DMO vs. DSM

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

DMO (Dimensional Multi-Asset Fund) and DSM (Dimensional Small Cap Equity Fund) are both mutual funds - DMO is a Global Allocation 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, DMO returned 4.44%/yr vs 1.32%/yr for DSM. At a 0.16 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. DMO charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for DSM.

Performance

DMO vs. DSM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional Multi-Asset Fund (DMO) 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, DMO achieves a 3.87% return, which is significantly higher than DSM's 1.26% return. Over the past 10 years, DMO has outperformed DSM with an annualized return of 4.44%, while DSM has yielded a comparatively lower 1.32% annualized return.

DMO

• 1D: -0.55%
• 1M: -0.82%
• YTD: 3.87%
• 6M: 0.45%
• 1Y: 5.06%
• 3Y*: 15.61%
• 5Y*: 5.44%
• 10Y*: 4.44%

DSM

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 1.75%
• YTD: 1.26%
• 6M: 6.30%
• 1Y: 15.52%
• 3Y*: 7.46%
• 5Y*: -1.43%
• 10Y*: 1.32%

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

DMO vs. DSM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DMO Dimensional Multi-Asset Fund	3.87%	6.95%	20.24%	16.79%	-21.64%	17.12%	-22.32%	9.10%	-2.04%	23.46%
DSM Dimensional Small Cap Equity Fund	1.26%	10.90%	5.52%	3.18%	-27.04%	10.89%	3.32%	20.57%	-13.60%	12.79%

Correlation

The correlation between DMO and DSM is 0.20, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.20
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.22
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.23
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.18
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 25, 2010	0.16

Return for Risk

DMO vs. DSM — Risk / Return Rank

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

DMO

DMO Risk / Return Rank: 6
DMO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
DMO Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
DMO Omega Ratio Rank: 6
DMO Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
DMO Martin Ratio Rank: 7

DSM

DSM Risk / Return Rank: 32
DSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
DSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
DSM Omega Ratio Rank: 28
DSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
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.

DMO vs. DSM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Multi-Asset Fund (DMO) 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.

	DMO	DSM	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.51	1.49	-0.98
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	0.76	2.45	-1.69
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.10	1.28	-0.18
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.73	2.26	-1.53
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	1.90	7.70	-5.80
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DMO vs. DSM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DMO Sharpe Ratio is 0.51, which is lower than the DSM Sharpe Ratio of 1.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DMO 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DMO	DSM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.51	1.49	-0.98
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.43	-0.12	+0.54
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.22	0.10	+0.12
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.49	0.31	+0.18

Drawdowns

DMO vs. DSM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DMO drawdown since its inception was -49.16%, roughly equal to the maximum DSM drawdown of -49.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DMO and DSM.

Drawdown Indicators

	DMO	DSM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-49.16%	-49.15%	-0.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.37%	-6.95%	-1.42%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.04%	-17.04%	+8.00%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.04%	-38.75%	+9.71%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-49.16%	-38.75%	-10.41%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.42%	-11.59%	+9.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.61%	-8.27%	-1.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.23%	2.04%	+1.19%

Volatility

DMO vs. DSM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional Multi-Asset Fund (DMO) is 2.40%, while Dimensional Small Cap Equity Fund (DSM) has a volatility of 3.71%. This indicates that DMO experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DSM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DMO	DSM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.40%	3.71%	-1.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.90%	8.27%	+0.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.96%	10.46%	-0.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.79%	12.45%	+0.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.96%	13.49%	+6.47%

DMO vs. DSM - Expense Ratio Comparison

DMO 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

DMO vs. DSM - Dividend Comparison

DMO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 13.79%, more than DSM's 4.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DMO Dimensional Multi-Asset Fund	13.79%	14.01%	12.92%	11.46%	11.51%	8.88%	10.95%	9.63%	18.93%	13.30%	13.19%	14.09%
DSM Dimensional Small Cap Equity Fund	4.71%	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 DMO and DSM in my portfolio?

DMO and DSM have a correlation of 0.20, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DMO or DSM?

DSM has higher volatility (3.71%) compared to DMO (2.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DMO dropped -49.16% vs DSM's -49.15%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DSM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.49 vs 0.51), 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.