DFIVX vs. DFSPX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFIVX (DFA International Value Portfolio) and DFSPX (DFA International Sustainability Core 1 Portfolio) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds from Dimensional. Over the past 10 years, DFIVX returned 11.85%/yr vs 9.36%/yr for DFSPX. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFIVX charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.24%/yr for DFSPX.

Performance

DFIVX vs. DFSPX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA International Value Portfolio (DFIVX) and DFA International Sustainability Core 1 Portfolio (DFSPX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFIVX achieves a 13.29% return, which is significantly higher than DFSPX's 6.60% return. Over the past 10 years, DFIVX has outperformed DFSPX with an annualized return of 11.85%, while DFSPX has yielded a comparatively lower 9.36% annualized return.

DFIVX

• 1D: 0.68%
• 1M: 3.65%
• YTD: 13.29%
• 6M: 17.16%
• 1Y: 37.50%
• 3Y*: 24.59%
• 5Y*: 14.38%
• 10Y*: 11.85%

DFSPX

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: 3.20%
• YTD: 6.60%
• 6M: 9.47%
• 1Y: 20.05%
• 3Y*: 17.18%
• 5Y*: 7.75%
• 10Y*: 9.36%

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

DFIVX vs. DFSPX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFIVX DFA International Value Portfolio	13.29%	45.24%	6.87%	17.83%	-3.51%	18.57%	-2.13%	15.68%	-17.49%	26.08%
DFSPX DFA International Sustainability Core 1 Portfolio	6.60%	32.97%	4.99%	18.37%	-17.70%	12.12%	11.64%	24.22%	-15.53%	27.25%

Correlation

The correlation between DFIVX and DFSPX is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 6, 2012	0.94

The correlation between DFIVX and DFSPX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFIVX vs. DFSPX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFIVX

DFIVX Risk / Return Rank: 78
DFIVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
DFIVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
DFIVX Omega Ratio Rank: 72
DFIVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
DFIVX Martin Ratio Rank: 81

DFSPX

DFSPX Risk / Return Rank: 21
DFSPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
DFSPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
DFSPX Omega Ratio Rank: 21
DFSPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
DFSPX Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

DFIVX vs. DFSPX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA International Value Portfolio (DFIVX) and DFA International Sustainability Core 1 Portfolio (DFSPX). 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.

	DFIVX	DFSPX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.67	1.30	+1.36
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.58	1.90	+1.68
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.24	+0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.85	1.61	+2.24
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.14	5.95	+9.20
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFIVX vs. DFSPX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFIVX Sharpe Ratio is 2.67, which is higher than the DFSPX Sharpe Ratio of 1.30. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFIVX and DFSPX, 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

	DFIVX	DFSPX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.67	1.30	+1.36
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89	0.48	+0.40
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.66	0.58	+0.08
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.39	0.58	-0.18

Drawdowns

DFIVX vs. DFSPX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFIVX drawdown since its inception was -66.61%, which is greater than DFSPX's maximum drawdown of -35.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFIVX and DFSPX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFIVX	DFSPX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-66.61%	-35.86%	-30.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.58%	-11.96%	+2.38%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.39%	-12.72%	-1.67%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.29%	-32.68%	+7.39%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-48.11%	-35.86%	-12.25%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.03%	-2.00%	+1.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.24%	-7.21%	-5.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.43%	3.22%	-0.79%

Volatility

DFIVX vs. DFSPX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA International Value Portfolio (DFIVX) is 3.86%, while DFA International Sustainability Core 1 Portfolio (DFSPX) has a volatility of 4.61%. This indicates that DFIVX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFSPX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFIVX	DFSPX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.86%	4.61%	-0.75%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.89%	12.09%	-1.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.85%	14.80%	-0.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.29%	16.11%	+0.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.02%	16.25%	+1.77%

DFIVX vs. DFSPX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFIVX has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than DFSPX's 0.24% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFIVX vs. DFSPX - Dividend Comparison

DFIVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.72%, more than DFSPX's 2.85% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFIVX DFA International Value Portfolio	3.72%	4.21%	3.94%	4.40%	3.78%	4.37%	2.42%	3.70%	6.60%	2.85%	3.36%	3.45%
DFSPX DFA International Sustainability Core 1 Portfolio	2.85%	3.06%	3.06%	2.59%	2.27%	2.64%	1.44%	2.52%	2.60%	2.32%	2.48%	2.43%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFIVX and DFSPX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, DFIVX and DFSPX 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, DFIVX or DFSPX?

DFSPX has higher volatility (4.61%) compared to DFIVX (3.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFIVX dropped -66.61% vs DFSPX's -35.86%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFIVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.67 vs 1.30), 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.