SCMAX vs. DFABX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SCMAX (DWS Massachusetts Tax Free Fund) and DFABX (DFA Short-Term Selective State Municipal Bond Portfolio) are both Municipal Bonds funds. Over the past 3 years, SCMAX returned 3.01%/yr vs 2.78%/yr for DFABX. At a 0.41 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SCMAX charges 0.61%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for DFABX.

Performance

SCMAX vs. DFABX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DWS Massachusetts Tax Free Fund (SCMAX) and DFA Short-Term Selective State Municipal Bond Portfolio (DFABX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCMAX achieves a 1.69% return, which is significantly higher than DFABX's 1.18% return.

SCMAX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 1.38%
• YTD: 1.69%
• 6M: 2.13%
• 1Y: 6.62%
• 3Y*: 3.01%
• 5Y*: -0.08%
• 10Y*: 1.41%

DFABX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.30%
• YTD: 1.18%
• 6M: 1.18%
• 1Y: 2.66%
• 3Y*: 2.78%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SCMAX vs. DFABX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
SCMAX DWS Massachusetts Tax Free Fund	1.69%	3.28%	1.32%	5.24%	-3.48%
DFABX DFA Short-Term Selective State Municipal Bond Portfolio	1.18%	2.46%	2.90%	2.87%	0.55%

Correlation

The correlation between SCMAX and DFABX is 0.19, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.19
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.30
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 14, 2022	0.41

Over the past year, the correlation between SCMAX and DFABX has dropped to 0.19 - well below their long-term average of 0.41, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

SCMAX vs. DFABX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCMAX

SCMAX Risk / Return Rank: 74
SCMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
SCMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
SCMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 94
SCMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
SCMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 44

DFABX

DFABX Risk / Return Rank: 100
DFABX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
DFABX Sortino Ratio Rank: 100
DFABX Omega Ratio Rank: 100
DFABX Calmar Ratio Rank: 100
DFABX Martin Ratio Rank: 100

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.

SCMAX vs. DFABX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DWS Massachusetts Tax Free Fund (SCMAX) and DFA Short-Term Selective State Municipal Bond Portfolio (DFABX). 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.

	SCMAX	DFABX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.72	4.77	-2.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.06	12.57	-8.51
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.69	6.47	-4.78
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.65	24.96	-22.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.79	107.63	-98.85

SCMAX vs. DFABX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCMAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.72, which is lower than the DFABX Sharpe Ratio of 4.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCMAX and DFABX, 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

SCMAX vs. DFABX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCMAX drawdown since its inception was -16.28%, which is greater than DFABX's maximum drawdown of -2.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCMAX and DFABX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCMAX	DFABX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.28%	-2.46%	-13.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.55%	-0.11%	-2.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.89%	-0.60%	-5.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.28%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-16.28%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.29%	0.00%	-1.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.17%	-0.23%	-1.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.77%	0.02%	+0.75%

Volatility

SCMAX vs. DFABX - Volatility Comparison

DWS Massachusetts Tax Free Fund (SCMAX) has a higher volatility of 0.61% compared to DFA Short-Term Selective State Municipal Bond Portfolio (DFABX) at 0.17%. This indicates that SCMAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFABX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCMAX	DFABX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.61%	0.17%	+0.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.96%	0.42%	+1.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.49%	0.56%	+1.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.80%	0.96%	+2.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.97%	0.96%	+3.01%

SCMAX vs. DFABX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCMAX has a 0.61% expense ratio, which is higher than DFABX's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

SCMAX vs. DFABX - Dividend Comparison

SCMAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.90%, more than DFABX's 2.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFABX DFA Short-Term Selective State Municipal Bond Portfolio	2.62%	2.33%	2.86%	2.52%	1.25%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SCMAX DWS Massachusetts Tax Free Fund	2.90%	3.10%	2.69%	2.02%	1.72%	1.59%	2.66%	3.45%	3.34%	3.36%	3.60%	3.70%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCMAX and DFABX in my portfolio?

SCMAX and DFABX have a correlation of 0.19, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SCMAX or DFABX?

SCMAX has higher volatility (0.61%) compared to DFABX (0.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCMAX dropped -16.28% vs DFABX's -2.46%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFABX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.77 vs 2.72), 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.