DFISX vs. SCZ
DFISX (DFA International Small Company Portfolio) and SCZ (iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, DFISX returned 8.53%/yr vs 8.64%/yr for SCZ. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFISX charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for SCZ.
Performance
DFISX vs. SCZ - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, DFISX achieves a 7.65% return, which is significantly lower than SCZ's 9.70% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with DFISX having a 8.53% annualized return and SCZ not far ahead at 8.64%.
DFISX
- 1D
- 2.27%
- 1M
- 0.36%
- YTD
- 7.65%
- 6M
- 9.88%
- 1Y
- 23.06%
- 3Y*
- 17.56%
- 5Y*
- 6.74%
- 10Y*
- 8.53%
SCZ
- 1D
- 0.47%
- 1M
- 1.01%
- YTD
- 9.70%
- 6M
- 11.43%
- 1Y
- 23.50%
- 3Y*
- 15.38%
- 5Y*
- 4.99%
- 10Y*
- 8.64%
DFISX vs. SCZ - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DFISX DFA International Small Company Portfolio | 7.65% | 36.35% | 3.76% | 14.46% | -17.13% | 10.71% | 9.27% | 24.18% | -19.42% | 24.78% |
SCZ iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF | 9.70% | 32.08% | 1.52% | 12.98% | -21.27% | 10.12% | 11.71% | 24.68% | -17.64% | 32.72% |
Correlation
The correlation between DFISX and SCZ is 0.95, 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 | 0.95 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.96 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.96 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.95 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 12, 2007 | 0.93 |
The correlation between DFISX and SCZ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
DFISX vs. SCZ — Risk / Return Rank
DFISX
SCZ
DFISX vs. SCZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA International Small Company Portfolio (DFISX) and iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF (SCZ). 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.
| DFISX | SCZ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.11 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.14 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.29 | 1.27 | +0.02 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.90 | 1.95 | -0.05 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 6.86 | 7.36 | -0.50 |
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Drawdowns
DFISX vs. SCZ - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum DFISX drawdown since its inception was -60.66%, roughly equal to the maximum SCZ drawdown of -61.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFISX and SCZ.
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Drawdown Indicators
| DFISX | SCZ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -60.66% | -61.86% | +1.20% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -11.96% | -11.43% | -0.53% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -13.68% | -15.06% | +1.38% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -35.06% | -36.87% | +1.81% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -43.00% | -41.07% | -1.93% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -3.11% | -1.66% | -1.45% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -11.64% | -13.05% | +1.41% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.29% | 3.02% | +0.27% |
Volatility
DFISX vs. SCZ - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for DFA International Small Company Portfolio (DFISX) is 4.59%, while iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF (SCZ) has a volatility of 5.27%. This indicates that DFISX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SCZ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| DFISX | SCZ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.59% | 5.27% | -0.68% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 11.57% | 12.52% | -0.95% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 14.17% | 14.93% | -0.76% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 15.96% | 16.81% | -0.85% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 16.21% | 17.43% | -1.22% |
DFISX vs. SCZ - Expense Ratio Comparison
DFISX has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than SCZ's 0.40% expense ratio.
Dividends
DFISX vs. SCZ - Dividend Comparison
DFISX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.92%, less than SCZ's 3.01% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DFISX DFA International Small Company Portfolio | 2.92% | 3.19% | 3.39% | 3.01% | 3.51% | 3.06% | 1.71% | 4.54% | 7.74% | 1.27% | 4.44% | 4.47% |
SCZ iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF | 3.01% | 3.30% | 3.50% | 2.96% | 1.99% | 2.96% | 1.52% | 3.52% | 2.79% | 2.38% | 2.82% | 2.06% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.95, DFISX and SCZ 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.
SCZ has higher volatility (5.27%) compared to DFISX (4.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFISX dropped -60.66% vs SCZ's -61.86%.
DFISX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.60 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.
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