SPSM vs. DFAS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SPSM (SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF) and DFAS (Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. SPSM is passively managed, while DFAS is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, SPSM returned 14.42%/yr vs 15.22%/yr for DFAS. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SPSM charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.34%/yr for DFAS.

Performance

SPSM vs. DFAS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF (SPSM) and Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SPSM achieves a 15.28% return, which is significantly higher than DFAS's 12.81% return.

SPSM

• 1D: -0.92%
• 1M: 1.62%
• YTD: 15.28%
• 6M: 14.19%
• 1Y: 31.50%
• 3Y*: 14.42%
• 5Y*: 5.71%
• 10Y*: 10.77%

DFAS

• 1D: -0.81%
• 1M: 2.19%
• YTD: 12.81%
• 6M: 12.10%
• 1Y: 27.65%
• 3Y*: 15.22%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SPSM vs. DFAS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SPSM SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF	15.28%	6.11%	8.55%	16.11%	-16.12%	1.73%
DFAS Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF	12.81%	8.17%	10.21%	17.83%	-13.84%	4.94%

Correlation

The correlation between SPSM and DFAS is 0.98 - 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	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 15, 2021	0.99

The correlation between SPSM and DFAS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

SPSM vs. DFAS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SPSM	DFAS
Financial Services	16.9%	19.5%
Industrials	15.5%	18.6%
Technology	15.5%	15.0%
Consumer Cyclical	13.4%	11.9%
Healthcare	11.0%	11.0%
Real Estate	7.7%	0.2%
Energy	5.9%	6.7%
Basic Materials	5.1%	5.6%
Communication Services	3.6%	2.8%
Consumer Defensive	3.5%	4.3%
Utilities	2.0%	3.8%

Return for Risk

SPSM vs. DFAS — Risk / Return Rank

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

SPSM

SPSM Risk / Return Rank: 58
SPSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
SPSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
SPSM Omega Ratio Rank: 49
SPSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
SPSM Martin Ratio Rank: 65

DFAS

DFAS Risk / Return Rank: 51
DFAS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
DFAS Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
DFAS Omega Ratio Rank: 45
DFAS Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
DFAS Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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.

SPSM vs. DFAS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF (SPSM) and Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS). 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.

	SPSM	DFAS	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.82	1.66	+0.16
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.64	2.46	+0.18
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.29	+0.03
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.63	2.97	+0.66
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	12.14	10.17	+1.97
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SPSM vs. DFAS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SPSM Sharpe Ratio is 1.82, which is comparable to the DFAS Sharpe Ratio of 1.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SPSM and DFAS, 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

	SPSM	DFAS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.82	1.66	+0.16
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.27	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.45	0.36	+0.09

Drawdowns

SPSM vs. DFAS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SPSM drawdown since its inception was -42.89%, which is greater than DFAS's maximum drawdown of -26.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SPSM and DFAS.

Drawdown Indicators

	SPSM	DFAS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.89%	-26.13%	-16.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.72%	-9.36%	+0.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.94%	-26.13%	-1.81%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.94%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.89%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.97%	-0.81%	-0.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.93%	-8.31%	+0.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.60%	2.73%	-0.13%

Volatility

SPSM vs. DFAS - Volatility Comparison

SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF (SPSM) and Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS) have volatilities of 4.44% and 4.31%, 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

	SPSM	DFAS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.44%	4.31%	+0.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.64%	11.58%	+0.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.47%	16.77%	+0.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.43%	20.84%	+0.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.99%	20.84%	+2.15%

SPSM vs. DFAS - Expense Ratio Comparison

SPSM has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than DFAS's 0.34% expense ratio.

Dividends

SPSM vs. DFAS - Dividend Comparison

SPSM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.43%, more than DFAS's 0.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFAS Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF	0.92%	0.99%	0.93%	1.00%	1.03%	2.87%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SPSM SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF	1.43%	1.62%	1.85%	1.61%	1.38%	1.40%	1.34%	1.58%	1.82%	1.51%	1.49%	2.37%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SPSM and DFAS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, SPSM and DFAS 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, SPSM or DFAS?

SPSM has higher volatility (4.44%) compared to DFAS (4.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SPSM dropped -42.89% vs DFAS's -26.13%.

Which ETF is better, SPSM or DFAS?

On 3-year performance, DFAS leads with 15.22% vs 14.42% for SPSM. On fees, SPSM is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, DFAS has been the lower-risk option at 4.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SPSM or DFAS?

Over the 3-year period, DFAS has performed better with a 15.22% return vs 14.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SPSM or DFAS?

SPSM is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.34% for DFAS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SPSM or DFAS?

SPSM has the higher dividend yield at 1.43%, compared with 0.92% for DFAS.

What is the main difference between SPSM and DFAS?

They also come from different issuers: State Street and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for SPSM and 0.34% for DFAS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPSM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.82 vs 1.66), 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.