DFLVX vs. DFSCX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

DFLVX (DFA U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio) and DFSCX (DFA U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio) are both mutual funds - DFLVX is a Large Cap Value Equities fund managed by Dimensional, while DFSCX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Dimensional. Over the past 10 years, DFLVX returned 12.04%/yr vs 11.53%/yr for DFSCX. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFLVX charges 0.22%/yr vs 0.41%/yr for DFSCX.

Performance

DFLVX vs. DFSCX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio (DFLVX) and DFA U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio (DFSCX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFLVX achieves a 15.96% return, which is significantly lower than DFSCX's 19.26% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with DFLVX having a 12.04% annualized return and DFSCX not far behind at 11.53%.

DFLVX

• 1D: 1.72%
• 1M: 4.20%
• YTD: 15.96%
• 6M: 15.75%
• 1Y: 32.63%
• 3Y*: 18.63%
• 5Y*: 11.18%
• 10Y*: 12.04%

DFSCX

• 1D: 2.35%
• 1M: 6.42%
• YTD: 19.26%
• 6M: 16.19%
• 1Y: 38.65%
• 3Y*: 17.49%
• 5Y*: 9.29%
• 10Y*: 11.53%

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

DFLVX vs. DFSCX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFLVX DFA U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio	15.96%	16.36%	12.76%	11.52%	-5.81%	30.40%	-0.58%	25.46%	-11.68%	18.50%
DFSCX DFA U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio	19.26%	9.65%	11.43%	17.93%	-12.49%	33.70%	6.61%	20.68%	-11.60%	10.92%

Correlation

The correlation between DFLVX and DFSCX is 0.84, 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	0.84
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.85
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.87
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 18, 1993	0.80

The correlation between DFLVX and DFSCX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.80 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFLVX vs. DFSCX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFLVX

DFLVX Risk / Return Rank: 92
DFLVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
DFLVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
DFLVX Omega Ratio Rank: 86
DFLVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
DFLVX Martin Ratio Rank: 96

DFSCX

DFSCX Risk / Return Rank: 79
DFSCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
DFSCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
DFSCX Omega Ratio Rank: 63
DFSCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
DFSCX Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

DFLVX vs. DFSCX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio (DFLVX) and DFA U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio (DFSCX). 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.

	DFLVX	DFSCX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.86	2.01	+0.85
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.01	2.92	+1.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.50	1.34	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.53	4.37	+1.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.11	14.12	+5.99

DFLVX vs. DFSCX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFLVX Sharpe Ratio is 2.86, which is higher than the DFSCX Sharpe Ratio of 2.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFLVX and DFSCX, 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

DFLVX vs. DFSCX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFLVX drawdown since its inception was -65.65%, roughly equal to the maximum DFSCX drawdown of -63.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFLVX and DFSCX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFLVX	DFSCX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.65%	-63.07%	-2.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.86%	-8.17%	+2.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.64%	-27.01%	+10.37%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.83%	-27.01%	+7.18%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.79%	-46.88%	+5.09%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.67%	0.00%	-0.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.47%	-9.90%	+1.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.60%	2.53%	-0.93%

Volatility

DFLVX vs. DFSCX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio (DFLVX) is 3.73%, while DFA U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio (DFSCX) has a volatility of 5.02%. This indicates that DFLVX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFSCX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFLVX	DFSCX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.73%	5.02%	-1.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.63%	11.99%	-3.36%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.33%	17.79%	-6.46%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.93%	21.05%	-5.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.39%	22.65%	-4.26%

DFLVX vs. DFSCX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFLVX has a 0.22% expense ratio, which is lower than DFSCX's 0.41% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFLVX vs. DFSCX - Dividend Comparison

DFLVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.45%, more than DFSCX's 0.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFLVX DFA U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio	1.45%	1.71%	1.87%	3.65%	4.56%	5.90%	1.97%	4.04%	7.83%	6.06%	3.77%	6.52%
DFSCX DFA U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio	0.80%	1.03%	0.97%	2.48%	5.16%	10.77%	0.87%	2.80%	5.50%	5.05%	0.90%	6.33%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFLVX and DFSCX in my portfolio?

DFLVX and DFSCX have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFLVX or DFSCX?

DFSCX has higher volatility (5.02%) compared to DFLVX (3.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFLVX dropped -65.65% vs DFSCX's -63.07%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFLVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.86 vs 2.01), 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.