SLPAX vs. DFSCX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SLPAX (SEI Institutional Investments Trust Small Cap Fund) and DFSCX (DFA U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, SLPAX returned 10.33%/yr vs 11.56%/yr for DFSCX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SLPAX charges 0.72%/yr vs 0.41%/yr for DFSCX.

Performance

SLPAX vs. DFSCX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SEI Institutional Investments Trust Small Cap Fund (SLPAX) and DFA U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio (DFSCX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SLPAX achieves a 15.77% return, which is significantly lower than DFSCX's 20.47% return. Over the past 10 years, SLPAX has underperformed DFSCX with an annualized return of 10.33%, while DFSCX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.56% annualized return.

SLPAX

• 1D: 1.53%
• 1M: 2.50%
• YTD: 15.77%
• 6M: 13.04%
• 1Y: 32.00%
• 3Y*: 17.09%
• 5Y*: 8.12%
• 10Y*: 10.33%

DFSCX

• 1D: 1.64%
• 1M: 4.76%
• YTD: 20.47%
• 6M: 17.63%
• 1Y: 39.85%
• 3Y*: 17.89%
• 5Y*: 10.59%
• 10Y*: 11.56%

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

SLPAX vs. DFSCX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SLPAX SEI Institutional Investments Trust Small Cap Fund	15.77%	9.96%	16.62%	11.43%	-17.21%	24.76%	13.08%	23.74%	-11.25%	9.33%
DFSCX DFA U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio	20.47%	9.65%	11.43%	17.93%	-12.49%	33.70%	6.61%	20.68%	-11.60%	10.92%

Correlation

The correlation between SLPAX and DFSCX is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 4, 2007	0.97

The correlation between SLPAX and DFSCX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SLPAX vs. DFSCX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SLPAX

SLPAX Risk / Return Rank: 54
SLPAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
SLPAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
SLPAX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
SLPAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
SLPAX Martin Ratio Rank: 62

DFSCX

DFSCX Risk / Return Rank: 77
DFSCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
DFSCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
DFSCX Omega Ratio Rank: 58
DFSCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
DFSCX Martin Ratio Rank: 88

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.

SLPAX vs. DFSCX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SEI Institutional Investments Trust Small Cap Fund (SLPAX) and DFA U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio (DFSCX). 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.

	SLPAX	DFSCX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.82	2.26	-0.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.59	3.25	-0.66
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.39	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.38	4.90	-1.52
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.49	15.89	-4.40

SLPAX vs. DFSCX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SLPAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.82, which is comparable to the DFSCX Sharpe Ratio of 2.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SLPAX and DFSCX, 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

SLPAX vs. DFSCX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SLPAX drawdown since its inception was -67.12%, which is greater than DFSCX's maximum drawdown of -63.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SLPAX and DFSCX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SLPAX	DFSCX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.12%	-63.07%	-4.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.48%	-8.17%	-1.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.04%	-27.01%	+2.97%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.86%	-27.01%	-13.85%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.22%	-46.88%	+3.66%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.07%	0.00%	-0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.40%	-9.89%	-7.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.77%	2.51%	+0.26%

Volatility

SLPAX vs. DFSCX - Volatility Comparison

SEI Institutional Investments Trust Small Cap Fund (SLPAX) has a higher volatility of 5.64% compared to DFA U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio (DFSCX) at 4.87%. This indicates that SLPAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFSCX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SLPAX	DFSCX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.64%	4.87%	+0.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.71%	11.92%	+0.79%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.63%	17.72%	-0.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.78%	21.02%	+5.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.96%	22.66%	+2.30%

SLPAX vs. DFSCX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SLPAX has a 0.72% expense ratio, which is higher than DFSCX's 0.41% expense ratio.

Dividends

SLPAX vs. DFSCX - Dividend Comparison

SLPAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 23.50%, more than DFSCX's 0.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFSCX DFA U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio	0.80%	1.03%	0.97%	2.48%	5.16%	10.77%	0.87%	2.80%	5.50%	5.05%	0.90%	6.33%
SLPAX SEI Institutional Investments Trust Small Cap Fund	23.50%	27.06%	3.82%	0.81%	8.25%	31.45%	4.90%	6.38%	27.71%	10.28%	3.54%	12.97%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SLPAX and DFSCX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, SLPAX and DFSCX 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, SLPAX or DFSCX?

SLPAX has higher volatility (5.64%) compared to DFSCX (4.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SLPAX dropped -67.12% vs DFSCX's -63.07%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFSCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.26 vs 1.82), 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.