TISBX vs. DFSCX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

TISBX (TIAA-CREF Small-Cap Blend Index Fund) and DFSCX (DFA U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, TISBX returned 11.09%/yr vs 11.20%/yr for DFSCX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. TISBX charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.41%/yr for DFSCX.

Performance

TISBX vs. DFSCX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in TIAA-CREF Small-Cap Blend Index Fund (TISBX) 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, TISBX achieves a 18.69% return, which is significantly higher than DFSCX's 16.94% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with TISBX having a 11.09% annualized return and DFSCX not far ahead at 11.20%.

TISBX

• 1D: 0.92%
• 1M: 5.00%
• YTD: 18.69%
• 6M: 17.39%
• 1Y: 41.07%
• 3Y*: 18.65%
• 5Y*: 6.67%
• 10Y*: 11.09%

DFSCX

• 1D: 0.66%
• 1M: 2.89%
• YTD: 16.94%
• 6M: 16.37%
• 1Y: 35.45%
• 3Y*: 17.74%
• 5Y*: 9.05%
• 10Y*: 11.20%

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

TISBX vs. DFSCX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
TISBX TIAA-CREF Small-Cap Blend Index Fund	18.69%	12.72%	11.60%	17.07%	-20.31%	14.85%	20.14%	25.61%	-10.99%	13.14%
DFSCX DFA U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio	16.94%	9.65%	11.43%	17.93%	-12.49%	33.70%	6.61%	20.68%	-11.60%	10.92%

Correlation

The correlation between TISBX and DFSCX is 0.95, 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	0.95
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 Oct 1, 2002	0.97

The correlation between TISBX and DFSCX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

TISBX vs. DFSCX — Risk / Return Rank

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

TISBX

TISBX Risk / Return Rank: 64
TISBX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
TISBX Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
TISBX Omega Ratio Rank: 47
TISBX Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
TISBX Martin Ratio Rank: 74

DFSCX

DFSCX Risk / Return Rank: 65
DFSCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
DFSCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
DFSCX Omega Ratio Rank: 47
DFSCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
DFSCX Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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.

TISBX vs. DFSCX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for TIAA-CREF Small-Cap Blend Index Fund (TISBX) 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.

	TISBX	DFSCX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.28	2.16	+0.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.12	3.11	+0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.37	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.99	4.65	-0.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.14	14.95	-0.82
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

TISBX vs. DFSCX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TISBX Sharpe Ratio is 2.28, which is comparable to the DFSCX Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TISBX 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	TISBX	DFSCX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.28	2.16	+0.12
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.30	0.43	-0.14
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.48	0.50	-0.02
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.39	0.61	-0.22

Drawdowns

TISBX vs. DFSCX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TISBX drawdown since its inception was -56.50%, smaller than the maximum DFSCX drawdown of -63.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TISBX and DFSCX.

Drawdown Indicators

	TISBX	DFSCX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.50%	-63.07%	+6.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.95%	-8.17%	-2.78%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.44%	-27.01%	-0.43%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.89%	-27.01%	-4.88%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.69%	-46.88%	+5.19%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.13%	0.00%	-0.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.69%	-9.91%	+0.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.08%	2.53%	+0.55%

Volatility

TISBX vs. DFSCX - Volatility Comparison

TIAA-CREF Small-Cap Blend Index Fund (TISBX) has a higher volatility of 5.59% compared to DFA U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio (DFSCX) at 4.48%. This indicates that TISBX'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

	TISBX	DFSCX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.59%	4.48%	+1.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.58%	11.59%	+1.99%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.16%	17.57%	+1.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.55%	21.01%	+1.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.44%	22.64%	+0.80%

TISBX vs. DFSCX - Expense Ratio Comparison

TISBX has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than DFSCX's 0.41% expense ratio.

Dividends

TISBX vs. DFSCX - Dividend Comparison

TISBX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.47%, more than DFSCX's 0.82% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFSCX DFA U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio	0.82%	1.03%	0.97%	2.48%	5.16%	10.77%	0.87%	2.80%	5.50%	5.05%	0.90%	6.33%
TISBX TIAA-CREF Small-Cap Blend Index Fund	3.47%	4.12%	6.82%	3.09%	1.97%	8.96%	2.65%	5.16%	9.29%	4.49%	4.03%	4.77%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TISBX and DFSCX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, TISBX 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, TISBX or DFSCX?

TISBX has higher volatility (5.59%) compared to DFSCX (4.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TISBX dropped -56.50% vs DFSCX's -63.07%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TISBX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 vs 2.16), 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.