DFVQX vs. TSMWX

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

DFVQX (DFA International Vector Equity Portfolio) and TSMWX (TIAA-CREF Quant Small/Mid-Cap Equity Fund) are both mutual funds - DFVQX is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund managed by Dimensional, while TSMWX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by TIAA Investments. Over the past 5 years, DFVQX returned 10.06%/yr vs 12.46%/yr for TSMWX. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFVQX charges 0.36%/yr vs 0.47%/yr for TSMWX.

Performance

DFVQX vs. TSMWX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA International Vector Equity Portfolio (DFVQX) and TIAA-CREF Quant Small/Mid-Cap Equity Fund (TSMWX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFVQX achieves a 11.35% return, which is significantly lower than TSMWX's 21.48% return.

DFVQX

• 1D: 0.25%
• 1M: 0.86%
• YTD: 11.35%
• 6M: 14.18%
• 1Y: 28.86%
• 3Y*: 20.68%
• 5Y*: 10.06%
• 10Y*: 9.88%

TSMWX

• 1D: 0.79%
• 1M: 3.76%
• YTD: 21.48%
• 6M: 21.06%
• 1Y: 40.43%
• 3Y*: 24.91%
• 5Y*: 12.46%
• 10Y*: —

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

DFVQX vs. TSMWX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFVQX DFA International Vector Equity Portfolio	11.35%	38.02%	4.55%	17.05%	-12.54%	15.01%	6.10%	20.87%	-19.03%	26.46%
TSMWX TIAA-CREF Quant Small/Mid-Cap Equity Fund	21.48%	16.07%	18.33%	20.97%	-16.46%	32.06%	15.98%	30.01%	-7.82%	17.44%

Correlation

The correlation between DFVQX and TSMWX is 0.66, 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	0.66
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.68
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2017	0.73

The correlation between DFVQX and TSMWX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.66 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFVQX vs. TSMWX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFVQX

DFVQX Risk / Return Rank: 55
DFVQX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
DFVQX Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
DFVQX Omega Ratio Rank: 54
DFVQX Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
DFVQX Martin Ratio Rank: 53

TSMWX

TSMWX Risk / Return Rank: 76
TSMWX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
TSMWX Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
TSMWX Omega Ratio Rank: 60
TSMWX Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
TSMWX Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

DFVQX vs. TSMWX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA International Vector Equity Portfolio (DFVQX) and TIAA-CREF Quant Small/Mid-Cap Equity Fund (TSMWX). 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.

	DFVQX	TSMWX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.18	2.40	-0.22
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.02	3.25	-0.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.41	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.69	4.85	-2.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.45	18.44	-7.99
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFVQX vs. TSMWX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFVQX Sharpe Ratio is 2.18, which is comparable to the TSMWX Sharpe Ratio of 2.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFVQX and TSMWX, 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

	DFVQX	TSMWX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.18	2.40	-0.22
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.65	0.60	+0.04
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.60	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.61	0.66	-0.05

Drawdowns

DFVQX vs. TSMWX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFVQX drawdown since its inception was -44.58%, roughly equal to the maximum TSMWX drawdown of -44.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFVQX and TSMWX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFVQX	TSMWX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.58%	-44.34%	-0.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.98%	-8.78%	-2.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.00%	-24.27%	+11.27%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.33%	-25.87%	-2.46%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.58%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.10%	0.00%	-1.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.85%	-6.75%	-1.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.81%	2.30%	+0.51%

Volatility

DFVQX vs. TSMWX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA International Vector Equity Portfolio (DFVQX) is 3.88%, while TIAA-CREF Quant Small/Mid-Cap Equity Fund (TSMWX) has a volatility of 4.95%. This indicates that DFVQX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than TSMWX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFVQX	TSMWX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.88%	4.95%	-1.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.03%	12.93%	-1.90%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.56%	17.74%	-4.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.64%	20.71%	-5.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.54%	22.28%	-5.74%

DFVQX vs. TSMWX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFVQX has a 0.36% expense ratio, which is lower than TSMWX's 0.47% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFVQX vs. TSMWX - Dividend Comparison

DFVQX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.92%, less than TSMWX's 7.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFVQX DFA International Vector Equity Portfolio	2.92%	3.06%	3.56%	3.47%	2.73%	4.76%	1.79%	2.68%	5.96%	1.81%	2.15%	2.77%
TSMWX TIAA-CREF Quant Small/Mid-Cap Equity Fund	7.34%	8.92%	12.84%	2.50%	7.84%	20.81%	1.81%	5.84%	13.26%	4.51%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFVQX and TSMWX in my portfolio?

DFVQX and TSMWX have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFVQX or TSMWX?

TSMWX has higher volatility (4.95%) compared to DFVQX (3.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFVQX dropped -44.58% vs TSMWX's -44.34%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TSMWX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.40 vs 2.18), 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.