DFSCX vs. DEMSX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFSCX (DFA U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio) and DEMSX (DFA Emerging Markets Small Cap Portfolio) are both mutual funds - DFSCX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Dimensional, while DEMSX is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund managed by Dimensional. Over the past 10 years, DFSCX returned 11.20%/yr vs 9.41%/yr for DEMSX. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFSCX charges 0.41%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for DEMSX.

Performance

DFSCX vs. DEMSX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFSCX achieves a 16.94% return, which is significantly higher than DEMSX's 11.52% return. Over the past 10 years, DFSCX has outperformed DEMSX with an annualized return of 11.20%, while DEMSX has yielded a comparatively lower 9.41% annualized return.

DFSCX

• 1D: 0.66%
• 1M: 2.89%
• YTD: 16.94%
• 6M: 16.37%
• 1Y: 35.45%
• 3Y*: 17.74%
• 5Y*: 9.05%
• 10Y*: 11.20%

DEMSX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.92%
• YTD: 11.52%
• 6M: 12.50%
• 1Y: 24.08%
• 3Y*: 14.90%
• 5Y*: 7.02%
• 10Y*: 9.41%

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

DFSCX vs. DEMSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFSCX DFA U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio	16.94%	9.65%	11.43%	17.93%	-12.49%	33.70%	6.61%	20.68%	-11.60%	10.92%
DEMSX DFA Emerging Markets Small Cap Portfolio	11.52%	19.01%	4.92%	16.32%	-15.30%	19.54%	13.82%	14.89%	-17.55%	33.32%

Correlation

The correlation between DFSCX and DEMSX is 0.42, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.42
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.46
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.51
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 6, 1998	0.56

The correlation between DFSCX and DEMSX shifts across timeframes, from 0.42 (1 year) to 0.56 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DFSCX vs. DEMSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFSCX

DFSCX Risk / Return Rank: 65
DFSCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
DFSCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
DFSCX Omega Ratio Rank: 47
DFSCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
DFSCX Martin Ratio Rank: 80

DEMSX

DEMSX Risk / Return Rank: 40
DEMSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
DEMSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
DEMSX Omega Ratio Rank: 44
DEMSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
DEMSX Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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.

DFSCX vs. DEMSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio (DFSCX) and DFA Emerging Markets Small Cap Portfolio (DEMSX). 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.

	DFSCX	DEMSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.16	1.87	+0.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.11	2.58	+0.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.36	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.65	2.39	+2.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.95	8.51	+6.45
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFSCX vs. DEMSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFSCX Sharpe Ratio is 2.16, which is comparable to the DEMSX Sharpe Ratio of 1.87. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFSCX and DEMSX, 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

	DFSCX	DEMSX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.16	1.87	+0.29
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.43	0.53	-0.10
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.50	0.64	-0.14
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.61	0.61	-0.01

Drawdowns

DFSCX vs. DEMSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFSCX drawdown since its inception was -63.07%, smaller than the maximum DEMSX drawdown of -66.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFSCX and DEMSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFSCX	DEMSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.07%	-66.70%	+3.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.17%	-10.30%	+2.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.01%	-17.21%	-9.80%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.01%	-24.40%	-2.61%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.88%	-47.28%	+0.40%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.86%	+1.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.91%	-13.60%	+3.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.53%	2.88%	-0.35%

Volatility

DFSCX vs. DEMSX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio (DFSCX) is 4.48%, while DFA Emerging Markets Small Cap Portfolio (DEMSX) has a volatility of 4.74%. This indicates that DFSCX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DEMSX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFSCX	DEMSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.48%	4.74%	-0.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.59%	10.98%	+0.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.57%	13.21%	+4.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.01%	13.29%	+7.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.64%	14.79%	+7.85%

DFSCX vs. DEMSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFSCX has a 0.41% expense ratio, which is lower than DEMSX's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFSCX vs. DEMSX - Dividend Comparison

DFSCX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.82%, less than DEMSX's 3.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DEMSX DFA Emerging Markets Small Cap Portfolio	3.42%	3.79%	3.27%	2.94%	4.47%	10.20%	2.25%	3.11%	5.02%	3.41%	3.74%	3.24%
DFSCX DFA U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio	0.82%	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 DFSCX and DEMSX in my portfolio?

DFSCX and DEMSX have a correlation of 0.42, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFSCX or DEMSX?

DEMSX has higher volatility (4.74%) compared to DFSCX (4.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFSCX dropped -63.07% vs DEMSX's -66.70%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFSCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 1.87), 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.