NSGRX vs. DFISX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

NSGRX (Northern Small Cap Core Fund) and DFISX (DFA International Small Company Portfolio) are both mutual funds - NSGRX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Northern Funds, while DFISX is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund managed by Dimensional. Over the past 10 years, NSGRX returned 10.76%/yr vs 8.25%/yr for DFISX. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NSGRX charges 0.62%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for DFISX.

Performance

NSGRX vs. DFISX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Northern Small Cap Core Fund (NSGRX) and DFA International Small Company Portfolio (DFISX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NSGRX achieves a 15.64% return, which is significantly higher than DFISX's 8.55% return. Over the past 10 years, NSGRX has outperformed DFISX with an annualized return of 10.76%, while DFISX has yielded a comparatively lower 8.25% annualized return.

NSGRX

• 1D: -1.03%
• 1M: 0.40%
• YTD: 15.64%
• 6M: 14.72%
• 1Y: 34.73%
• 3Y*: 16.71%
• 5Y*: 7.18%
• 10Y*: 10.76%

DFISX

• 1D: -1.00%
• 1M: 1.72%
• YTD: 8.55%
• 6M: 11.59%
• 1Y: 24.42%
• 3Y*: 18.38%
• 5Y*: 6.89%
• 10Y*: 8.25%

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

NSGRX vs. DFISX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NSGRX Northern Small Cap Core Fund	15.64%	10.57%	10.44%	16.96%	-16.14%	19.99%	14.53%	23.30%	-10.22%	13.05%
DFISX DFA International Small Company Portfolio	8.55%	36.35%	3.76%	14.46%	-17.13%	10.71%	9.27%	24.18%	-19.42%	24.78%

Correlation

The correlation between NSGRX and DFISX is 0.60, 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	0.60
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.64
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.69
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 1, 1999	0.59

The correlation between NSGRX and DFISX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.59 to 0.69 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NSGRX vs. DFISX — Risk / Return Rank

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

NSGRX

NSGRX Risk / Return Rank: 58
NSGRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
NSGRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
NSGRX Omega Ratio Rank: 41
NSGRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
NSGRX Martin Ratio Rank: 76

DFISX

DFISX Risk / Return Rank: 37
DFISX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
DFISX Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
DFISX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
DFISX Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
DFISX Martin Ratio Rank: 35

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.

NSGRX vs. DFISX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Northern Small Cap Core Fund (NSGRX) and DFA International Small Company Portfolio (DFISX). 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.

	NSGRX	DFISX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.93	1.85	+0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.79	2.61	+0.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.33	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.04	2.12	+1.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.12	7.79	+6.33
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

NSGRX vs. DFISX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NSGRX Sharpe Ratio is 1.93, which is comparable to the DFISX Sharpe Ratio of 1.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NSGRX and DFISX, 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

	NSGRX	DFISX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.93	1.85	+0.09
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.31	0.44	-0.13
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.46	0.51	-0.05
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.34	0.46	-0.12

Drawdowns

NSGRX vs. DFISX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NSGRX drawdown since its inception was -64.89%, which is greater than DFISX's maximum drawdown of -60.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NSGRX and DFISX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NSGRX	DFISX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.89%	-60.66%	-4.23%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.66%	-11.96%	+3.30%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.45%	-13.68%	-12.77%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.31%	-35.06%	+2.75%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.37%	-43.00%	+2.63%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.24%	-2.30%	+1.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-22.17%	-11.64%	-10.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.45%	3.24%	-0.79%

Volatility

NSGRX vs. DFISX - Volatility Comparison

Northern Small Cap Core Fund (NSGRX) has a higher volatility of 5.01% compared to DFA International Small Company Portfolio (DFISX) at 3.87%. This indicates that NSGRX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFISX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NSGRX	DFISX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.01%	3.87%	+1.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.47%	11.03%	+1.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.16%	13.75%	+4.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.36%	15.89%	+7.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.38%	16.20%	+7.18%

NSGRX vs. DFISX - Expense Ratio Comparison

NSGRX has a 0.62% expense ratio, which is higher than DFISX's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

NSGRX vs. DFISX - Dividend Comparison

NSGRX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 13.71%, more than DFISX's 2.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFISX DFA International Small Company Portfolio	2.90%	3.19%	3.39%	3.01%	3.51%	3.06%	1.71%	4.54%	7.74%	1.27%	4.44%	4.47%
NSGRX Northern Small Cap Core Fund	13.71%	15.85%	17.77%	6.90%	0.55%	15.75%	5.00%	6.30%	1.26%	4.35%	0.67%	3.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NSGRX and DFISX in my portfolio?

NSGRX and DFISX have a correlation of 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NSGRX or DFISX?

NSGRX has higher volatility (5.01%) compared to DFISX (3.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NSGRX dropped -64.89% vs DFISX's -60.66%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NSGRX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.93 vs 1.85), 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.