DIPSX vs. FSSNX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DIPSX (DFA Inflation-Protected Securities Portfolio) and FSSNX (Fidelity Small Cap Index Fund) are both mutual funds - DIPSX is a Inflation-Protected Bonds fund managed by Dimensional, while FSSNX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Index. Over the past 10 years, DIPSX returned 2.58%/yr vs 11.46%/yr for FSSNX. At a correlation of -0.03, they often move in opposite directions. DIPSX charges 0.11%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for FSSNX.

Performance

DIPSX vs. FSSNX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA Inflation-Protected Securities Portfolio (DIPSX) and Fidelity Small Cap Index Fund (FSSNX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DIPSX achieves a 1.26% return, which is significantly lower than FSSNX's 20.76% return. Over the past 10 years, DIPSX has underperformed FSSNX with an annualized return of 2.58%, while FSSNX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.46% annualized return.

DIPSX

• 1D: 0.36%
• 1M: 0.36%
• YTD: 1.26%
• 6M: 1.35%
• 1Y: 2.88%
• 3Y*: 3.51%
• 5Y*: 0.89%
• 10Y*: 2.58%

FSSNX

• 1D: 2.10%
• 1M: 3.98%
• YTD: 20.76%
• 6M: 17.19%
• 1Y: 43.21%
• 3Y*: 18.44%
• 5Y*: 7.47%
• 10Y*: 11.46%

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

DIPSX vs. FSSNX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DIPSX DFA Inflation-Protected Securities Portfolio	1.26%	5.77%	2.02%	3.93%	-12.26%	5.55%	11.65%	8.54%	-1.30%	3.28%
FSSNX Fidelity Small Cap Index Fund	20.76%	12.94%	11.71%	17.11%	-20.28%	14.70%	19.99%	25.70%	-11.24%	14.54%

Correlation

The correlation between DIPSX and FSSNX is 0.22, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.22
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.21
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.16
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.03
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 3, 2012	-0.03

The correlation between DIPSX and FSSNX shifts across timeframes, from -0.03 (all time) to 0.22 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DIPSX vs. FSSNX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DIPSX

DIPSX Risk / Return Rank: 14
DIPSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
DIPSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
DIPSX Omega Ratio Rank: 11
DIPSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
DIPSX Martin Ratio Rank: 17

FSSNX

FSSNX Risk / Return Rank: 69
FSSNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
FSSNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
FSSNX Omega Ratio Rank: 50
FSSNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
FSSNX Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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.

DIPSX vs. FSSNX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA Inflation-Protected Securities Portfolio (DIPSX) and Fidelity Small Cap Index Fund (FSSNX). 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.

	DIPSX	FSSNX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.88	2.19	-1.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.29	2.99	-1.71
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.36	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.52	3.92	-2.40
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.22	13.88	-9.66

DIPSX vs. FSSNX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DIPSX Sharpe Ratio is 0.88, which is lower than the FSSNX Sharpe Ratio of 2.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DIPSX and FSSNX, 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

DIPSX vs. FSSNX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DIPSX drawdown since its inception was -14.64%, smaller than the maximum FSSNX drawdown of -41.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DIPSX and FSSNX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DIPSX	FSSNX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.64%	-41.72%	+27.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.03%	-11.00%	+8.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.75%	-27.45%	+22.70%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.64%	-31.87%	+17.23%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-14.64%	-41.72%	+27.08%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.04%	0.00%	-1.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.54%	-8.27%	+3.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.73%	3.10%	-2.37%

Volatility

DIPSX vs. FSSNX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA Inflation-Protected Securities Portfolio (DIPSX) is 1.12%, while Fidelity Small Cap Index Fund (FSSNX) has a volatility of 6.79%. This indicates that DIPSX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FSSNX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DIPSX	FSSNX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.12%	6.79%	-5.67%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.39%	14.37%	-11.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.51%	19.71%	-16.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.34%	22.68%	-16.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.71%	23.50%	-17.79%

DIPSX vs. FSSNX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DIPSX has a 0.11% expense ratio, which is higher than FSSNX'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

DIPSX vs. FSSNX - Dividend Comparison

DIPSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.03%, more than FSSNX's 0.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DIPSX DFA Inflation-Protected Securities Portfolio	2.03%	2.43%	2.70%	3.73%	8.14%	4.86%	1.58%	2.12%	2.28%	2.64%	1.99%	0.69%
FSSNX Fidelity Small Cap Index Fund	0.90%	1.08%	1.04%	1.43%	1.26%	3.92%	0.94%	2.96%	4.94%	3.37%	2.27%	2.66%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DIPSX and FSSNX in my portfolio?

DIPSX and FSSNX have a correlation of 0.22, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DIPSX or FSSNX?

FSSNX has higher volatility (6.79%) compared to DIPSX (1.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DIPSX dropped -14.64% vs FSSNX's -41.72%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FSSNX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.19 vs 0.88), 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.