DUSQX vs. DFSTX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DUSQX (DFA U.S. Large Cap Equity Portfolio) and DFSTX (DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio) are both mutual funds - DUSQX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Dimensional, while DFSTX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Dimensional. Over the past 10 years, DUSQX returned 15.21%/yr vs 11.52%/yr for DFSTX. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DUSQX charges 0.13%/yr vs 0.27%/yr for DFSTX.

Performance

DUSQX vs. DFSTX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA U.S. Large Cap Equity Portfolio (DUSQX) 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, DUSQX achieves a 9.95% return, which is significantly lower than DFSTX's 16.97% return. Over the past 10 years, DUSQX has outperformed DFSTX with an annualized return of 15.21%, while DFSTX has yielded a comparatively lower 11.52% annualized return.

DUSQX

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: 0.37%
• YTD: 9.95%
• 6M: 9.02%
• 1Y: 25.19%
• 3Y*: 21.00%
• 5Y*: 12.52%
• 10Y*: 15.21%

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)

DUSQX vs. DFSTX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DUSQX DFA U.S. Large Cap Equity Portfolio	9.95%	16.76%	24.25%	24.23%	-16.85%	24.31%	18.89%	31.52%	-6.22%	22.09%
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 DUSQX and DFSTX is 0.77, 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	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.80
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2014	0.85

The correlation between DUSQX and DFSTX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.77 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DUSQX vs. DFSTX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DUSQX

DUSQX Risk / Return Rank: 72
DUSQX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
DUSQX Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
DUSQX Omega Ratio Rank: 65
DUSQX Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
DUSQX Martin Ratio Rank: 84

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.

DUSQX vs. DFSTX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA U.S. Large Cap Equity Portfolio (DUSQX) 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.

	DUSQX	DFSTX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.26	1.91	+0.36
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.11	2.78	+0.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.33	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.19	3.53	-0.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.51	12.00	+2.50

DUSQX vs. DFSTX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DUSQX Sharpe Ratio is 2.26, which is comparable to the DFSTX Sharpe Ratio of 1.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DUSQX 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

DUSQX vs. DFSTX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DUSQX drawdown since its inception was -34.83%, smaller than the maximum DFSTX drawdown of -60.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DUSQX and DFSTX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DUSQX	DFSTX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.83%	-60.99%	+26.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.32%	-9.16%	+0.84%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.00%	-25.91%	+6.91%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.05%	-25.91%	+1.86%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.83%	-44.78%	+9.95%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.51%	-0.02%	-1.49%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.12%	-8.75%	+4.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.82%	2.68%	-0.86%

Volatility

DUSQX vs. DFSTX - Volatility Comparison

DFA U.S. Large Cap Equity Portfolio (DUSQX) and DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio (DFSTX) have volatilities of 4.45% 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

	DUSQX	DFSTX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.45%	4.62%	-0.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.45%	11.92%	-2.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.76%	17.00%	-5.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.75%	20.56%	-3.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.72%	22.10%	-4.38%

DUSQX vs. DFSTX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DUSQX has a 0.13% expense ratio, which is lower than DFSTX's 0.27% 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%.

Dividends

DUSQX vs. DFSTX - Dividend Comparison

DUSQX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.93%, which matches 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%
DUSQX DFA U.S. Large Cap Equity Portfolio	0.93%	0.98%	1.11%	4.95%	4.84%	2.45%	1.42%	1.65%	1.79%	1.62%	1.80%	1.75%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DUSQX and DFSTX in my portfolio?

DUSQX and DFSTX have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DUSQX or DFSTX?

DFSTX has higher volatility (4.62%) compared to DUSQX (4.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DUSQX dropped -34.83% vs DFSTX's -60.99%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DUSQX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.26 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.