DFSVX vs. VSMVX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFSVX (DFA U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio I) and VSMVX (Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Small Cap Value Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, DFSVX returned 11.50%/yr vs 10.38%/yr for VSMVX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFSVX charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VSMVX.

Performance

DFSVX vs. VSMVX - 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 Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSMVX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with DFSVX having a 16.32% return and VSMVX slightly higher at 16.60%. Over the past 10 years, DFSVX has outperformed VSMVX with an annualized return of 11.50%, while VSMVX has yielded a comparatively lower 10.38% annualized return.

DFSVX

• 1D: 0.96%
• 1M: 2.50%
• YTD: 16.32%
• 6M: 15.74%
• 1Y: 34.94%
• 3Y*: 18.16%
• 5Y*: 10.22%
• 10Y*: 11.50%

VSMVX

• 1D: 1.11%
• 1M: 3.59%
• YTD: 16.60%
• 6M: 16.14%
• 1Y: 38.88%
• 3Y*: 14.55%
• 5Y*: 5.95%
• 10Y*: 10.38%

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

DFSVX vs. VSMVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFSVX DFA U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio I	16.32%	8.37%	9.58%	19.02%	-3.57%	39.97%	2.24%	18.15%	-15.13%	6.82%
VSMVX Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares	16.60%	6.38%	7.53%	14.85%	-11.12%	30.85%	2.79%	24.47%	-12.67%	11.64%

Correlation

The correlation between DFSVX and VSMVX is 0.96 - 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	0.96
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 Dec 18, 2012	0.97

The correlation between DFSVX and VSMVX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFSVX vs. VSMVX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFSVX

DFSVX Risk / Return Rank: 61
DFSVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
DFSVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
DFSVX Omega Ratio Rank: 48
DFSVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
DFSVX Martin Ratio Rank: 64

VSMVX

VSMVX Risk / Return Rank: 67
VSMVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
VSMVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
VSMVX Omega Ratio Rank: 50
VSMVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
VSMVX 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.

DFSVX vs. VSMVX - 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 Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSMVX). 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.

	DFSVX	VSMVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.15	2.28	-0.13
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.11	3.22	-0.12
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.39	-0.01
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.93	4.47	-0.55
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	12.54	14.73	-2.19
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFSVX vs. VSMVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFSVX Sharpe Ratio is 2.15, which is comparable to the VSMVX Sharpe Ratio of 2.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFSVX and VSMVX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DFSVX	VSMVX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.15	2.28	-0.13
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.48	0.27	+0.21
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.48	0.43	+0.05
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.53	0.50	+0.02

Drawdowns

DFSVX vs. VSMVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFSVX drawdown since its inception was -66.70%, which is greater than VSMVX's maximum drawdown of -47.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFSVX and VSMVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFSVX	VSMVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-66.70%	-47.61%	-19.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.59%	-9.33%	-0.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.69%	-28.81%	+1.12%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.69%	-28.81%	+1.12%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-52.12%	-47.61%	-4.51%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.47%	-7.64%	-1.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.99%	2.83%	+0.16%

Volatility

DFSVX vs. VSMVX - Volatility Comparison

DFA U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio I (DFSVX) and Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSMVX) have volatilities of 4.26% and 4.48%, 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

	DFSVX	VSMVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.26%	4.48%	-0.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.34%	11.51%	-0.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.53%	18.32%	-0.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.49%	22.02%	-0.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.90%	24.13%	-0.23%

DFSVX vs. VSMVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFSVX has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than VSMVX's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFSVX vs. VSMVX - Dividend Comparison

DFSVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.50%, less than VSMVX's 1.63% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFSVX DFA U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio I	1.50%	1.69%	1.47%	3.67%	6.77%	10.40%	1.96%	2.83%	7.54%	5.18%	4.18%	5.29%
VSMVX Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.63%	1.45%	1.85%	1.92%	1.88%	1.66%	1.46%	1.65%	1.89%	1.55%	1.26%	1.42%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFSVX and VSMVX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, DFSVX and VSMVX 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.

Which is riskier, DFSVX or VSMVX?

VSMVX has higher volatility (4.48%) compared to DFSVX (4.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFSVX dropped -66.70% vs VSMVX's -47.61%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSMVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 vs 2.15), 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.