DFIVX vs. DISVX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DFIVX (DFA International Value Portfolio Institutional Class) and DISVX (DFA International Small Cap Value Portfolio) are both mutual funds - DFIVX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while DISVX is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund managed by Dimensional. Over the past 10 years, DFIVX returned 11.79%/yr vs 10.71%/yr for DISVX. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFIVX charges 0.28%/yr vs 0.46%/yr for DISVX.

Performance

DFIVX vs. DISVX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFIVX achieves a 11.82% return, which is significantly higher than DISVX's 9.80% return. Over the past 10 years, DFIVX has outperformed DISVX with an annualized return of 11.79%, while DISVX has yielded a comparatively lower 10.71% annualized return.

DFIVX

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: -0.25%
• YTD: 11.82%
• 6M: 12.10%
• 1Y: 35.88%
• 3Y*: 22.58%
• 5Y*: 15.08%
• 10Y*: 11.79%

DISVX

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 9.80%
• 6M: 10.26%
• 1Y: 35.59%
• 3Y*: 24.88%
• 5Y*: 14.63%
• 10Y*: 10.71%

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

DFIVX vs. DISVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFIVX DFA International Value Portfolio Institutional Class	11.82%	45.24%	6.87%	17.83%	-3.51%	18.57%	-2.13%	15.68%	-17.49%	26.08%
DISVX DFA International Small Cap Value Portfolio	9.80%	52.17%	7.88%	17.58%	-9.80%	15.84%	0.82%	21.04%	-23.36%	25.41%

Correlation

The correlation between DFIVX and DISVX is 0.89, 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	0.89
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	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 29, 1994	0.89

The correlation between DFIVX and DISVX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFIVX vs. DISVX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFIVX

DFIVX Risk / Return Rank: 80
DFIVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
DFIVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
DFIVX Omega Ratio Rank: 75
DFIVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
DFIVX Martin Ratio Rank: 83

DISVX

DISVX Risk / Return Rank: 65
DISVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
DISVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
DISVX Omega Ratio Rank: 73
DISVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
DISVX Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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. DISVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	DFIVX	DISVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.49	2.40	+0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.35	3.31	+0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	1.43	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.69	2.66	+1.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.41	9.16	+5.25

DFIVX vs. DISVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFIVX Sharpe Ratio is 2.49, which is comparable to the DISVX Sharpe Ratio of 2.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFIVX and DISVX, 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

DFIVX vs. DISVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFIVX drawdown since its inception was -66.61%, which is greater than DISVX's maximum drawdown of -61.57%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFIVX and DISVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFIVX	DISVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-66.61%	-61.57%	-5.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.58%	-13.26%	+3.68%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.39%	-13.69%	-0.70%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.29%	-27.43%	+2.14%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-48.11%	-49.24%	+1.13%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.33%	-4.05%	+2.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.22%	-12.18%	-0.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.45%	3.83%	-1.38%

Volatility

DFIVX vs. DISVX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA International Value Portfolio Institutional Class (DFIVX) is 4.31%, while DFA International Small Cap Value Portfolio (DISVX) has a volatility of 4.75%. This indicates that DFIVX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DISVX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFIVX	DISVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.31%	4.75%	-0.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.38%	12.21%	-0.83%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.19%	14.70%	-0.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.31%	16.11%	+0.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.99%	16.76%	+1.23%

DFIVX vs. DISVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFIVX has a 0.28% expense ratio, which is lower than DISVX's 0.46% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFIVX vs. DISVX - Dividend Comparison

DFIVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.77%, less than DISVX's 6.57% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFIVX DFA International Value Portfolio Institutional Class	3.77%	4.21%	3.94%	4.40%	3.78%	4.37%	2.42%	3.70%	6.60%	2.85%	3.36%	3.45%
DISVX DFA International Small Cap Value Portfolio	6.57%	7.17%	4.56%	3.87%	2.40%	3.51%	1.84%	3.97%	5.91%	3.77%	5.85%	3.51%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFIVX and DISVX in my portfolio?

DFIVX and DISVX have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFIVX or DISVX?

DISVX has higher volatility (4.75%) compared to DFIVX (4.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFIVX dropped -66.61% vs DISVX's -61.57%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFIVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.49 vs 2.40), 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.