DSM vs. VSCIX
Compare and contrast key facts about Dimensional Small Cap Equity Fund (DSM) and Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSCIX).
DSM is managed by Dimensional Fund Advisors. It was launched on Jan 1, 2013. VSCIX is managed by Vanguard. It was launched on Jul 7, 1997.
Performance
DSM vs. VSCIX - Performance Comparison
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DSM vs. VSCIX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DSM Dimensional Small Cap Equity Fund | -1.40% | 10.90% | 5.52% | 3.18% | -27.04% | 10.89% | 3.32% | 20.57% | -13.60% | 12.79% |
VSCIX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares | -1.21% | 8.85% | 12.96% | 19.52% | -17.60% | 17.74% | 19.07% | 27.40% | -9.33% | 16.25% |
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, DSM achieves a -1.40% return, which is significantly lower than VSCIX's -1.21% return. Over the past 10 years, DSM has underperformed VSCIX with an annualized return of 1.39%, while VSCIX has yielded a comparatively higher 10.16% annualized return.
DSM
- 1D
- 3.62%
- 1M
- -2.33%
- YTD
- -1.40%
- 6M
- 3.95%
- 1Y
- 9.09%
- 3Y*
- 4.23%
- 5Y*
- -1.07%
- 10Y*
- 1.39%
VSCIX
- 1D
- -0.97%
- 1M
- -8.09%
- YTD
- -1.21%
- 6M
- 0.59%
- 1Y
- 16.09%
- 3Y*
- 11.86%
- 5Y*
- 5.03%
- 10Y*
- 10.16%
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DSM vs. VSCIX - Expense Ratio Comparison
DSM has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than VSCIX's 0.04% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.
Return for Risk
DSM vs. VSCIX — Risk / Return Rank
DSM
VSCIX
DSM vs. VSCIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Small Cap Equity Fund (DSM) and Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSCIX). 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.
| DSM | VSCIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 0.77 | 0.75 | +0.02 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 1.13 | 1.19 | -0.05 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.15 | 1.16 | -0.01 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.07 | 0.97 | +0.10 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 2.98 | 4.21 | -1.22 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
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Sharpe Ratios by Period
| DSM | VSCIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.77 | 0.75 | +0.02 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | -0.09 | 0.24 | -0.33 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.10 | 0.47 | -0.37 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.31 | 0.38 | -0.07 |
Correlation
The correlation between DSM and VSCIX is 0.11, which is considered to be low. This implies their price changes are not closely related. A low correlation is generally favorable for portfolio diversification, as it helps to reduce overall risk by spreading it across multiple assets with different performance patterns.
Dividends
DSM vs. VSCIX - Dividend Comparison
DSM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.53%, more than VSCIX's 1.39% yield.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DSM Dimensional Small Cap Equity Fund | 4.53% | 4.07% | 3.72% | 4.27% | 5.95% | 4.31% | 4.57% | 5.19% | 6.11% | 5.82% | 6.19% | 6.17% |
VSCIX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares | 1.39% | 1.34% | 1.31% | 1.55% | 1.55% | 1.25% | 1.15% | 1.40% | 1.68% | 1.36% | 1.50% | 1.49% |
Drawdowns
DSM vs. VSCIX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum DSM drawdown since its inception was -49.15%, smaller than the maximum VSCIX drawdown of -59.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DSM and VSCIX.
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Drawdown Indicators
| DSM | VSCIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -49.15% | -59.66% | +10.51% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -8.36% | -14.30% | +5.94% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -38.75% | -28.13% | -10.62% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -38.75% | -41.81% | +3.06% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -13.91% | -8.97% | -4.94% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -8.25% | -10.18% | +1.93% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.99% | 3.29% | -0.30% |
Volatility
DSM vs. VSCIX - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Dimensional Small Cap Equity Fund (DSM) is 4.51%, while Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSCIX) has a volatility of 5.90%. This indicates that DSM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VSCIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| DSM | VSCIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.51% | 5.90% | -1.39% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 7.36% | 12.22% | -4.86% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 11.89% | 21.62% | -9.73% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 12.38% | 20.70% | -8.32% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 13.45% | 21.53% | -8.08% |