DRESX vs. DFETX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DRESX (Driehaus Emerging Markets Small Cap Growth Fund) and DFETX (DFA Emerging Markets II Portfolio) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. Over the past 10 years, DRESX returned 11.48%/yr vs 11.56%/yr for DFETX. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DRESX charges 1.24%/yr vs 0.37%/yr for DFETX.

Performance

DRESX vs. DFETX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Driehaus Emerging Markets Small Cap Growth Fund (DRESX) and DFA Emerging Markets II Portfolio (DFETX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DRESX achieves a 20.46% return, which is significantly lower than DFETX's 31.43% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with DRESX having a 11.48% annualized return and DFETX not far ahead at 11.56%.

DRESX

• 1D: 0.86%
• 1M: 0.38%
• YTD: 20.46%
• 6M: 21.61%
• 1Y: 40.82%
• 3Y*: 20.59%
• 5Y*: 9.15%
• 10Y*: 11.48%

DFETX

• 1D: 3.06%
• 1M: 7.54%
• YTD: 31.43%
• 6M: 33.43%
• 1Y: 57.85%
• 3Y*: 24.31%
• 5Y*: 10.87%
• 10Y*: 11.56%

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

DRESX vs. DFETX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DRESX Driehaus Emerging Markets Small Cap Growth Fund	20.46%	24.08%	14.86%	10.30%	-21.17%	15.93%	33.56%	33.70%	-24.00%	33.30%
DFETX DFA Emerging Markets II Portfolio	31.43%	33.54%	6.86%	13.11%	-16.84%	2.58%	14.08%	16.30%	-13.47%	36.75%

Correlation

The correlation between DRESX and DFETX is 0.79, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.77
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 26, 2011	0.73

The correlation between DRESX and DFETX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DRESX vs. DFETX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DRESX

DRESX Risk / Return Rank: 74
DRESX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
DRESX Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
DRESX Omega Ratio Rank: 75
DRESX Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
DRESX Martin Ratio Rank: 61

DFETX

DFETX Risk / Return Rank: 90
DFETX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
DFETX Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
DFETX Omega Ratio Rank: 88
DFETX Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
DFETX Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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.

DRESX vs. DFETX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Driehaus Emerging Markets Small Cap Growth Fund (DRESX) and DFA Emerging Markets II Portfolio (DFETX). 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.

	DRESX	DFETX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.39	3.03	-0.64
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.21	3.76	-0.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	1.58	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.64	4.50	-0.86
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.43	17.14	-5.71

DRESX vs. DFETX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DRESX Sharpe Ratio is 2.39, which is comparable to the DFETX Sharpe Ratio of 3.03. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DRESX and DFETX, 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

DRESX vs. DFETX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DRESX drawdown since its inception was -33.38%, smaller than the maximum DFETX drawdown of -62.33%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DRESX and DFETX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DRESX	DFETX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.38%	-62.33%	+28.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.92%	-12.84%	+1.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.65%	-16.13%	-1.52%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.88%	-31.29%	+5.41%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.38%	-40.20%	+6.82%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.98%	0.00%	-4.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.89%	-15.65%	+5.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.46%	3.35%	+0.11%

Volatility

DRESX vs. DFETX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Driehaus Emerging Markets Small Cap Growth Fund (DRESX) is 7.71%, while DFA Emerging Markets II Portfolio (DFETX) has a volatility of 10.42%. This indicates that DRESX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFETX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DRESX	DFETX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.71%	10.42%	-2.71%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.66%	17.35%	-2.69%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.65%	19.06%	-2.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.01%	16.30%	-1.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.03%	16.83%	-0.80%

DRESX vs. DFETX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DRESX has a 1.24% expense ratio, which is higher than DFETX's 0.37% expense ratio.

Dividends

DRESX vs. DFETX - Dividend Comparison

DRESX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.87%, less than DFETX's 6.27% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFETX DFA Emerging Markets II Portfolio	6.27%	8.24%	3.50%	3.84%	9.30%	19.29%	11.79%	12.48%	8.49%	1.93%	2.40%	3.40%
DRESX Driehaus Emerging Markets Small Cap Growth Fund	1.87%	2.25%	0.68%	1.09%	0.00%	0.04%	0.65%	0.41%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DRESX and DFETX in my portfolio?

DRESX and DFETX have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DRESX or DFETX?

DFETX has higher volatility (10.42%) compared to DRESX (7.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DRESX dropped -33.38% vs DFETX's -62.33%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFETX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.03 vs 2.39), 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.