DFSTX vs. VBK

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DFSTX (DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio) and VBK (Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF) are both funds - DFSTX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Dimensional, while VBK is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index. Over the past 10 years, DFSTX returned 11.18%/yr vs 12.20%/yr for VBK. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFSTX charges 0.27%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VBK.

Performance

DFSTX vs. VBK - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFSTX achieves a 16.82% return, which is significantly lower than VBK's 18.61% return. Over the past 10 years, DFSTX has underperformed VBK with an annualized return of 11.18%, while VBK has yielded a comparatively higher 12.20% annualized return.

DFSTX

• 1D: 1.45%
• 1M: 3.94%
• YTD: 16.82%
• 6M: 13.96%
• 1Y: 31.88%
• 3Y*: 15.95%
• 5Y*: 9.43%
• 10Y*: 11.18%

VBK

• 1D: 0.39%
• 1M: 3.11%
• YTD: 18.61%
• 6M: 15.14%
• 1Y: 33.39%
• 3Y*: 18.20%
• 5Y*: 5.09%
• 10Y*: 12.20%

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

DFSTX vs. VBK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFSTX DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio	16.82%	8.07%	11.50%	17.66%	-13.50%	30.50%	11.19%	21.78%	-13.20%	11.19%
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF	18.61%	8.50%	16.50%	21.45%	-28.44%	5.66%	35.44%	32.75%	-5.70%	21.87%

Correlation

The correlation between DFSTX and VBK is 0.87, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.92

The correlation between DFSTX and VBK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFSTX vs. VBK — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFSTX

DFSTX Risk / Return Rank: 58
DFSTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
DFSTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
DFSTX Omega Ratio Rank: 43
DFSTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
DFSTX Martin Ratio Rank: 65

VBK

VBK Risk / Return Rank: 53
VBK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
VBK Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
VBK Omega Ratio Rank: 45
VBK Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
VBK 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. VBK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio (DFSTX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK). 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	VBK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.90	1.67	+0.22
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.76	2.30	+0.46
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.28	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.51	2.93	+0.58
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.94	10.98	+0.96

DFSTX vs. VBK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFSTX Sharpe Ratio is 1.90, which is comparable to the VBK Sharpe Ratio of 1.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFSTX and VBK, 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. VBK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFSTX drawdown since its inception was -60.99%, roughly equal to the maximum VBK drawdown of -58.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFSTX and VBK.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFSTX	VBK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.99%	-58.68%	-2.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.16%	-11.44%	+2.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.91%	-27.54%	+1.63%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.91%	-38.39%	+12.48%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.78%	-38.70%	-6.08%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.15%	-0.05%	-0.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.76%	-10.14%	+1.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.68%	3.05%	-0.37%

Volatility

DFSTX vs. VBK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio (DFSTX) is 4.95%, while Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) has a volatility of 6.94%. This indicates that DFSTX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VBK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFSTX	VBK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.95%	6.94%	-1.99%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.94%	15.58%	-3.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.97%	20.07%	-3.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.58%	23.62%	-3.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.10%	22.94%	-0.84%

DFSTX vs. VBK - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFSTX has a 0.27% expense ratio, which is higher than VBK's 0.05% 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. VBK - Dividend Comparison

DFSTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.93%, more than VBK's 0.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFSTX DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio	0.93%	1.08%	1.05%	2.45%	5.18%	6.39%	1.08%	3.30%	5.16%	4.56%	3.10%	5.90%
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF	0.44%	0.54%	0.54%	0.68%	0.55%	0.36%	0.44%	0.57%	0.79%	0.82%	1.08%	0.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFSTX and VBK in my portfolio?

DFSTX and VBK have a correlation of 0.87, 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 VBK?

VBK has higher volatility (6.94%) compared to DFSTX (4.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFSTX dropped -60.99% vs VBK's -58.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFSTX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.90 vs 1.67), 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.