FDM vs. DFSCX
Compare and contrast key facts about First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund (FDM) and DFA U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio (DFSCX).
FDM is a passively managed fund by First Trust that tracks the performance of the Dow Jones Select Microcap Index. It was launched on Sep 27, 2005. DFSCX is managed by Dimensional Fund Advisors LP. It was launched on Dec 23, 1981.
Scroll down to visually compare performance, riskiness, drawdowns, and other indicators and decide which better suits your portfolio: FDM or DFSCX.
Key characteristics
| FDM | DFSCX | |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | 2.72% | 7.50% |
| 1Y Return | 12.70% | 19.10% |
| 3Y Return (Ann) | 4.08% | 6.68% |
| 5Y Return (Ann) | 7.33% | 10.83% |
| 10Y Return (Ann) | 8.85% | 8.67% |
| Sharpe Ratio | 0.70 | 1.05 |
| Daily Std Dev | 21.05% | 20.03% |
| Max Drawdown | -63.45% | -63.66% |
| Current Drawdown | -7.24% | -4.06% |
Correlation
The correlation between FDM and DFSCX is 0.93, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.
Performance
FDM vs. DFSCX - Performance Comparison
In the year-to-date period, FDM achieves a 2.72% return, which is significantly lower than DFSCX's 7.50% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with FDM having a 8.85% annualized return and DFSCX not far behind at 8.67%. The chart below displays the growth of a $10,000 investment in both assets, with all prices adjusted for splits and dividends.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
FDM vs. DFSCX - Expense Ratio Comparison
FDM has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than DFSCX's 0.41% expense ratio.
Risk-Adjusted Performance
FDM vs. DFSCX - Risk-Adjusted Performance Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund (FDM) and DFA U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio (DFSCX). 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.
Dividends
FDM vs. DFSCX - Dividend Comparison
FDM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.73%, less than DFSCX's 2.35% yield.
| TTM | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FDM First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund | 1.73% | 1.81% | 1.80% | 1.08% | 1.68% | 1.37% | 1.26% | 0.97% | 1.13% | 1.45% | 0.75% | 0.83% |
DFSCX DFA U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio | 2.35% | 2.48% | 5.16% | 10.77% | 0.87% | 2.80% | 5.50% | 5.38% | 1.18% | 6.71% | 6.47% | 5.00% |
Drawdowns
FDM vs. DFSCX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum FDM drawdown since its inception was -63.45%, roughly equal to the maximum DFSCX drawdown of -63.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FDM and DFSCX. For additional features, visit the drawdowns tool.
Volatility
FDM vs. DFSCX - Volatility Comparison
First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund (FDM) and DFA U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio (DFSCX) have volatilities of 6.84% and 6.69%, 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.