DFSTX vs. VINIX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFSTX (DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio) and VINIX (Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both mutual funds - DFSTX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Dimensional, while VINIX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 10 years, DFSTX returned 11.52%/yr vs 15.85%/yr for VINIX. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFSTX charges 0.27%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VINIX.

Performance

DFSTX vs. VINIX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFSTX achieves a 16.97% return, which is significantly higher than VINIX's 9.78% return. Over the past 10 years, DFSTX has underperformed VINIX with an annualized return of 11.52%, while VINIX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.85% annualized return.

DFSTX

• 1D: 0.13%
• 1M: 4.08%
• YTD: 16.97%
• 6M: 14.60%
• 1Y: 30.59%
• 3Y*: 16.99%
• 5Y*: 8.88%
• 10Y*: 11.52%

VINIX

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: 0.10%
• YTD: 9.78%
• 6M: 8.78%
• 1Y: 25.49%
• 3Y*: 21.79%
• 5Y*: 13.73%
• 10Y*: 15.85%

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

DFSTX vs. VINIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFSTX DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio	16.97%	8.07%	11.50%	17.66%	-13.50%	30.50%	11.19%	21.78%	-13.20%	11.19%
VINIX Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Shares	9.78%	17.85%	26.28%	25.77%	-18.15%	28.67%	18.40%	31.46%	-4.42%	21.79%

Correlation

The correlation between DFSTX and VINIX is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.77
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.82
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 19, 1992	0.81

The correlation between DFSTX and VINIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.76 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFSTX vs. VINIX — 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: 44
DFSTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
DFSTX Martin Ratio Rank: 65

VINIX

VINIX Risk / Return Rank: 65
VINIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VINIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VINIX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
VINIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VINIX Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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. VINIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio (DFSTX) and Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Shares (VINIX). 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	VINIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.91	2.15	-0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.78	2.91	-0.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.39	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.53	3.01	+0.52
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.00	13.61	-1.61

DFSTX vs. VINIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFSTX Sharpe Ratio is 1.91, which is comparable to the VINIX Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFSTX and VINIX, 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. VINIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFSTX drawdown since its inception was -60.99%, which is greater than VINIX's maximum drawdown of -55.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFSTX and VINIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFSTX	VINIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.99%	-55.19%	-5.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.16%	-8.90%	-0.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.91%	-18.75%	-7.16%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.91%	-24.51%	-1.40%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.78%	-33.79%	-10.99%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.02%	-1.72%	+1.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.75%	-8.52%	-0.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.68%	1.97%	+0.71%

Volatility

DFSTX vs. VINIX - Volatility Comparison

DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio (DFSTX) and Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Shares (VINIX) have volatilities of 4.62% and 4.67%, 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

	DFSTX	VINIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.62%	4.67%	-0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.92%	9.84%	+2.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.00%	12.50%	+4.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.56%	16.98%	+3.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.10%	18.11%	+3.99%

DFSTX vs. VINIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

DFSTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.93%, less than VINIX's 2.44% 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%
VINIX Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Shares	2.44%	2.10%	3.64%	2.65%	3.38%	4.77%	3.06%	2.85%	2.43%	1.82%	2.36%	2.45%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFSTX and VINIX in my portfolio?

DFSTX and VINIX have a correlation of 0.76, 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 VINIX?

VINIX has higher volatility (4.67%) compared to DFSTX (4.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFSTX dropped -60.99% vs VINIX's -55.19%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VINIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 1.91), 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.