DHY vs. DSM

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DHY (Dimensional High Yield Equity Fund) and DSM (Dimensional Small Cap Equity Fund) are both mutual funds - DHY is a Dividend fund managed by Dimensional Fund Advisors, while DSM is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Dimensional Fund Advisors. Over the past 10 years, DHY returned 6.16%/yr vs 1.10%/yr for DSM. At a 0.15 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. DHY charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for DSM.

Performance

DHY vs. DSM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional High Yield Equity Fund (DHY) and Dimensional Small Cap Equity Fund (DSM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DHY achieves a -8.03% return, which is significantly lower than DSM's 1.43% return. Over the past 10 years, DHY has outperformed DSM with an annualized return of 6.16%, while DSM has yielded a comparatively lower 1.10% annualized return.

DHY

• 1D: 0.57%
• 1M: 0.89%
• YTD: -8.03%
• 6M: -8.49%
• 1Y: -7.52%
• 3Y*: 6.35%
• 5Y*: 1.96%
• 10Y*: 6.16%

DSM

• 1D: -0.49%
• 1M: 2.17%
• YTD: 1.43%
• 6M: 4.13%
• 1Y: 14.82%
• 3Y*: 7.00%
• 5Y*: -1.59%
• 10Y*: 1.10%

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

DHY vs. DSM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DHY Dimensional High Yield Equity Fund	-8.03%	2.19%	18.18%	24.13%	-21.75%	16.99%	0.10%	26.18%	-16.10%	17.06%
DSM Dimensional Small Cap Equity Fund	1.43%	10.90%	5.52%	3.18%	-27.04%	10.89%	3.32%	20.57%	-13.60%	12.79%

Correlation

The correlation between DHY and DSM is 0.18, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.18
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.15
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.20
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.20
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 29, 1998	0.15

Return for Risk

DHY vs. DSM — Risk / Return Rank

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

DHY

DHY Risk / Return Rank: 1
DHY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
DHY Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
DHY Omega Ratio Rank: 1
DHY Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
DHY Martin Ratio Rank: 1

DSM

DSM Risk / Return Rank: 33
DSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
DSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
DSM Omega Ratio Rank: 30
DSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
DSM Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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.

DHY vs. DSM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional High Yield Equity Fund (DHY) and Dimensional Small Cap Equity Fund (DSM). 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.

	DHY	DSM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.62	1.43	-2.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.81	2.36	-3.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.90	1.27	-0.37
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.58	2.14	-2.72
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.29	7.25	-8.53

DHY vs. DSM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DHY Sharpe Ratio is -0.62, which is lower than the DSM Sharpe Ratio of 1.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DHY and DSM, 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

DHY vs. DSM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DHY drawdown since its inception was -71.47%, which is greater than DSM's maximum drawdown of -49.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DHY and DSM.

Drawdown Indicators

	DHY	DSM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-71.47%	-49.15%	-22.32%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.03%	-6.95%	-6.08%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.03%	-17.04%	+4.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.23%	-38.75%	+11.52%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.36%	-38.75%	-2.61%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.24%	-11.45%	+0.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.35%	-8.28%	-4.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.86%	2.05%	+3.81%

Volatility

DHY vs. DSM - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional High Yield Equity Fund (DHY) has a higher volatility of 2.93% compared to Dimensional Small Cap Equity Fund (DSM) at 1.91%. This indicates that DHY's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DSM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DHY	DSM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.93%	1.91%	+1.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.93%	8.05%	+1.88%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.20%	10.40%	+1.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.37%	12.45%	+2.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.95%	13.48%	+4.47%

DHY vs. DSM - Expense Ratio Comparison

DHY has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is higher than DSM's 0.03% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

DHY vs. DSM - Dividend Comparison

DHY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.63%, more than DSM's 4.84% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DHY Dimensional High Yield Equity Fund	10.63%	9.30%	8.69%	9.39%	10.57%	7.61%	8.68%	9.02%	11.20%	9.40%	10.52%	12.63%
DSM Dimensional Small Cap Equity Fund	4.84%	4.07%	3.72%	4.27%	5.95%	4.31%	4.57%	5.19%	6.11%	5.82%	6.19%	6.17%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DHY and DSM in my portfolio?

DHY and DSM have a correlation of 0.18, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DHY or DSM?

DHY has higher volatility (2.93%) compared to DSM (1.91%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DHY dropped -71.47% vs DSM's -49.15%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DSM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.43 vs -0.62), 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.