DFSPX vs. DFIEX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

DFSPX (DFA International Sustainability Core 1 Portfolio) and DFIEX (DFA International Core Equity Portfolio I) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds from Dimensional. Over the past 10 years, DFSPX returned 10.04%/yr vs 10.50%/yr for DFIEX. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.24% expense ratio.

Performance

DFSPX vs. DFIEX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFSPX achieves a 5.36% return, which is significantly lower than DFIEX's 8.68% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with DFSPX having a 10.04% annualized return and DFIEX not far ahead at 10.50%.

DFSPX

• 1D: -1.80%
• 1M: -0.41%
• YTD: 5.36%
• 6M: 4.71%
• 1Y: 17.53%
• 3Y*: 16.99%
• 5Y*: 7.61%
• 10Y*: 10.04%

DFIEX

• 1D: -1.87%
• 1M: -1.17%
• YTD: 8.68%
• 6M: 8.20%
• 1Y: 24.16%
• 3Y*: 18.95%
• 5Y*: 9.53%
• 10Y*: 10.50%

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

DFSPX vs. DFIEX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFSPX DFA International Sustainability Core 1 Portfolio	5.36%	32.97%	4.99%	18.37%	-17.70%	12.12%	11.64%	24.22%	-15.53%	27.25%
DFIEX DFA International Core Equity Portfolio I	8.68%	36.18%	3.99%	17.50%	-13.51%	13.85%	7.73%	21.70%	-17.41%	28.04%

Correlation

The correlation between DFSPX and DFIEX is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 3, 2012	0.99

The correlation between DFSPX and DFIEX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFSPX vs. DFIEX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFSPX

DFSPX Risk / Return Rank: 25
DFSPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
DFSPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
DFSPX Omega Ratio Rank: 25
DFSPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
DFSPX Martin Ratio Rank: 27

DFIEX

DFIEX Risk / Return Rank: 43
DFIEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
DFIEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
DFIEX Omega Ratio Rank: 42
DFIEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
DFIEX 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.

DFSPX vs. DFIEX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	DFSPX	DFIEX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.26	1.79	-0.53
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.84	2.50	-0.66
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.32	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.60	2.33	-0.73
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.82	9.04	-3.23

DFSPX vs. DFIEX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFSPX Sharpe Ratio is 1.26, which is comparable to the DFIEX Sharpe Ratio of 1.79. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFSPX and DFIEX, 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

DFSPX vs. DFIEX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFSPX drawdown since its inception was -35.86%, smaller than the maximum DFIEX drawdown of -62.22%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFSPX and DFIEX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFSPX	DFIEX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.86%	-62.22%	+26.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.96%	-11.01%	-0.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.72%	-12.81%	+0.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.68%	-28.66%	-4.02%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.86%	-41.04%	+5.18%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.14%	-2.48%	-0.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.19%	-12.15%	+4.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.28%	2.83%	+0.45%

Volatility

DFSPX vs. DFIEX - Volatility Comparison

DFA International Sustainability Core 1 Portfolio (DFSPX) and DFA International Core Equity Portfolio I (DFIEX) have volatilities of 4.88% and 4.85%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFSPX	DFIEX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.88%	4.85%	+0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.73%	11.88%	+0.85%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.24%	14.36%	+0.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.20%	15.82%	+0.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.01%	16.18%	-0.17%

DFSPX vs. DFIEX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both DFSPX and DFIEX have an expense ratio of 0.24%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

DFSPX vs. DFIEX - Dividend Comparison

DFSPX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.88%, less than DFIEX's 2.97% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFIEX DFA International Core Equity Portfolio I	2.97%	3.22%	3.42%	3.36%	2.88%	2.98%	1.77%	2.90%	2.95%	2.49%	2.76%	4.20%
DFSPX DFA International Sustainability Core 1 Portfolio	2.88%	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 DFSPX and DFIEX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, DFSPX and DFIEX 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, DFSPX or DFIEX?

DFSPX has higher volatility (4.88%) compared to DFIEX (4.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFSPX dropped -35.86% vs DFIEX's -62.22%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFIEX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.79 vs 1.26), 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.