SPEM vs. DFISX

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

SPEM (SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF) and DFISX (DFA International Small Company Portfolio) are both funds - SPEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the S&P Emerging Markets BMI, while DFISX is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund managed by Dimensional. Over the past 10 years, SPEM returned 9.63%/yr vs 8.53%/yr for DFISX. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SPEM charges 0.11%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for DFISX.

Performance

SPEM vs. DFISX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) 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, SPEM achieves a 11.32% return, which is significantly higher than DFISX's 7.65% return. Over the past 10 years, SPEM has outperformed DFISX with an annualized return of 9.63%, while DFISX has yielded a comparatively lower 8.53% annualized return.

SPEM

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: -0.13%
• YTD: 11.32%
• 6M: 13.11%
• 1Y: 27.73%
• 3Y*: 17.37%
• 5Y*: 5.60%
• 10Y*: 9.63%

DFISX

• 1D: 2.27%
• 1M: 0.36%
• YTD: 7.65%
• 6M: 9.88%
• 1Y: 23.06%
• 3Y*: 17.56%
• 5Y*: 6.74%
• 10Y*: 8.53%

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

SPEM vs. DFISX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	11.32%	25.63%	11.40%	10.51%	-17.90%	1.51%	14.55%	19.69%	-13.26%	34.82%
DFISX DFA International Small Company Portfolio	7.65%	36.35%	3.76%	14.46%	-17.13%	10.71%	9.27%	24.18%	-19.42%	24.78%

Correlation

The correlation between SPEM and DFISX is 0.77, 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	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.73
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 23, 2007	0.76

The correlation between SPEM and DFISX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SPEM vs. DFISX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SPEM

SPEM Risk / Return Rank: 52
SPEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
SPEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
SPEM Omega Ratio Rank: 53
SPEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
SPEM Martin Ratio Rank: 54

DFISX

DFISX Risk / Return Rank: 44
DFISX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
DFISX Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
DFISX Omega Ratio Rank: 46
DFISX Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
DFISX Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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.

SPEM vs. DFISX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) 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.

	SPEM	DFISX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.55	1.60	-0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.16	2.28	-0.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.29	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.28	1.90	+0.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.16	6.86	+1.30

SPEM vs. DFISX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SPEM Sharpe Ratio is 1.55, which is comparable to the DFISX Sharpe Ratio of 1.60. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SPEM 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

SPEM vs. DFISX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SPEM drawdown since its inception was -64.41%, which is greater than DFISX's maximum drawdown of -60.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SPEM and DFISX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SPEM	DFISX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.41%	-60.66%	-3.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.36%	-11.96%	+0.60%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.62%	-13.68%	-3.94%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.75%	-35.06%	+3.31%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.06%	-43.00%	+6.94%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.40%	-3.11%	+0.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.73%	-11.64%	-3.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.17%	3.29%	-0.12%

Volatility

SPEM vs. DFISX - Volatility Comparison

SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) has a higher volatility of 6.87% compared to DFA International Small Company Portfolio (DFISX) at 4.59%. This indicates that SPEM'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

	SPEM	DFISX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.87%	4.59%	+2.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.21%	11.57%	+2.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.67%	14.17%	+2.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.26%	15.96%	+1.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.83%	16.21%	+2.62%

SPEM vs. DFISX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SPEM has a 0.11% expense ratio, which is lower than DFISX's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

SPEM vs. DFISX - Dividend Comparison

SPEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.49%, less than DFISX's 2.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFISX DFA International Small Company Portfolio	2.92%	3.19%	3.39%	3.01%	3.51%	3.06%	1.71%	4.54%	7.74%	1.27%	4.44%	4.47%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	2.49%	2.77%	2.78%	2.80%	3.38%	3.14%	1.92%	2.94%	2.34%	1.12%	1.51%	2.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SPEM and DFISX in my portfolio?

SPEM and DFISX have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SPEM or DFISX?

SPEM has higher volatility (6.87%) compared to DFISX (4.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SPEM dropped -64.41% vs DFISX's -60.66%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFISX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.60 vs 1.55), 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.