DSCLX vs. DFSPX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

DSCLX (DFA International Social Core Equity Portfolio) and DFSPX (DFA International Sustainability Core 1 Portfolio) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds from Dimensional. Over the past 10 years, DSCLX returned 9.80%/yr vs 9.34%/yr for DFSPX. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DSCLX charges 0.27%/yr vs 0.24%/yr for DFSPX.

Performance

DSCLX vs. DFSPX - 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 Sustainability Core 1 Portfolio (DFSPX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DSCLX achieves a 10.75% return, which is significantly higher than DFSPX's 6.42% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with DSCLX having a 9.80% annualized return and DFSPX not far behind at 9.34%.

DSCLX

• 1D: -0.38%
• 1M: 2.92%
• YTD: 10.75%
• 6M: 14.44%
• 1Y: 27.26%
• 3Y*: 20.44%
• 5Y*: 9.24%
• 10Y*: 9.80%

DFSPX

• 1D: -0.64%
• 1M: 1.85%
• YTD: 6.42%
• 6M: 9.76%
• 1Y: 18.87%
• 3Y*: 17.11%
• 5Y*: 7.60%
• 10Y*: 9.34%

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

DSCLX vs. DFSPX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DSCLX DFA International Social Core Equity Portfolio	10.75%	37.80%	4.92%	18.46%	-16.62%	13.39%	7.53%	21.13%	-17.38%	27.65%
DFSPX DFA International Sustainability Core 1 Portfolio	6.42%	32.97%	4.99%	18.37%	-17.70%	12.12%	11.64%	24.22%	-15.53%	27.25%

Correlation

The correlation between DSCLX and DFSPX is 0.98 - 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	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2013	0.99

The correlation between DSCLX and DFSPX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DSCLX vs. DFSPX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DSCLX

DSCLX Risk / Return Rank: 45
DSCLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
DSCLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
DSCLX Omega Ratio Rank: 44
DSCLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
DSCLX Martin Ratio Rank: 47

DFSPX

DFSPX Risk / Return Rank: 23
DFSPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
DFSPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
DFSPX Omega Ratio Rank: 22
DFSPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
DFSPX Martin Ratio Rank: 27

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. DFSPX - 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 Sustainability Core 1 Portfolio (DFSPX). 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	DFSPX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.99	1.38	+0.61
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.78	2.00	+0.78
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.25	+0.11
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.49	1.77	+0.72
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	9.79	6.57	+3.22
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. DFSPX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DSCLX Sharpe Ratio is 1.99, which is higher than the DFSPX Sharpe Ratio of 1.38. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DSCLX and DFSPX, 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	DFSPX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.99	1.38	+0.61
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.57	0.47	+0.10
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.59	0.58	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.52	0.57	-0.05

Drawdowns

DSCLX vs. DFSPX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DSCLX drawdown since its inception was -42.26%, which is greater than DFSPX's maximum drawdown of -35.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DSCLX and DFSPX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DSCLX	DFSPX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.26%	-35.86%	-6.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.93%	-11.96%	+0.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.73%	-12.72%	-0.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.15%	-32.68%	+0.53%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.26%	-35.86%	-6.40%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.38%	-2.17%	+1.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.22%	-7.22%	-1.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.03%	3.22%	-0.19%

Volatility

DSCLX vs. DFSPX - Volatility Comparison

DFA International Social Core Equity Portfolio (DSCLX) and DFA International Sustainability Core 1 Portfolio (DFSPX) have volatilities of 4.47% and 4.63%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DSCLX	DFSPX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.47%	4.63%	-0.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.81%	12.11%	-0.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.62%	14.83%	-0.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.18%	16.11%	+0.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.55%	16.25%	+0.30%

DSCLX vs. DFSPX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DSCLX has a 0.27% expense ratio, which is higher than DFSPX'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. DFSPX - Dividend Comparison

DSCLX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.05%, more than DFSPX's 2.85% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFSPX DFA International Sustainability Core 1 Portfolio	2.85%	3.06%	3.06%	2.59%	2.27%	2.64%	1.44%	2.52%	2.60%	2.32%	2.48%	2.43%
DSCLX DFA International Social Core Equity Portfolio	3.05%	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 DFSPX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, DSCLX and DFSPX 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 DFSPX?

DFSPX has higher volatility (4.63%) compared to DSCLX (4.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DSCLX dropped -42.26% vs DFSPX's -35.86%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DSCLX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.99 vs 1.38), 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.