DFSVX vs. DEMSX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

DFSVX (DFA U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio I) and DEMSX (DFA Emerging Markets Small Cap Portfolio) are both mutual funds - DFSVX is a Small Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while DEMSX is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund managed by Dimensional. Over the past 10 years, DFSVX returned 11.75%/yr vs 9.20%/yr for DEMSX. A 0.55 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFSVX charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for DEMSX.

Performance

DFSVX vs. DEMSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio I (DFSVX) and DFA Emerging Markets Small Cap Portfolio (DEMSX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFSVX achieves a 17.78% return, which is significantly higher than DEMSX's 8.85% return. Over the past 10 years, DFSVX has outperformed DEMSX with an annualized return of 11.75%, while DEMSX has yielded a comparatively lower 9.20% annualized return.

DFSVX

• 1D: 1.63%
• 1M: 4.88%
• YTD: 17.78%
• 6M: 15.07%
• 1Y: 34.28%
• 3Y*: 17.62%
• 5Y*: 10.49%
• 10Y*: 11.75%

DEMSX

• 1D: 2.48%
• 1M: -2.92%
• YTD: 8.85%
• 6M: 9.97%
• 1Y: 17.05%
• 3Y*: 13.40%
• 5Y*: 6.29%
• 10Y*: 9.20%

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

DFSVX vs. DEMSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFSVX DFA U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio I	17.78%	8.37%	9.58%	19.02%	-3.57%	39.97%	2.24%	18.15%	-15.13%	6.82%
DEMSX DFA Emerging Markets Small Cap Portfolio	8.85%	19.01%	4.92%	16.32%	-15.30%	19.54%	13.82%	14.89%	-17.55%	33.32%

Correlation

The correlation between DFSVX and DEMSX is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.37
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.43
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.49
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.51
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 5, 1998	0.55

The correlation between DFSVX and DEMSX shifts across timeframes, from 0.37 (1 year) to 0.55 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DFSVX vs. DEMSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFSVX

DFSVX Risk / Return Rank: 75
DFSVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
DFSVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
DFSVX Omega Ratio Rank: 65
DFSVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
DFSVX Martin Ratio Rank: 78

DEMSX

DEMSX Risk / Return Rank: 31
DEMSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
DEMSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
DEMSX Omega Ratio Rank: 34
DEMSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
DEMSX Martin Ratio Rank: 31

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.

DFSVX vs. DEMSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio I (DFSVX) and DFA Emerging Markets Small Cap Portfolio (DEMSX). 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.

	DFSVX	DEMSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.96	1.26	+0.70
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.85	1.79	+1.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.24	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.58	1.71	+1.87
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.45	5.84	+5.61

DFSVX vs. DEMSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFSVX Sharpe Ratio is 1.96, which is higher than the DEMSX Sharpe Ratio of 1.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFSVX and DEMSX, 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

DFSVX vs. DEMSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFSVX drawdown since its inception was -66.70%, roughly equal to the maximum DEMSX drawdown of -66.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFSVX and DEMSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFSVX	DEMSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-66.70%	-66.70%	0.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.59%	-10.30%	+0.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.69%	-17.21%	-10.48%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.69%	-24.40%	-3.29%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-52.12%	-47.28%	-4.84%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-4.21%	+4.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.46%	-13.59%	+4.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.99%	3.00%	-0.01%

Volatility

DFSVX vs. DEMSX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio I (DFSVX) is 4.27%, while DFA Emerging Markets Small Cap Portfolio (DEMSX) has a volatility of 6.24%. This indicates that DFSVX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DEMSX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFSVX	DEMSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.27%	6.24%	-1.97%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.51%	11.95%	-0.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.53%	13.98%	+3.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.50%	13.44%	+8.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.89%	14.84%	+9.05%

DFSVX vs. DEMSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFSVX has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than DEMSX's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFSVX vs. DEMSX - Dividend Comparison

DFSVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.48%, less than DEMSX's 3.51% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DEMSX DFA Emerging Markets Small Cap Portfolio	3.51%	3.79%	3.27%	2.94%	4.47%	10.20%	2.25%	3.11%	5.02%	3.41%	3.74%	3.24%
DFSVX DFA U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio I	1.48%	1.69%	1.47%	3.67%	6.77%	10.40%	1.96%	2.83%	7.54%	5.18%	4.18%	5.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFSVX and DEMSX in my portfolio?

DFSVX and DEMSX have a correlation of 0.37, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFSVX or DEMSX?

DEMSX has higher volatility (6.24%) compared to DFSVX (4.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFSVX dropped -66.70% vs DEMSX's -66.70%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFSVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.96 vs 1.26), 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.