MAPTX vs. DFJSX

Last updated Jul 11, 2026

MAPTX (Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund) and DFJSX (DFA Japanese Small Company Portfolio) are both mutual funds - MAPTX is a Asia Pacific Equities fund managed by Matthews, while DFJSX is a Japan Equities fund managed by Dimensional. Over the past 10 years, MAPTX returned 5.95%/yr vs 8.79%/yr for DFJSX. At a 0.39 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MAPTX charges 1.09%/yr vs 0.42%/yr for DFJSX.

Performance

MAPTX vs. DFJSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund (MAPTX) and DFA Japanese Small Company Portfolio (DFJSX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MAPTX achieves a 26.99% return, which is significantly higher than DFJSX's 14.77% return. Over the past 10 years, MAPTX has underperformed DFJSX with an annualized return of 5.95%, while DFJSX has yielded a comparatively higher 8.79% annualized return.

MAPTX

• 1D: 0.99%
• 1M: -2.36%
• 6M: 20.70%
• YTD: 26.99%
• 1Y: 48.69%
• 3Y*: 18.21%
• 5Y*: 0.54%
• 10Y*: 5.95%

DFJSX

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: 1.85%
• 6M: 10.81%
• YTD: 14.77%
• 1Y: 30.47%
• 3Y*: 19.76%
• 5Y*: 9.84%
• 10Y*: 8.79%

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

MAPTX vs. DFJSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MAPTX Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund	26.99%	30.07%	3.25%	-4.82%	-20.69%	-17.92%	28.88%	10.75%	-11.05%	39.94%
DFJSX DFA Japanese Small Company Portfolio	14.77%	31.65%	4.35%	17.08%	-11.36%	-0.39%	3.78%	18.23%	-19.56%	35.69%

Correlation

The correlation between MAPTX and DFJSX is 0.44, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.44
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.41
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.44
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.46
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 12, 1994	0.39

Return for Risk

MAPTX vs. DFJSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MAPTX

MAPTX Risk / Return Rank: 82
MAPTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
MAPTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
MAPTX Omega Ratio Rank: 82
MAPTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
MAPTX Martin Ratio Rank: 86

DFJSX

DFJSX Risk / Return Rank: 60
DFJSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
DFJSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
DFJSX Omega Ratio Rank: 63
DFJSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
DFJSX Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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.

MAPTX vs. DFJSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund (MAPTX) and DFA Japanese Small Company Portfolio (DFJSX). 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.

	MAPTX	DFJSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.15	1.79	+0.36
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.61	2.52	+0.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.32	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.68	2.40	+1.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.41	7.38	+5.03

MAPTX vs. DFJSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MAPTX Sharpe Ratio is 2.15, which is comparable to the DFJSX Sharpe Ratio of 1.79. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MAPTX and DFJSX, 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

MAPTX vs. DFJSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MAPTX drawdown since its inception was -69.79%, smaller than the maximum DFJSX drawdown of -76.17%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MAPTX and DFJSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MAPTX	DFJSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-69.79%	-76.17%	+6.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.03%	-12.53%	-1.50%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.23%	-13.31%	-8.92%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-47.36%	-31.39%	-15.97%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-52.31%	-40.32%	-11.99%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.33%	-2.37%	-5.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.40%	-30.02%	+12.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.09%	4.06%	+0.03%

Volatility

MAPTX vs. DFJSX - Volatility Comparison

Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund (MAPTX) has a higher volatility of 12.55% compared to DFA Japanese Small Company Portfolio (DFJSX) at 5.96%. This indicates that MAPTX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFJSX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MAPTX	DFJSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.55%	5.96%	+6.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.31%	13.31%	+9.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.00%	16.84%	+7.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.96%	16.27%	+4.69%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.71%	16.59%	+2.12%

MAPTX vs. DFJSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MAPTX has a 1.09% expense ratio, which is higher than DFJSX's 0.42% expense ratio.

Dividends

MAPTX vs. DFJSX - Dividend Comparison

MAPTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.83%, less than DFJSX's 3.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFJSX DFA Japanese Small Company Portfolio	3.04%	3.49%	3.16%	6.45%	5.44%	5.26%	2.14%	3.98%	7.50%	2.41%	1.97%	1.38%
MAPTX Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund	1.83%	2.33%	8.93%	2.93%	8.52%	4.85%	5.74%	3.44%	4.78%	1.25%	2.61%	11.18%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MAPTX and DFJSX in my portfolio?

MAPTX and DFJSX have a correlation of 0.44, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MAPTX or DFJSX?

MAPTX has higher volatility (12.55%) compared to DFJSX (5.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MAPTX dropped -69.79% vs DFJSX's -76.17%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MAPTX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 1.79), 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.