NSMRX vs. DFISX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

NSMRX (Nuveen Small/Mid Cap Value Fund) and DFISX (DFA International Small Company Portfolio) are both mutual funds - NSMRX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Nuveen, while DFISX is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund managed by Dimensional. Over the past 10 years, NSMRX returned 12.80%/yr vs 8.37%/yr for DFISX. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NSMRX charges 1.05%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for DFISX.

Performance

NSMRX vs. DFISX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nuveen Small/Mid Cap Value Fund (NSMRX) 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, NSMRX achieves a 18.58% return, which is significantly higher than DFISX's 8.12% return. Over the past 10 years, NSMRX has outperformed DFISX with an annualized return of 12.80%, while DFISX has yielded a comparatively lower 8.37% annualized return.

NSMRX

• 1D: 1.23%
• 1M: 0.12%
• YTD: 18.58%
• 6M: 16.21%
• 1Y: 37.67%
• 3Y*: 19.95%
• 5Y*: 14.33%
• 10Y*: 12.80%

DFISX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -0.11%
• YTD: 8.12%
• 6M: 8.42%
• 1Y: 24.90%
• 3Y*: 17.25%
• 5Y*: 7.67%
• 10Y*: 8.37%

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

NSMRX vs. DFISX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NSMRX Nuveen Small/Mid Cap Value Fund	18.58%	12.10%	20.17%	14.45%	-5.69%	39.41%	0.97%	30.56%	-19.00%	10.35%
DFISX DFA International Small Company Portfolio	8.12%	36.35%	3.76%	14.46%	-17.13%	10.71%	9.27%	24.18%	-19.42%	24.78%

Correlation

The correlation between NSMRX and DFISX is 0.63, 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	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.66
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.70
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 14, 2006	0.72

The correlation between NSMRX and DFISX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.63 to 0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NSMRX vs. DFISX — Risk / Return Rank

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

NSMRX

NSMRX Risk / Return Rank: 66
NSMRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
NSMRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
NSMRX Omega Ratio Rank: 53
NSMRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
NSMRX Martin Ratio Rank: 74

DFISX

DFISX Risk / Return Rank: 38
DFISX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
DFISX Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
DFISX Omega Ratio Rank: 40
DFISX Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
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.

NSMRX vs. DFISX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen Small/Mid Cap Value Fund (NSMRX) 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.

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.

	NSMRX	DFISX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.13	1.73	+0.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.97	2.45	+0.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.31	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.59	2.04	+1.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.06	7.35	+5.71

NSMRX vs. DFISX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NSMRX Sharpe Ratio is 2.13, which is comparable to the DFISX Sharpe Ratio of 1.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NSMRX 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.

Drawdowns

NSMRX vs. DFISX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NSMRX drawdown since its inception was -68.14%, which is greater than DFISX's maximum drawdown of -60.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NSMRX and DFISX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NSMRX	DFISX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-68.14%	-60.66%	-7.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.55%	-11.96%	+1.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.02%	-13.68%	-10.34%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.02%	-35.06%	+11.04%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.57%	-43.00%	-1.57%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.77%	-2.68%	+0.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.39%	-11.63%	+0.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.89%	3.30%	-0.41%

Volatility

NSMRX vs. DFISX - Volatility Comparison

Nuveen Small/Mid Cap Value Fund (NSMRX) has a higher volatility of 6.02% compared to DFA International Small Company Portfolio (DFISX) at 4.53%. This indicates that NSMRX'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

	NSMRX	DFISX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.02%	4.53%	+1.49%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.32%	11.60%	+1.72%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.77%	14.11%	+3.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.39%	15.94%	+3.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.44%	16.19%	+5.25%

NSMRX vs. DFISX - Expense Ratio Comparison

NSMRX has a 1.05% expense ratio, which is higher than DFISX's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

NSMRX vs. DFISX - Dividend Comparison

NSMRX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.81%, more than DFISX's 2.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFISX DFA International Small Company Portfolio	2.91%	3.19%	3.39%	3.01%	3.51%	3.06%	1.71%	4.54%	7.74%	1.27%	4.44%	4.47%
NSMRX Nuveen Small/Mid Cap Value Fund	5.81%	6.89%	11.02%	0.69%	5.19%	19.32%	0.46%	0.55%	43.81%	5.27%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NSMRX and DFISX in my portfolio?

NSMRX and DFISX have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NSMRX or DFISX?

NSMRX has higher volatility (6.02%) compared to DFISX (4.53%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NSMRX dropped -68.14% vs DFISX's -60.66%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NSMRX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.13 vs 1.73), 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.