QSML vs. DFFVX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

QSML (Wisdomtree U.S. Smallcap Quality Growth Fund) and DFFVX (DFA U.S. Targeted Value Portfolio) are both funds - QSML is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the WisdomTree US SmallCap Quality Growth Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while DFFVX is a Small Cap Value Equities fund managed by Dimensional. Over the past year, QSML returned 21.62% vs 32.25% for DFFVX. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QSML charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.29%/yr for DFFVX.

Performance

QSML vs. DFFVX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Wisdomtree U.S. Smallcap Quality Growth Fund (QSML) and DFA U.S. Targeted Value Portfolio (DFFVX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QSML achieves a 8.06% return, which is significantly lower than DFFVX's 14.56% return.

QSML

• 1D: -0.96%
• 1M: 2.05%
• YTD: 8.06%
• 6M: 7.79%
• 1Y: 21.62%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFFVX

• 1D: 0.96%
• 1M: 2.48%
• YTD: 14.56%
• 6M: 14.49%
• 1Y: 32.25%
• 3Y*: 17.52%
• 5Y*: 8.76%
• 10Y*: 11.05%

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

QSML vs. DFFVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
QSML Wisdomtree U.S. Smallcap Quality Growth Fund	8.06%	5.49%	10.38%
DFFVX DFA U.S. Targeted Value Portfolio	14.56%	9.53%	11.23%

Correlation

The correlation between QSML and DFFVX is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 26, 2024	0.94

The correlation between QSML and DFFVX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

QSML vs. DFFVX — Risk / Return Rank

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

QSML

QSML Risk / Return Rank: 37
QSML Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
QSML Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
QSML Omega Ratio Rank: 32
QSML Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
QSML Martin Ratio Rank: 42

DFFVX

DFFVX Risk / Return Rank: 56
DFFVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
DFFVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
DFFVX Omega Ratio Rank: 45
DFFVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
DFFVX Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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.

QSML vs. DFFVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Wisdomtree U.S. Smallcap Quality Growth Fund (QSML) and DFA U.S. Targeted Value Portfolio (DFFVX). 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.

	QSML	DFFVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.25	2.03	-0.79
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.92	2.98	-1.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.36	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.03	3.57	-1.54
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.71	11.57	-4.86
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

QSML vs. DFFVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QSML Sharpe Ratio is 1.25, which is lower than the DFFVX Sharpe Ratio of 2.03. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QSML and DFFVX, 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

	QSML	DFFVX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.25	2.03	-0.79
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.41	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.47	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.49	0.47	+0.03

Drawdowns

QSML vs. DFFVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QSML drawdown since its inception was -28.54%, smaller than the maximum DFFVX drawdown of -64.21%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QSML and DFFVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	QSML	DFFVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.54%	-64.21%	+35.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.72%	-9.70%	-1.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-26.09%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.09%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-50.75%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.10%	0.00%	-1.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.98%	-9.71%	+3.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.23%	2.98%	+0.25%

Volatility

QSML vs. DFFVX - Volatility Comparison

Wisdomtree U.S. Smallcap Quality Growth Fund (QSML) and DFA U.S. Targeted Value Portfolio (DFFVX) have volatilities of 4.35% and 4.26%, 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.

Volatility by Period

	QSML	DFFVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.35%	4.26%	+0.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.86%	11.04%	+0.82%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.46%	17.02%	+0.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.86%	21.54%	-0.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.86%	23.67%	-2.81%

QSML vs. DFFVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

QSML has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is higher than DFFVX's 0.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

QSML vs. DFFVX - Dividend Comparison

QSML's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.58%, less than DFFVX's 1.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFFVX DFA U.S. Targeted Value Portfolio	1.50%	1.69%	1.40%	2.26%	5.17%	2.74%	1.52%	3.82%	5.95%	5.16%	3.95%	5.84%
QSML Wisdomtree U.S. Smallcap Quality Growth Fund	0.58%	0.62%	0.32%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QSML and DFFVX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, QSML and DFFVX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, QSML or DFFVX?

QSML has higher volatility (4.35%) compared to DFFVX (4.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QSML dropped -28.54% vs DFFVX's -64.21%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFFVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.03 vs 1.25), 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.