DFITX vs. DFSTX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFITX (DFA International Real Estate Securities) and DFSTX (DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio) are both mutual funds - DFITX is a REIT fund managed by Dimensional, while DFSTX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Dimensional. Over the past 10 years, DFITX returned 1.69%/yr vs 10.93%/yr for DFSTX. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.27% expense ratio.

Performance

DFITX vs. DFSTX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA International Real Estate Securities (DFITX) and DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio (DFSTX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFITX achieves a -1.32% return, which is significantly lower than DFSTX's 14.69% return. Over the past 10 years, DFITX has underperformed DFSTX with an annualized return of 1.69%, while DFSTX has yielded a comparatively higher 10.93% annualized return.

DFITX

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: -1.06%
• YTD: -1.32%
• 6M: 0.20%
• 1Y: 6.32%
• 3Y*: 6.64%
• 5Y*: -0.80%
• 10Y*: 1.69%

DFSTX

• 1D: 0.76%
• 1M: 3.51%
• YTD: 14.69%
• 6M: 13.91%
• 1Y: 29.09%
• 3Y*: 16.25%
• 5Y*: 8.13%
• 10Y*: 10.93%

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

DFITX vs. DFSTX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFITX DFA International Real Estate Securities	-1.32%	24.65%	-7.70%	5.96%	-21.73%	12.81%	-9.02%	23.61%	-6.93%	15.38%
DFSTX DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio	14.69%	8.07%	11.50%	17.66%	-13.50%	30.50%	11.19%	21.78%	-13.20%	11.19%

Correlation

The correlation between DFITX and DFSTX is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.54
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.58
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.52
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 6, 2007	0.59

The correlation between DFITX and DFSTX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.49 to 0.59 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFITX vs. DFSTX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFITX

DFITX Risk / Return Rank: 6
DFITX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
DFITX Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
DFITX Omega Ratio Rank: 6
DFITX Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
DFITX Martin Ratio Rank: 6

DFSTX

DFSTX Risk / Return Rank: 51
DFSTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
DFSTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
DFSTX Omega Ratio Rank: 38
DFSTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
DFSTX Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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.

DFITX vs. DFSTX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA International Real Estate Securities (DFITX) and DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio (DFSTX). 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.

	DFITX	DFSTX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.46	1.87	-1.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.76	2.73	-1.97
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	1.32	-0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.45	3.42	-2.97
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.49	11.58	-10.09
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFITX vs. DFSTX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFITX Sharpe Ratio is 0.46, which is lower than the DFSTX Sharpe Ratio of 1.87. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFITX and DFSTX, 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

	DFITX	DFSTX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46	1.87	-1.41
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.05	0.40	-0.45
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.10	0.50	-0.39
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.10	0.50	-0.40

Drawdowns

DFITX vs. DFSTX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFITX drawdown since its inception was -73.49%, which is greater than DFSTX's maximum drawdown of -60.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFITX and DFSTX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFITX	DFSTX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-73.49%	-60.99%	-12.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.31%	-9.16%	-3.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.04%	-25.91%	+7.87%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.84%	-25.91%	-8.93%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.26%	-44.78%	-0.48%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.97%	0.00%	-7.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.10%	-8.77%	-9.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.70%	2.69%	+1.01%

Volatility

DFITX vs. DFSTX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA International Real Estate Securities (DFITX) is 3.41%, while DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio (DFSTX) has a volatility of 4.45%. This indicates that DFITX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFSTX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFITX	DFSTX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.41%	4.45%	-1.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.67%	11.57%	-1.90%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.98%	16.76%	-4.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.05%	20.56%	-5.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.47%	22.08%	-5.61%

DFITX vs. DFSTX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both DFITX and DFSTX have an expense ratio of 0.27%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

DFITX vs. DFSTX - Dividend Comparison

DFITX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.76%, more than DFSTX's 0.95% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFITX DFA International Real Estate Securities	6.76%	6.67%	6.24%	5.05%	0.00%	7.86%	0.00%	12.86%	5.99%	4.21%	8.62%	1.79%
DFSTX DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio	0.95%	1.08%	1.05%	2.45%	5.18%	6.39%	1.08%	3.30%	5.16%	4.56%	3.10%	5.90%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFITX and DFSTX in my portfolio?

DFITX and DFSTX have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFITX or DFSTX?

DFSTX has higher volatility (4.45%) compared to DFITX (3.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFITX dropped -73.49% vs DFSTX's -60.99%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFSTX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.87 vs 0.46), 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.