DSCLX vs. DFSTX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DSCLX (DFA International Social Core Equity Portfolio) and DFSTX (DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio) are both mutual funds - DSCLX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by Dimensional, while DFSTX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Dimensional. Over the past 10 years, DSCLX returned 10.60%/yr vs 11.52%/yr for DFSTX. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.27% expense ratio.

Performance

DSCLX vs. DFSTX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DSCLX achieves a 11.33% return, which is significantly lower than DFSTX's 16.97% return. Over the past 10 years, DSCLX has underperformed DFSTX with an annualized return of 10.60%, while DFSTX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.52% annualized return.

DSCLX

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: 1.67%
• YTD: 11.33%
• 6M: 10.69%
• 1Y: 29.05%
• 3Y*: 20.89%
• 5Y*: 9.94%
• 10Y*: 10.60%

DFSTX

• 1D: 0.13%
• 1M: 4.08%
• YTD: 16.97%
• 6M: 14.60%
• 1Y: 30.59%
• 3Y*: 16.99%
• 5Y*: 8.88%
• 10Y*: 11.52%

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

DSCLX vs. DFSTX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DSCLX DFA International Social Core Equity Portfolio	11.33%	37.80%	4.92%	18.46%	-16.62%	13.39%	7.53%	21.13%	-17.38%	27.65%
DFSTX DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio	16.97%	8.07%	11.50%	17.66%	-13.50%	30.50%	11.19%	21.78%	-13.20%	11.19%

Correlation

The correlation between DSCLX and DFSTX is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.70
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2013	0.72

The correlation between DSCLX and DFSTX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.70 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DSCLX vs. DFSTX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DSCLX

DSCLX Risk / Return Rank: 52
DSCLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
DSCLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
DSCLX Omega Ratio Rank: 53
DSCLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
DSCLX Martin Ratio Rank: 51

DFSTX

DFSTX Risk / Return Rank: 58
DFSTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
DFSTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
DFSTX Omega Ratio Rank: 44
DFSTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
DFSTX Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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. DFSTX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA International Social Core Equity Portfolio (DSCLX) and DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio (DFSTX). 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.

	DSCLX	DFSTX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.03	1.91	+0.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.82	2.78	+0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.33	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.55	3.53	-0.98
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.94	12.00	-2.06

DSCLX vs. DFSTX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DSCLX Sharpe Ratio is 2.03, which is comparable to the DFSTX Sharpe Ratio of 1.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DSCLX and DFSTX, 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

DSCLX vs. DFSTX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DSCLX drawdown since its inception was -42.26%, smaller than the maximum DFSTX drawdown of -60.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DSCLX and DFSTX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DSCLX	DFSTX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.26%	-60.99%	+18.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.93%	-9.16%	-2.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.73%	-25.91%	+13.18%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.15%	-25.91%	-6.24%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.26%	-44.78%	+2.52%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.23%	-0.02%	-0.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.19%	-8.75%	+0.56%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.04%	2.68%	+0.36%

Volatility

DSCLX vs. DFSTX - Volatility Comparison

DFA International Social Core Equity Portfolio (DSCLX) and DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio (DFSTX) have volatilities of 4.74% and 4.62%, 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	DFSTX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.74%	4.62%	+0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.40%	11.92%	+0.48%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.00%	17.00%	-2.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.25%	20.56%	-4.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.52%	22.10%	-5.58%

DSCLX vs. DFSTX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both DSCLX and DFSTX have an expense ratio of 0.27%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

DSCLX vs. DFSTX - Dividend Comparison

DSCLX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.04%, more than DFSTX's 0.93% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFSTX DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio	0.93%	1.08%	1.05%	2.45%	5.18%	6.39%	1.08%	3.30%	5.16%	4.56%	3.10%	5.90%
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 DFSTX in my portfolio?

DSCLX and DFSTX have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DSCLX or DFSTX?

DSCLX has higher volatility (4.74%) compared to DFSTX (4.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DSCLX dropped -42.26% vs DFSTX's -60.99%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DSCLX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.03 vs 1.91), 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.