%	-3.51%	18.57%	-2.13%	15.68%	-17.49%	26.08%

Correlation

The correlation between DFCSX and DFIVX is 0.86, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.86
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 15, 1994	0.82

The correlation between DFCSX and DFIVX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFCSX vs. DFIVX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFCSX

DFCSX Risk / Return Rank: 15
DFCSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
DFCSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
DFCSX Omega Ratio Rank: 15
DFCSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
DFCSX Martin Ratio Rank: 17

DFIVX

DFIVX Risk / Return Rank: 76
DFIVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
DFIVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
DFIVX Omega Ratio Rank: 69
DFIVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
DFIVX Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

DFCSX vs. DFIVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA Continental Small Company Portfolio (DFCSX) and DFA International Value Portfolio Institutional Class (DFIVX). 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.

	DFCSX	DFIVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.94	2.37	-1.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.42	3.19	-1.77
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.42	-0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.17	3.54	-2.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.90	13.75	-9.85

DFCSX vs. DFIVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFCSX Sharpe Ratio is 0.94, which is lower than the DFIVX Sharpe Ratio of 2.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFCSX and DFIVX, 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

DFCSX vs. DFIVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFCSX drawdown since its inception was -65.47%, roughly equal to the maximum DFIVX drawdown of -66.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFCSX and DFIVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFCSX	DFIVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.47%	-66.61%	+1.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.82%	-9.58%	-2.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.96%	-14.39%	-1.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.25%	-25.29%	-13.96%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.16%	-48.11%	+4.95%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.18%	-2.60%	-1.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.61%	-12.22%	-1.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.52%	2.46%	+1.06%

Volatility

DFCSX vs. DFIVX - Volatility Comparison

DFA Continental Small Company Portfolio (DFCSX) and DFA International Value Portfolio Institutional Class (DFIVX) have volatilities of 4.52% and 4.49%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFCSX	DFIVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.52%	4.49%	+0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.02%	11.50%	+0.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.72%	14.29%	+0.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.97%	16.32%	+1.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.69%	17.75%	-0.06%

DFCSX vs. DFIVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFCSX has a 0.42% expense ratio, which is higher than DFIVX's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFCSX vs. DFIVX - Dividend Comparison

DFCSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.91%, less than DFIVX's 3.82% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFCSX DFA Continental Small Company Portfolio	2.91%	3.02%	4.94%	2.84%	2.45%	1.19%	1.55%	2.24%	6.28%	1.98%	1.97%	1.97%
DFIVX DFA International Value Portfolio Institutional Class	3.82%	4.21%	3.94%	4.40%	3.78%	4.37%	2.42%	3.70%	6.60%	2.85%	3.36%	3.45%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFCSX and DFIVX in my portfolio?

DFCSX and DFIVX have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFCSX or DFIVX?

DFCSX has higher volatility (4.52%) compared to DFIVX (4.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFCSX dropped -65.47% vs DFIVX's -66.61%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFIVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.37 vs 0.94), 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.