DFDSX vs. DFDMX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

DFDSX (DF Dent Small Cap Growth Fund) and DFDMX (DF Dent Midcap Growth Fund) are both mutual funds - DFDSX is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund managed by DF Dent Funds, while DFDMX is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund managed by DF Dent Funds. Over the past 10 years, DFDSX returned 9.00%/yr vs 9.08%/yr for DFDMX. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFDSX charges 1.05%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for DFDMX.

Performance

DFDSX vs. DFDMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DF Dent Small Cap Growth Fund (DFDSX) and DF Dent Midcap Growth Fund (DFDMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFDSX achieves a 3.82% return, which is significantly higher than DFDMX's -5.49% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with DFDSX having a 9.00% annualized return and DFDMX not far ahead at 9.08%.

DFDSX

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 3.74%
• 6M: -1.28%
• YTD: 3.82%
• 1Y: 1.94%
• 3Y*: 5.64%
• 5Y*: 0.08%
• 10Y*: 9.00%

DFDMX

• 1D: 0.17%
• 1M: 5.56%
• 6M: -8.73%
• YTD: -5.49%
• 1Y: -8.99%
• 3Y*: 3.83%
• 5Y*: -1.64%
• 10Y*: 9.08%

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

DFDSX vs. DFDMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFDSX DF Dent Small Cap Growth Fund	3.82%	-3.25%	10.91%	22.27%	-30.31%	14.54%	34.68%	36.34%	-1.61%	15.58%
DFDMX DF Dent Midcap Growth Fund	-5.49%	0.49%	11.15%	22.91%	-30.52%	12.26%	30.43%	40.14%	-0.24%	31.22%

Correlation

The correlation between DFDSX and DFDMX 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	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 6, 2013	0.92

The correlation between DFDSX and DFDMX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFDSX vs. DFDMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFDSX

DFDSX Risk / Return Rank: 4
DFDSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
DFDSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
DFDSX Omega Ratio Rank: 4
DFDSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
DFDSX Martin Ratio Rank: 3

DFDMX

DFDMX Risk / Return Rank: 1
DFDMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
DFDMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
DFDMX Omega Ratio Rank: 1
DFDMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
DFDMX Martin Ratio Rank: 1

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.

DFDSX vs. DFDMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DF Dent Small Cap Growth Fund (DFDSX) and DF Dent Midcap Growth Fund (DFDMX). 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.

	DFDSX	DFDMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.02	-0.61	+0.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.17	-0.79	+0.95
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.02	0.92	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.02	-0.45	+0.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.05	-0.86	+0.91

DFDSX vs. DFDMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFDSX Sharpe Ratio is 0.02, which is higher than the DFDMX Sharpe Ratio of -0.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFDSX and DFDMX, 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

DFDSX vs. DFDMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFDSX drawdown since its inception was -37.88%, smaller than the maximum DFDMX drawdown of -40.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFDSX and DFDMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFDSX	DFDMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.88%	-40.46%	+2.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.07%	-22.32%	+5.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.53%	-22.32%	-2.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.88%	-40.46%	+2.58%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.88%	-40.46%	+2.58%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.71%	-13.97%	+4.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.03%	-8.12%	-1.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.14%	11.67%	-4.53%

Volatility

DFDSX vs. DFDMX - Volatility Comparison

DF Dent Small Cap Growth Fund (DFDSX) has a higher volatility of 6.62% compared to DF Dent Midcap Growth Fund (DFDMX) at 5.21%. This indicates that DFDSX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFDMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFDSX	DFDMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.62%	5.21%	+1.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.91%	12.79%	+1.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.66%	16.34%	+2.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.29%	20.91%	+1.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.69%	20.39%	+1.30%

DFDSX vs. DFDMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFDSX has a 1.05% expense ratio, which is higher than DFDMX's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFDSX vs. DFDMX - Dividend Comparison

Neither DFDSX nor DFDMX has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFDMX DF Dent Midcap Growth Fund	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	2.79%	0.30%	0.87%	3.52%	0.30%	0.09%	3.21%
DFDSX DF Dent Small Cap Growth Fund	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	2.29%	2.06%	1.46%	7.54%	0.00%	0.00%	0.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFDSX and DFDMX in my portfolio?

DFDSX and DFDMX 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, DFDSX or DFDMX?

DFDSX has higher volatility (6.62%) compared to DFDMX (5.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFDSX dropped -37.88% vs DFDMX's -40.46%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFDSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.02 vs -0.61), 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.