DFSVX vs. DFSTX
DFSVX (DFA U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio I) and DFSTX (DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio) are both mutual funds - DFSVX is a Small Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while DFSTX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Dimensional. Over the past 10 years, DFSVX returned 11.91%/yr vs 11.52%/yr for DFSTX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFSVX charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.27%/yr for DFSTX.
Performance
DFSVX vs. DFSTX - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with DFSVX having a 16.82% return and DFSTX slightly higher at 16.97%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with DFSVX having a 11.91% annualized return and DFSTX not far behind at 11.52%.
DFSVX
- 1D
- 0.22%
- 1M
- 2.14%
- YTD
- 16.82%
- 6M
- 15.24%
- 1Y
- 33.31%
- 3Y*
- 18.13%
- 5Y*
- 11.12%
- 10Y*
- 11.91%
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%
DFSVX vs. DFSTX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DFSVX DFA U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio I | 16.82% | 8.37% | 9.58% | 19.02% | -3.57% | 39.97% | 2.24% | 18.15% | -15.13% | 6.82% |
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% |
Correlation
The correlation between DFSVX and DFSTX is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.95 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.97 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.97 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.97 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 26, 1993 | 0.98 |
The correlation between DFSVX and DFSTX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
DFSVX vs. DFSTX — Risk / Return Rank
DFSVX
DFSTX
DFSVX vs. DFSTX - 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 U.S. Small Cap Portfolio (DFSTX). 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 | DFSTX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.09 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.12 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.35 | 1.33 | +0.02 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 3.65 | 3.53 | +0.11 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 11.64 | 12.00 | -0.36 |
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Drawdowns
DFSVX vs. DFSTX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum DFSVX drawdown since its inception was -66.70%, which is greater than DFSTX's maximum drawdown of -60.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFSVX and DFSTX.
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Drawdown Indicators
| DFSVX | DFSTX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -66.70% | -60.99% | -5.71% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -9.59% | -9.16% | -0.43% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -27.69% | -25.91% | -1.78% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -27.69% | -25.91% | -1.78% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -52.12% | -44.78% | -7.34% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.86% | -0.02% | -1.84% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -9.46% | -8.75% | -0.71% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.99% | 2.68% | +0.31% |
Volatility
DFSVX vs. DFSTX - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for DFA U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio I (DFSVX) is 4.09%, while DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio (DFSTX) has a volatility of 4.62%. This indicates that DFSVX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFSTX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| DFSVX | DFSTX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.09% | 4.62% | -0.53% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 11.40% | 11.92% | -0.52% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 17.58% | 17.00% | +0.58% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 21.41% | 20.56% | +0.85% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 23.90% | 22.10% | +1.80% |
DFSVX vs. DFSTX - Expense Ratio Comparison
DFSVX has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than DFSTX's 0.27% expense ratio.
Dividends
DFSVX vs. DFSTX - Dividend Comparison
DFSVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.49%, more than DFSTX's 0.93% 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% |
DFSVX DFA U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio I | 1.49% | 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
With a correlation of 0.95, DFSVX and DFSTX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.
DFSTX has higher volatility (4.62%) compared to DFSVX (4.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFSVX dropped -66.70% vs DFSTX's -60.99%.
DFSVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.99 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.
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