DFVIX vs. DFSVX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFVIX (DFA International Value III Portfolio) and DFSVX (DFA U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio I) are both mutual funds - DFVIX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by Dimensional, while DFSVX is a Small Cap Value Equities fund managed by Dimensional. Over the past 10 years, DFVIX returned 12.38%/yr vs 11.50%/yr for DFSVX. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFVIX charges 0.24%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for DFSVX.

Performance

DFVIX vs. DFSVX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFVIX achieves a 13.32% return, which is significantly lower than DFSVX's 16.32% return. Over the past 10 years, DFVIX has outperformed DFSVX with an annualized return of 12.38%, while DFSVX has yielded a comparatively lower 11.50% annualized return.

DFVIX

• 1D: 0.65%
• 1M: 3.66%
• YTD: 13.32%
• 6M: 17.21%
• 1Y: 37.55%
• 3Y*: 24.49%
• 5Y*: 15.29%
• 10Y*: 12.38%

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%

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

DFVIX vs. DFSVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFVIX DFA International Value III Portfolio	13.32%	44.85%	6.86%	17.89%	-3.41%	23.59%	-1.96%	15.85%	-17.29%	26.23%
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%

Correlation

The correlation between DFVIX and DFSVX is 0.60, 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	0.60
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.72
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 6, 1995	0.65

The correlation between DFVIX and DFSVX shifts across timeframes, from 0.60 (1 year) to 0.73 (10 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DFVIX vs. DFSVX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFVIX

DFVIX Risk / Return Rank: 80
DFVIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
DFVIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
DFVIX Omega Ratio Rank: 74
DFVIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
DFVIX Martin Ratio Rank: 81

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

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.

DFVIX vs. DFSVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	DFVIX	DFSVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.72	2.15	+0.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.68	3.11	+0.57
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	1.38	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.90	3.93	-0.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.36	12.54	+2.82
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFVIX vs. DFSVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFVIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.72, which is comparable to the DFSVX Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFVIX and DFSVX, 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

	DFVIX	DFSVX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.72	2.15	+0.57
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94	0.48	+0.46
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.69	0.48	+0.20
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.41	0.53	-0.11

Drawdowns

DFVIX vs. DFSVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFVIX drawdown since its inception was -66.53%, roughly equal to the maximum DFSVX drawdown of -66.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFVIX and DFSVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFVIX	DFSVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-66.53%	-66.70%	+0.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.53%	-9.59%	+0.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.68%	-27.69%	+13.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.26%	-27.69%	+2.43%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.89%	-52.12%	+4.23%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.04%	0.00%	-0.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.27%	-9.47%	-2.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.41%	2.99%	-0.58%

Volatility

DFVIX vs. DFSVX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA International Value III Portfolio (DFVIX) is 3.86%, while DFA U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio I (DFSVX) has a volatility of 4.26%. This indicates that DFVIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFSVX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFVIX	DFSVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.86%	4.26%	-0.40%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.85%	11.34%	-0.49%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.73%	17.53%	-3.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.46%	21.49%	-5.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.10%	23.90%	-5.80%

DFVIX vs. DFSVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFVIX has a 0.24% expense ratio, which is lower than DFSVX's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFVIX vs. DFSVX - Dividend Comparison

DFVIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.87%, more than DFSVX's 1.50% 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%
DFVIX DFA International Value III Portfolio	3.87%	4.09%	4.16%	4.44%	3.82%	7.97%	2.25%	3.53%	6.16%	3.02%	3.43%	5.84%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFVIX and DFSVX in my portfolio?

DFVIX and DFSVX have a correlation of 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFVIX or DFSVX?

DFSVX has higher volatility (4.26%) compared to DFVIX (3.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFVIX dropped -66.53% vs DFSVX's -66.70%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFVIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.72 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.