DFP vs. DSM

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

DFP (Dimensional Financial Leaders Fund) and DSM (Dimensional Small Cap Equity Fund) are both mutual funds - DFP is a Large Cap Value Equities fund managed by Dimensional Fund Advisors, while DSM is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Dimensional Fund Advisors. Over the past 10 years, DFP returned 5.96%/yr vs 1.32%/yr for DSM. At a 0.24 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. DFP charges 0.01%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for DSM.

Performance

DFP vs. DSM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional Financial Leaders Fund (DFP) and Dimensional Small Cap Equity Fund (DSM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFP achieves a 1.60% return, which is significantly higher than DSM's 1.26% return. Over the past 10 years, DFP has outperformed DSM with an annualized return of 5.96%, while DSM has yielded a comparatively lower 1.32% annualized return.

DFP

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: -2.82%
• YTD: 1.60%
• 6M: 0.75%
• 1Y: 10.01%
• 3Y*: 12.88%
• 5Y*: 0.08%
• 10Y*: 5.96%

DSM

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 1.75%
• YTD: 1.26%
• 6M: 6.30%
• 1Y: 15.52%
• 3Y*: 7.46%
• 5Y*: -1.43%
• 10Y*: 1.32%

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

DFP vs. DSM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFP Dimensional Financial Leaders Fund	1.60%	11.88%	20.47%	2.12%	-26.32%	2.18%	16.83%	40.77%	-17.56%	20.78%
DSM Dimensional Small Cap Equity Fund	1.26%	10.90%	5.52%	3.18%	-27.04%	10.89%	3.32%	20.57%	-13.60%	12.79%

Correlation

The correlation between DFP and DSM is 0.34, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.34
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.37
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.32
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.26
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 28, 2013	0.24

The correlation between DFP and DSM shifts across timeframes, from 0.24 (all time) to 0.37 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DFP vs. DSM — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFP

DFP Risk / Return Rank: 14
DFP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
DFP Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
DFP Omega Ratio Rank: 19
DFP Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
DFP Martin Ratio Rank: 12

DSM

DSM Risk / Return Rank: 32
DSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
DSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
DSM Omega Ratio Rank: 28
DSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
DSM Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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.

DFP vs. DSM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Financial Leaders Fund (DFP) and Dimensional Small Cap Equity Fund (DSM). 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.

	DFP	DSM	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.16	1.49	-0.33
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.59	2.45	-0.86
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.28	-0.05
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.01	2.26	-1.25
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	3.59	7.70	-4.11
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFP vs. DSM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFP Sharpe Ratio is 1.16, which is comparable to the DSM Sharpe Ratio of 1.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFP and DSM, 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

	DFP	DSM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.16	1.49	-0.33
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.01	-0.12	+0.12
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.32	0.10	+0.22
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.36	0.31	+0.05

Drawdowns

DFP vs. DSM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFP drawdown since its inception was -47.32%, roughly equal to the maximum DSM drawdown of -49.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFP and DSM.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFP	DSM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.32%	-49.15%	+1.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.97%	-6.95%	-3.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.27%	-17.04%	+2.77%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.82%	-38.75%	-0.07%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.32%	-38.75%	-8.57%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.56%	-11.59%	+7.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.75%	-8.27%	-1.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.81%	2.04%	+0.77%

Volatility

DFP vs. DSM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional Financial Leaders Fund (DFP) is 2.75%, while Dimensional Small Cap Equity Fund (DSM) has a volatility of 3.71%. This indicates that DFP experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DSM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFP	DSM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.75%	3.71%	-0.96%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.86%	8.27%	-1.41%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.66%	10.46%	-1.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.54%	12.45%	+2.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.97%	13.49%	+5.48%

DFP vs. DSM - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFP has a 0.01% expense ratio, which is lower than DSM's 0.03% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

DFP vs. DSM - Dividend Comparison

DFP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.39%, more than DSM's 4.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFP Dimensional Financial Leaders Fund	7.39%	6.99%	6.81%	7.39%	10.54%	7.03%	6.36%	6.41%	8.75%	7.11%	8.16%	8.38%
DSM Dimensional Small Cap Equity Fund	4.71%	4.07%	3.72%	4.27%	5.95%	4.31%	4.57%	5.19%	6.11%	5.82%	6.19%	6.17%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFP and DSM in my portfolio?

DFP and DSM have a correlation of 0.34, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFP or DSM?

DSM has higher volatility (3.71%) compared to DFP (2.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFP dropped -47.32% vs DSM's -49.15%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DSM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.49 vs 1.16), 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.