DFSTX vs. DFFVX
DFSTX (DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio) and DFFVX (DFA U.S. Targeted Value Portfolio Institutional Class) are both mutual funds - DFSTX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while DFFVX is a Small Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past 10 years, DFSTX returned 10.82%/yr vs 11.29%/yr for DFFVX. Their 0.97 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. DFSTX charges 0.27%/yr vs 0.29%/yr for DFFVX.
Performance
DFSTX vs. DFFVX - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, DFSTX achieves a 17.76% return, which is significantly lower than DFFVX's 20.09% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with DFSTX having a 10.82% annualized return and DFFVX not far ahead at 11.29%.
DFSTX
- 1D
- 0.87%
- 1M
- -0.47%
- 6M
- 11.70%
- YTD
- 17.76%
- 1Y
- 29.40%
- 3Y*
- 13.92%
- 5Y*
- 9.16%
- 10Y*
- 10.82%
- ALL TIME*
- 10.49%
DFFVX
- 1D
- -0.14%
- 1M
- 1.73%
- 6M
- 12.71%
- YTD
- 20.09%
- 1Y
- 35.50%
- 3Y*
- 14.93%
- 5Y*
- 10.96%
- 10Y*
- 11.29%
- ALL TIME*
- 11.23%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
DFSTX vs. DFFVX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DFSTX DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio | 17.76% | 8.07% | 11.50% | 17.66% | -13.50% | 30.50% | 11.19% | 21.78% | -13.20% | 11.19% |
DFFVX DFA U.S. Targeted Value Portfolio Institutional Class | 20.09% | 9.53% | 9.34% | 19.37% | -4.66% | 31.53% | 3.78% | 21.51% | -15.79% | 9.20% |
Correlation
The correlation between DFSTX and DFFVX is 0.94, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most. | 0.94 |
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history. | 0.97 |
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period. | 0.97 |
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions. | 0.97 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 23, 2000 | 0.97 |
The correlation between DFSTX and DFFVX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
DFSTX vs. DFFVX — Risk / Return Rank
DFSTX
DFFVX
DFSTX vs. DFFVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio (DFSTX) and DFA U.S. Targeted Value Portfolio Institutional Class (DFFVX). 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.
| DFSTX | DFFVX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.38 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.55 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.27 | 1.35 | -0.07 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.85 | 3.28 | -0.43 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 9.79 | 11.12 | -1.33 |
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Drawdowns
DFSTX vs. DFFVX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum DFSTX drawdown since its inception was -60.99%, smaller than the maximum DFFVX drawdown of -64.21%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFSTX and DFFVX.
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Drawdown Indicators
| DFSTX | DFFVX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -60.99% | -64.21% | +3.22% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -9.16% | -9.70% | +0.54% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -25.91% | -26.09% | +0.18% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -25.91% | -26.09% | +0.18% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -44.78% | -50.75% | +5.97% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.67% | -0.97% | -0.70% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -8.73% | -9.65% | +0.92% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.68% | 2.86% | -0.18% |
Volatility
DFSTX vs. DFFVX - Volatility Comparison
DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio (DFSTX) and DFA U.S. Targeted Value Portfolio Institutional Class (DFFVX) have volatilities of 3.49% and 3.35%, 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.
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Volatility by Period
| DFSTX | DFFVX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 3.49% | 3.35% | +0.14% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 11.59% | 10.52% | +1.07% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 16.68% | 16.43% | +0.25% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 20.43% | 21.27% | -0.84% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 22.01% | 23.55% | -1.54% |
DFSTX vs. DFFVX - Expense Ratio Comparison
DFSTX has a 0.27% expense ratio, which is lower than DFFVX's 0.29% expense ratio.
Dividends
DFSTX vs. DFFVX - Dividend Comparison
DFSTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.97%, less than DFFVX's 1.49% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DFFVX DFA U.S. Targeted Value Portfolio Institutional Class | 1.49% | 1.69% | 1.40% | 2.26% | 5.17% | 2.74% | 1.52% | 3.82% | 5.95% | 5.16% | 3.95% | 5.84% |
DFSTX DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio | 0.97% | 1.08% | 1.05% | 2.45% | 5.18% | 6.39% | 1.08% | 3.30% | 5.16% | 4.56% | 3.10% | 5.90% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.94, DFSTX and DFFVX 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.
DFSTX has higher volatility (3.49%) compared to DFFVX (3.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFSTX dropped -60.99% vs DFFVX's -64.21%.
DFFVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.94 vs 1.57), 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.
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