DFSTX vs. QQQ

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

DFSTX (DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio) and QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) are both funds - DFSTX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Dimensional, while QQQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. Over the past 10 years, DFSTX returned 10.75%/yr vs 20.94%/yr for QQQ. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFSTX charges 0.27%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for QQQ.

Performance

DFSTX vs. QQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio (DFSTX) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFSTX achieves a 16.88% return, which is significantly higher than QQQ's 15.68% return. Over the past 10 years, DFSTX has underperformed QQQ with an annualized return of 10.75%, while QQQ has yielded a comparatively higher 20.94% annualized return.

DFSTX

• 1D: -0.73%
• 1M: 0.05%
• 6M: 10.78%
• YTD: 16.88%
• 1Y: 25.62%
• 3Y*: 14.29%
• 5Y*: 9.20%
• 10Y*: 10.75%
• ALL TIME*: 10.47%

QQQ

• 1D: 1.85%
• 1M: -4.17%
• 6M: 16.87%
• YTD: 15.68%
• 1Y: 26.27%
• 3Y*: 24.30%
• 5Y*: 14.95%
• 10Y*: 20.94%
• ALL TIME*: 10.77%

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

DFSTX vs. QQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFSTX DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio	16.88%	8.07%	11.50%	17.66%	-13.50%	30.50%	11.19%	21.78%	-13.20%	11.19%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	15.68%	20.77%	25.58%	54.86%	-32.58%	27.42%	48.62%	38.96%	-0.13%	32.66%

Correlation

The correlation between DFSTX and QQQ is 0.61, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.61
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.69
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 10, 1999	0.74

The correlation between DFSTX and QQQ shifts across timeframes, from 0.61 (1 year) to 0.74 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DFSTX vs. QQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFSTX

DFSTX Risk / Return Rank: 59
DFSTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
DFSTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
DFSTX Omega Ratio Rank: 45
DFSTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
DFSTX Martin Ratio Rank: 65

QQQ

QQQ Risk / Return Rank: 56
QQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
QQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
QQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 53
QQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
QQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

DFSTX vs. QQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio (DFSTX) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ). 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	QQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.52	1.40	+0.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.30	1.93	+0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.25	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.77	2.21	+0.56
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.36	7.68	+1.68

DFSTX vs. QQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFSTX Sharpe Ratio is 1.52, which is comparable to the QQQ Sharpe Ratio of 1.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFSTX and QQQ, 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

DFSTX vs. QQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFSTX drawdown since its inception was -60.99%, smaller than the maximum QQQ drawdown of -82.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFSTX and QQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFSTX	QQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.99%	-82.97%	+21.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.16%	-11.96%	+2.80%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.91%	-22.77%	-3.14%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.91%	-35.12%	+9.21%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.78%	-35.12%	-9.66%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.41%	-4.88%	+2.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.74%	-32.65%	+23.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.70%	3.43%	-0.73%

Volatility

DFSTX vs. QQQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio (DFSTX) is 3.47%, while Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) has a volatility of 7.19%. This indicates that DFSTX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QQQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFSTX	QQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.47%	7.19%	-3.72%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.85%	15.65%	-3.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.72%	18.82%	-2.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.45%	22.83%	-2.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.01%	22.46%	-0.45%

DFSTX vs. QQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFSTX has a 0.27% expense ratio, which is higher than QQQ's 0.18% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

DFSTX vs. QQQ - Dividend Comparison

DFSTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.98%, more than QQQ's 0.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFSTX DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio	0.98%	1.08%	1.05%	2.45%	5.18%	6.39%	1.08%	3.30%	5.16%	4.56%	3.10%	5.90%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	0.43%	0.45%	0.56%	0.62%	0.80%	0.43%	0.55%	0.74%	0.91%	0.84%	1.06%	0.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFSTX and QQQ in my portfolio?

DFSTX and QQQ have a correlation of 0.61, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFSTX or QQQ?

QQQ has higher volatility (7.19%) compared to DFSTX (3.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFSTX dropped -60.99% vs QQQ's -82.97%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFSTX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.52 vs 1.40), 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.