QUASX vs. DSCGX

Last updated Jun 18, 2026

QUASX (AB Small Cap Growth Portfolio) and DSCGX (DFA U.S. Small Cap Growth Portfolio) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, QUASX returned 14.85%/yr vs 10.92%/yr for DSCGX. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QUASX charges 1.11%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for DSCGX.

Performance

QUASX vs. DSCGX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AB Small Cap Growth Portfolio (QUASX) and DFA U.S. Small Cap Growth Portfolio (DSCGX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QUASX achieves a 19.36% return, which is significantly higher than DSCGX's 11.30% return. Over the past 10 years, QUASX has outperformed DSCGX with an annualized return of 14.85%, while DSCGX has yielded a comparatively lower 10.92% annualized return.

QUASX

• 1D: -1.63%
• 1M: 5.72%
• YTD: 19.36%
• 6M: 21.07%
• 1Y: 33.25%
• 3Y*: 15.49%
• 5Y*: 2.50%
• 10Y*: 14.85%

DSCGX

• 1D: -0.33%
• 1M: 5.32%
• YTD: 11.30%
• 6M: 10.50%
• 1Y: 21.50%
• 3Y*: 13.42%
• 5Y*: 6.92%
• 10Y*: 10.92%

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

QUASX vs. DSCGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
QUASX AB Small Cap Growth Portfolio	19.36%	4.85%	18.49%	17.83%	-39.09%	9.76%	53.85%	49.85%	-1.02%	34.71%
DSCGX DFA U.S. Small Cap Growth Portfolio	11.30%	5.94%	13.86%	21.25%	-17.79%	20.37%	19.35%	26.17%	-12.33%	15.99%

Correlation

The correlation between QUASX and DSCGX is 0.83, 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	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2013	0.89

The correlation between QUASX and DSCGX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

QUASX vs. DSCGX — Risk / Return Rank

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

QUASX

QUASX Risk / Return Rank: 27
QUASX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
QUASX Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
QUASX Omega Ratio Rank: 20
QUASX Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
QUASX Martin Ratio Rank: 37

DSCGX

DSCGX Risk / Return Rank: 23
DSCGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
DSCGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
DSCGX Omega Ratio Rank: 18
DSCGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
DSCGX Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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.

QUASX vs. DSCGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB Small Cap Growth Portfolio (QUASX) and DFA U.S. Small Cap Growth Portfolio (DSCGX). 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.

	QUASX	DSCGX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.31	1.23	+0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.86	1.89	-0.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.22	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.12	1.88	+0.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.79	6.58	+1.21

QUASX vs. DSCGX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QUASX Sharpe Ratio is 1.31, which is comparable to the DSCGX Sharpe Ratio of 1.23. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QUASX and DSCGX, 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

QUASX vs. DSCGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QUASX drawdown since its inception was -60.97%, which is greater than DSCGX's maximum drawdown of -41.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QUASX and DSCGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	QUASX	DSCGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.97%	-41.44%	-19.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.02%	-10.99%	-4.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-31.68%	-24.46%	-7.22%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-47.37%	-31.32%	-16.05%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.37%	-41.44%	-5.93%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.02%	-0.33%	-2.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.74%	-7.19%	-8.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.09%	3.13%	+0.96%

Volatility

QUASX vs. DSCGX - Volatility Comparison

AB Small Cap Growth Portfolio (QUASX) has a higher volatility of 8.41% compared to DFA U.S. Small Cap Growth Portfolio (DSCGX) at 4.72%. This indicates that QUASX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DSCGX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QUASX	DSCGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.41%	4.72%	+3.69%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.24%	12.03%	+7.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.45%	16.82%	+7.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.47%	20.46%	+6.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.62%	21.79%	+3.83%

QUASX vs. DSCGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

QUASX has a 1.11% expense ratio, which is higher than DSCGX's 0.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

QUASX vs. DSCGX - Dividend Comparison

QUASX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while DSCGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.53%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DSCGX DFA U.S. Small Cap Growth Portfolio	0.53%	0.60%	0.62%	0.72%	4.08%	3.27%	0.58%	1.28%	5.44%	1.50%	1.12%	1.20%
QUASX AB Small Cap Growth Portfolio	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	9.07%	9.86%	18.20%	19.70%	9.29%	2.32%	9.19%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QUASX and DSCGX in my portfolio?

QUASX and DSCGX have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QUASX or DSCGX?

QUASX has higher volatility (8.41%) compared to DSCGX (4.72%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QUASX dropped -60.97% vs DSCGX's -41.44%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QUASX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.31 vs 1.23), 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.