DFSVX vs. SPEM

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

DFSVX (DFA U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio I) and SPEM (SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF) are both funds - DFSVX is a Small Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while SPEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the S&P Emerging Markets BMI. DFSVX is actively managed, while SPEM is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DFSVX returned 11.75%/yr vs 9.63%/yr for SPEM. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFSVX charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.11%/yr for SPEM.

Performance

DFSVX vs. SPEM - 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 SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM). 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 SPEM's 11.32% return. Over the past 10 years, DFSVX has outperformed SPEM with an annualized return of 11.75%, while SPEM has yielded a comparatively lower 9.63% annualized return.

DFSVX

• 1D: 1.63%
• 1M: 5.78%
• YTD: 17.78%
• 6M: 15.07%
• 1Y: 36.45%
• 3Y*: 17.62%
• 5Y*: 10.49%
• 10Y*: 11.75%

SPEM

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: -0.13%
• YTD: 11.32%
• 6M: 13.11%
• 1Y: 27.73%
• 3Y*: 17.37%
• 5Y*: 5.60%
• 10Y*: 9.63%

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

DFSVX vs. SPEM - 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%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	11.32%	25.63%	11.40%	10.51%	-17.90%	1.51%	14.55%	19.69%	-13.26%	34.82%

Correlation

The correlation between DFSVX and SPEM is 0.53, 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	0.53
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.54
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.56
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.56
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 23, 2007	0.65

The correlation between DFSVX and SPEM shifts across timeframes, from 0.53 (1 year) to 0.65 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DFSVX vs. SPEM — 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

SPEM

SPEM Risk / Return Rank: 52
SPEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
SPEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
SPEM Omega Ratio Rank: 53
SPEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
SPEM Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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. SPEM - 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 SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM). 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	SPEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.96	1.55	+0.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.85	2.16	+0.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.29	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.58	2.28	+1.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.45	8.16	+3.29

DFSVX vs. SPEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFSVX Sharpe Ratio is 1.96, which is comparable to the SPEM Sharpe Ratio of 1.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFSVX and SPEM, 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. SPEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFSVX drawdown since its inception was -66.70%, roughly equal to the maximum SPEM drawdown of -64.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFSVX and SPEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFSVX	SPEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-66.70%	-64.41%	-2.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.59%	-11.36%	+1.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.69%	-17.62%	-10.07%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.69%	-31.75%	+4.06%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-52.12%	-36.06%	-16.06%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-2.40%	+2.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.46%	-14.73%	+5.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.99%	3.17%	-0.18%

Volatility

DFSVX vs. SPEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio I (DFSVX) is 4.27%, while SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) has a volatility of 6.87%. This indicates that DFSVX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFSVX	SPEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.27%	6.87%	-2.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.51%	14.21%	-2.70%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.53%	16.67%	+0.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.50%	17.26%	+4.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.89%	18.83%	+5.06%

DFSVX vs. SPEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFSVX has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than SPEM's 0.11% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFSVX vs. SPEM - Dividend Comparison

DFSVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.48%, less than SPEM's 2.49% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	2.49%	2.77%	2.78%	2.80%	3.38%	3.14%	1.92%	2.94%	2.34%	1.12%	1.51%	2.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFSVX and SPEM in my portfolio?

DFSVX and SPEM have a correlation of 0.53, 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 SPEM?

SPEM has higher volatility (6.87%) compared to DFSVX (4.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFSVX dropped -66.70% vs SPEM's -64.41%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFSVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.96 vs 1.55), 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.