DSCLX vs. DFIEX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DSCLX (DFA International Social Core Equity Portfolio) and DFIEX (DFA International Core Equity Portfolio I) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds from Dimensional. Over the past 10 years, DSCLX returned 9.83%/yr vs 10.01%/yr for DFIEX. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DSCLX charges 0.27%/yr vs 0.24%/yr for DFIEX.

Performance

DSCLX vs. DFIEX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA International Social Core Equity Portfolio (DSCLX) and DFA International Core Equity Portfolio I (DFIEX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with DSCLX having a 11.12% return and DFIEX slightly lower at 11.05%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with DSCLX having a 9.83% annualized return and DFIEX not far ahead at 10.01%.

DSCLX

• 1D: 0.33%
• 1M: 4.38%
• YTD: 11.12%
• 6M: 14.45%
• 1Y: 28.66%
• 3Y*: 20.58%
• 5Y*: 9.42%
• 10Y*: 9.83%

DFIEX

• 1D: 0.31%
• 1M: 3.55%
• YTD: 11.05%
• 6M: 14.04%
• 1Y: 28.12%
• 3Y*: 19.64%
• 5Y*: 9.78%
• 10Y*: 10.01%

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

DSCLX vs. DFIEX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DSCLX DFA International Social Core Equity Portfolio	11.12%	37.80%	4.92%	18.46%	-16.62%	13.39%	7.53%	21.13%	-17.38%	27.65%
DFIEX DFA International Core Equity Portfolio I	11.05%	36.18%	3.99%	17.50%	-13.51%	13.85%	7.73%	21.70%	-17.41%	28.04%

Correlation

The correlation between DSCLX and DFIEX is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2013	0.99

The correlation between DSCLX and DFIEX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DSCLX vs. DFIEX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DSCLX

DSCLX Risk / Return Rank: 41
DSCLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
DSCLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
DSCLX Omega Ratio Rank: 41
DSCLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
DSCLX Martin Ratio Rank: 44

DFIEX

DFIEX Risk / Return Rank: 45
DFIEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
DFIEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
DFIEX Omega Ratio Rank: 44
DFIEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
DFIEX Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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.

DSCLX vs. DFIEX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA International Social Core Equity Portfolio (DSCLX) and DFA International Core Equity Portfolio I (DFIEX). 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.

	DSCLX	DFIEX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.92	1.99	-0.07
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.69	2.76	-0.08
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.36	-0.01
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.34	2.49	-0.15
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	9.18	9.74	-0.56
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DSCLX vs. DFIEX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DSCLX Sharpe Ratio is 1.92, which is comparable to the DFIEX Sharpe Ratio of 1.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DSCLX and DFIEX, 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

	DSCLX	DFIEX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.92	1.99	-0.07
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.59	0.62	-0.04
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.60	0.61	-0.02
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.52	0.37	+0.16

Drawdowns

DSCLX vs. DFIEX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DSCLX drawdown since its inception was -42.26%, smaller than the maximum DFIEX drawdown of -62.22%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DSCLX and DFIEX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DSCLX	DFIEX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.26%	-62.22%	+19.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.93%	-11.01%	-0.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.73%	-12.81%	+0.08%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.15%	-28.66%	-3.49%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.26%	-41.04%	-1.22%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.05%	-0.35%	+0.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.22%	-12.18%	+3.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.03%	2.81%	+0.22%

Volatility

DSCLX vs. DFIEX - Volatility Comparison

DFA International Social Core Equity Portfolio (DSCLX) has a higher volatility of 4.44% compared to DFA International Core Equity Portfolio I (DFIEX) at 4.11%. This indicates that DSCLX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFIEX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DSCLX	DFIEX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.44%	4.11%	+0.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.79%	11.15%	+0.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.59%	13.85%	+0.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.18%	15.75%	+0.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.55%	16.39%	+0.16%

DSCLX vs. DFIEX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DSCLX has a 0.27% expense ratio, which is higher than DFIEX's 0.24% 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

DSCLX vs. DFIEX - Dividend Comparison

DSCLX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.04%, more than DFIEX's 2.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFIEX DFA International Core Equity Portfolio I	2.91%	3.22%	3.42%	3.36%	2.88%	2.98%	1.77%	2.90%	2.95%	2.49%	2.76%	4.20%
DSCLX DFA International Social Core Equity Portfolio	3.04%	3.38%	3.48%	3.17%	2.73%	3.53%	1.80%	2.91%	2.77%	2.45%	2.75%	2.56%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DSCLX and DFIEX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, DSCLX and DFIEX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, DSCLX or DFIEX?

DSCLX has higher volatility (4.44%) compared to DFIEX (4.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DSCLX dropped -42.26% vs DFIEX's -62.22%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFIEX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.99 vs 1.92), 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.