DFSTX vs. SPDW

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

DFSTX (DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio) and SPDW (SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF) are both funds - DFSTX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Dimensional, while SPDW is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the S&P Developed Ex-U.S. BMI Index. Over the past 10 years, DFSTX returned 11.16%/yr vs 10.64%/yr for SPDW. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFSTX charges 0.27%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for SPDW.

Performance

DFSTX vs. SPDW - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFSTX achieves a 15.82% return, which is significantly higher than SPDW's 14.86% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with DFSTX having a 11.16% annualized return and SPDW not far behind at 10.64%.

DFSTX

• 1D: 2.42%
• 1M: 5.56%
• YTD: 15.82%
• 6M: 13.14%
• 1Y: 31.26%
• 3Y*: 15.72%
• 5Y*: 8.14%
• 10Y*: 11.16%

SPDW

• 1D: 0.29%
• 1M: 1.53%
• YTD: 14.86%
• 6M: 16.65%
• 1Y: 31.27%
• 3Y*: 19.01%
• 5Y*: 9.30%
• 10Y*: 10.64%

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

DFSTX vs. SPDW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFSTX DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio	15.82%	8.07%	11.50%	17.66%	-13.50%	30.50%	11.19%	21.78%	-13.20%	11.19%
SPDW SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF	14.86%	34.75%	3.55%	17.81%	-15.98%	11.45%	9.90%	22.41%	-14.22%	25.81%

Correlation

The correlation between DFSTX and SPDW is 0.73, 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	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.72
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 26, 2007	0.73

The correlation between DFSTX and SPDW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.72 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFSTX vs. SPDW — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFSTX

DFSTX Risk / Return Rank: 63
DFSTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
DFSTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
DFSTX Omega Ratio Rank: 48
DFSTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
DFSTX Martin Ratio Rank: 72

SPDW

SPDW Risk / Return Rank: 62
SPDW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
SPDW Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
SPDW Omega Ratio Rank: 63
SPDW Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
SPDW Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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. SPDW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio (DFSTX) and SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF (SPDW). 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	SPDW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.70	1.80	-0.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.50	2.51	-0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.33	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.15	2.58	+0.58
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.70	9.95	+0.74

DFSTX vs. SPDW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFSTX Sharpe Ratio is 1.70, which is comparable to the SPDW Sharpe Ratio of 1.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFSTX and SPDW, 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. SPDW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFSTX drawdown since its inception was -60.99%, roughly equal to the maximum SPDW drawdown of -60.02%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFSTX and SPDW.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFSTX	SPDW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.99%	-60.02%	-0.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.16%	-11.55%	+2.39%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.91%	-13.53%	-12.38%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.91%	-30.21%	+4.30%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.78%	-34.98%	-9.80%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.99%	+0.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.76%	-12.89%	+4.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.70%	2.99%	-0.29%

Volatility

DFSTX vs. SPDW - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio (DFSTX) is 5.10%, while SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF (SPDW) has a volatility of 6.86%. This indicates that DFSTX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPDW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFSTX	SPDW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.10%	6.86%	-1.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.02%	14.23%	-2.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.03%	16.51%	+0.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.61%	16.66%	+3.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.09%	17.31%	+4.78%

DFSTX vs. SPDW - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFSTX has a 0.27% expense ratio, which is higher than SPDW's 0.04% 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. SPDW - Dividend Comparison

DFSTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.94%, less than SPDW's 2.87% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFSTX DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio	0.94%	1.08%	1.05%	2.45%	5.18%	6.39%	1.08%	3.30%	5.16%	4.56%	3.10%	5.90%
SPDW SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF	2.87%	3.30%	3.19%	2.75%	3.12%	3.04%	1.87%	3.13%	3.08%	1.86%	3.11%	2.78%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFSTX and SPDW in my portfolio?

DFSTX and SPDW have a correlation of 0.73, 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 SPDW?

SPDW has higher volatility (6.86%) compared to DFSTX (5.10%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFSTX dropped -60.99% vs SPDW's -60.02%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPDW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.80 vs 1.70), 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.