DMA vs. CSTAX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DMA (Dimensional Managed Account Fund) and CSTAX (American Funds College 2027 Fund) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Over the past 3 years, DMA returned 19.55%/yr vs 6.87%/yr for CSTAX. At a 0.25 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. DMA charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.41%/yr for CSTAX.

Performance

DMA vs. CSTAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional Managed Account Fund (DMA) and American Funds College 2027 Fund (CSTAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DMA achieves a -8.61% return, which is significantly lower than CSTAX's 1.47% return.

DMA

• 1D: 1.73%
• 1M: 3.08%
• YTD: -8.61%
• 6M: -4.92%
• 1Y: 1.23%
• 3Y*: 19.55%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CSTAX

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: 0.65%
• YTD: 1.47%
• 6M: 1.68%
• 1Y: 6.99%
• 3Y*: 6.87%
• 5Y*: 2.83%
• 10Y*: 4.99%

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

DMA vs. CSTAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DMA Dimensional Managed Account Fund	-8.61%	16.89%	41.06%	-3.81%	-15.90%
CSTAX American Funds College 2027 Fund	1.47%	9.00%	5.57%	6.57%	-9.31%

Correlation

The correlation between DMA and CSTAX is 0.23, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.23
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.26
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 14, 2022	0.25

Return for Risk

DMA vs. CSTAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DMA

DMA Risk / Return Rank: 3
DMA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
DMA Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
DMA Omega Ratio Rank: 3
DMA Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
DMA Martin Ratio Rank: 3

CSTAX

CSTAX Risk / Return Rank: 60
CSTAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
CSTAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
CSTAX Omega Ratio Rank: 70
CSTAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
CSTAX Martin Ratio Rank: 49

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.

DMA vs. CSTAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Managed Account Fund (DMA) and American Funds College 2027 Fund (CSTAX). 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.

	DMA	CSTAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.09	2.34	-2.26
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	0.23	3.52	-3.29
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.03	1.47	-0.44
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.07	2.61	-2.55
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	0.21	10.06	-9.86
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DMA vs. CSTAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DMA Sharpe Ratio is 0.09, which is lower than the CSTAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.34. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DMA and CSTAX, 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

	DMA	CSTAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.09	2.34	-2.26
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.55	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.86	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.19	0.88	-0.69

Drawdowns

DMA vs. CSTAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DMA drawdown since its inception was -38.85%, which is greater than CSTAX's maximum drawdown of -14.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DMA and CSTAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DMA	CSTAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.85%	-14.52%	-24.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.34%	-2.72%	-15.62%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.34%	-4.89%	-13.45%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-14.52%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-14.52%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.24%	-0.40%	-9.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.31%	-2.35%	-8.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.98%	0.70%	+5.28%

Volatility

DMA vs. CSTAX - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional Managed Account Fund (DMA) has a higher volatility of 7.04% compared to American Funds College 2027 Fund (CSTAX) at 1.11%. This indicates that DMA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than CSTAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DMA	CSTAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.04%	1.11%	+5.93%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.55%	2.32%	+10.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.03%	3.03%	+11.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.30%	5.16%	+19.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.30%	5.79%	+18.51%

DMA vs. CSTAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DMA has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than CSTAX's 0.41% expense ratio.

Dividends

DMA vs. CSTAX - Dividend Comparison

DMA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 15.56%, more than CSTAX's 5.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CSTAX American Funds College 2027 Fund	5.19%	5.26%	3.78%	3.17%	3.40%	7.52%	5.72%	4.00%	4.78%	3.90%	4.34%	4.49%
DMA Dimensional Managed Account Fund	15.56%	9.42%	3.83%	5.22%	10.14%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DMA and CSTAX in my portfolio?

DMA and CSTAX have a correlation of 0.23, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DMA or CSTAX?

DMA has higher volatility (7.04%) compared to CSTAX (1.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DMA dropped -38.85% vs CSTAX's -14.52%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CSTAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.34 vs 0.09), 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.