IJSSX vs. DFSCX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

IJSSX (VY JPMorgan Small Cap Core Equity Portfolio) and DFSCX (DFA U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, IJSSX returned 11.71%/yr vs 11.08%/yr for DFSCX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. IJSSX charges 1.11%/yr vs 0.41%/yr for DFSCX.

Performance

IJSSX vs. DFSCX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IJSSX achieves a 12.40% return, which is significantly lower than DFSCX's 15.66% return. Over the past 10 years, IJSSX has outperformed DFSCX with an annualized return of 11.71%, while DFSCX has yielded a comparatively lower 11.08% annualized return.

IJSSX

• 1D: -0.92%
• 1M: 1.45%
• YTD: 12.40%
• 6M: 11.39%
• 1Y: 23.06%
• 3Y*: 12.34%
• 5Y*: 3.91%
• 10Y*: 11.71%

DFSCX

• 1D: -1.09%
• 1M: 0.11%
• YTD: 15.66%
• 6M: 15.00%
• 1Y: 34.36%
• 3Y*: 17.31%
• 5Y*: 8.77%
• 10Y*: 11.08%

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

IJSSX vs. DFSCX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IJSSX VY JPMorgan Small Cap Core Equity Portfolio	12.40%	3.33%	10.74%	12.31%	-17.82%	18.21%	16.30%	54.14%	-10.86%	15.57%
DFSCX DFA U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio	15.66%	9.65%	11.43%	17.93%	-12.49%	33.70%	6.61%	20.68%	-11.60%	10.92%

Correlation

The correlation between IJSSX and DFSCX is 0.82, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.82
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 6, 2002	0.96

The correlation between IJSSX and DFSCX shifts across timeframes, from 0.82 (1 year) to 0.96 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

IJSSX vs. DFSCX — Risk / Return Rank

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

IJSSX

IJSSX Risk / Return Rank: 31
IJSSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
IJSSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
IJSSX Omega Ratio Rank: 24
IJSSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
IJSSX Martin Ratio Rank: 37

DFSCX

DFSCX Risk / Return Rank: 58
DFSCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
DFSCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
DFSCX Omega Ratio Rank: 40
DFSCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
DFSCX Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

IJSSX vs. DFSCX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VY JPMorgan Small Cap Core Equity Portfolio (IJSSX) 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.

	IJSSX	DFSCX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.45	1.95	-0.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.15	2.85	-0.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.34	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.28	4.20	-1.91
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.80	13.50	-5.70
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IJSSX vs. DFSCX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IJSSX Sharpe Ratio is 1.45, which is comparable to the DFSCX Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IJSSX and DFSCX, 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

	IJSSX	DFSCX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.45	1.95	-0.50
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.19	0.42	-0.23
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.51	0.49	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.44	0.60	-0.17

Drawdowns

IJSSX vs. DFSCX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IJSSX drawdown since its inception was -55.02%, smaller than the maximum DFSCX drawdown of -63.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IJSSX and DFSCX.

Drawdown Indicators

	IJSSX	DFSCX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.02%	-63.07%	+8.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.31%	-8.17%	-3.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.96%	-27.01%	+0.05%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.04%	-27.01%	-1.03%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.85%	-46.88%	+4.03%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.06%	-1.09%	-0.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.35%	-9.91%	+0.56%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.17%	2.53%	+0.64%

Volatility

IJSSX vs. DFSCX - Volatility Comparison

VY JPMorgan Small Cap Core Equity Portfolio (IJSSX) has a higher volatility of 5.54% compared to DFA U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio (DFSCX) at 4.52%. This indicates that IJSSX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFSCX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IJSSX	DFSCX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.54%	4.52%	+1.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.78%	11.63%	+1.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.85%	17.61%	+0.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.37%	21.01%	+0.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.45%	22.64%	+0.81%

IJSSX vs. DFSCX - Expense Ratio Comparison

IJSSX has a 1.11% expense ratio, which is higher than DFSCX's 0.41% expense ratio.

Dividends

IJSSX vs. DFSCX - Dividend Comparison

IJSSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 13.03%, more than DFSCX's 0.83% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFSCX DFA U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio	0.83%	1.03%	0.97%	2.48%	5.16%	10.77%	0.87%	2.80%	5.50%	5.05%	0.90%	6.33%
IJSSX VY JPMorgan Small Cap Core Equity Portfolio	13.03%	14.64%	0.28%	6.70%	23.23%	5.05%	0.00%	48.41%	15.74%	5.67%	8.73%	14.18%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IJSSX and DFSCX in my portfolio?

IJSSX and DFSCX have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IJSSX or DFSCX?

IJSSX has higher volatility (5.54%) compared to DFSCX (4.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IJSSX dropped -55.02% vs DFSCX's -63.07%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFSCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs 1.45), 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.