DGLIX vs. DFSTX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DGLIX (DFA Global Small Company Portfolio) and DFSTX (DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio) are both mutual funds - DGLIX is a Global Equities fund managed by Dimensional, while DFSTX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Dimensional. Over the past 5 years, DGLIX returned 8.29%/yr vs 8.88%/yr for DFSTX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DGLIX charges 0.44%/yr vs 0.27%/yr for DFSTX.

Performance

DGLIX vs. DFSTX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA Global Small Company Portfolio (DGLIX) and DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio (DFSTX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DGLIX achieves a 13.96% return, which is significantly lower than DFSTX's 16.97% return.

DGLIX

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: 2.62%
• YTD: 13.96%
• 6M: 12.36%
• 1Y: 27.85%
• 3Y*: 17.10%
• 5Y*: 8.29%
• 10Y*: —

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%

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

DGLIX vs. DFSTX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DGLIX DFA Global Small Company Portfolio	13.96%	15.76%	8.86%	16.71%	-14.60%	23.21%	11.01%	21.76%	-15.96%	16.09%
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 DGLIX and DFSTX 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 1, 2017	0.96

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

Return for Risk

DGLIX vs. DFSTX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DGLIX

DGLIX Risk / Return Rank: 58
DGLIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
DGLIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
DGLIX Omega Ratio Rank: 49
DGLIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
DGLIX Martin Ratio Rank: 60

DFSTX

DFSTX Risk / Return Rank: 58
DFSTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
DFSTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
DFSTX Omega Ratio Rank: 44
DFSTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
DFSTX Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

DGLIX vs. DFSTX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA Global Small Company Portfolio (DGLIX) 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.

	DGLIX	DFSTX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.02	1.91	+0.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.91	2.78	+0.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.33	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.03	3.53	-0.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.30	12.00	-0.70

DGLIX vs. DFSTX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DGLIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.02, which is comparable to the DFSTX Sharpe Ratio of 1.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DGLIX and DFSTX, 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

DGLIX vs. DFSTX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DGLIX drawdown since its inception was -42.56%, smaller than the maximum DFSTX drawdown of -60.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DGLIX and DFSTX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DGLIX	DFSTX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.56%	-60.99%	+18.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.60%	-9.16%	-0.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.69%	-25.91%	+6.22%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.16%	-25.91%	-0.25%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-44.78%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.40%	-0.02%	-0.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.37%	-8.75%	+1.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.57%	2.68%	-0.11%

Volatility

DGLIX vs. DFSTX - Volatility Comparison

DFA Global Small Company Portfolio (DGLIX) and DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio (DFSTX) have volatilities of 4.44% and 4.62%, 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

	DGLIX	DFSTX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.44%	4.62%	-0.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.81%	11.92%	-1.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.46%	17.00%	-2.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.00%	20.56%	-3.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.33%	22.10%	-3.77%

DGLIX vs. DFSTX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DGLIX has a 0.44% expense ratio, which is higher than DFSTX's 0.27% expense ratio.

Dividends

DGLIX vs. DFSTX - Dividend Comparison

DGLIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.45%, 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%
DGLIX DFA Global Small Company Portfolio	1.45%	1.66%	2.69%	2.56%	1.27%	3.63%	1.33%	1.46%	1.10%	0.58%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DGLIX and DFSTX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, DGLIX 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.

Which is riskier, DGLIX or DFSTX?

DFSTX has higher volatility (4.62%) compared to DGLIX (4.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DGLIX dropped -42.56% vs DFSTX's -60.99%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DGLIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.02 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.