TSLTX vs. DFFVX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

TSLTX (Transamerica Small Cap Value) and DFFVX (DFA U.S. Targeted Value Portfolio) are both Small Cap Value Equities funds. Over the past 5 years, TSLTX returned 9.46%/yr vs 9.87%/yr for DFFVX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. TSLTX charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.29%/yr for DFFVX.

Performance

TSLTX vs. DFFVX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Transamerica Small Cap Value (TSLTX) and DFA U.S. Targeted Value Portfolio (DFFVX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TSLTX achieves a 25.53% return, which is significantly higher than DFFVX's 15.95% return.

TSLTX

• 1D: 0.78%
• 1M: 4.51%
• YTD: 25.53%
• 6M: 23.62%
• 1Y: 46.06%
• 3Y*: 19.98%
• 5Y*: 9.46%
• 10Y*: —

DFFVX

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 2.47%
• YTD: 15.95%
• 6M: 14.28%
• 1Y: 31.94%
• 3Y*: 17.80%
• 5Y*: 9.87%
• 10Y*: 11.58%

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

TSLTX vs. DFFVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
TSLTX Transamerica Small Cap Value	25.53%	9.56%	12.59%	8.84%	-12.51%	31.10%	5.99%	20.91%	-16.42%
DFFVX DFA U.S. Targeted Value Portfolio	15.95%	9.53%	9.34%	19.37%	-4.66%	31.53%	3.78%	21.51%	-16.52%

Correlation

The correlation between TSLTX and DFFVX is 0.94, 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	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 22, 2018	0.96

The correlation between TSLTX and DFFVX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

TSLTX vs. DFFVX — Risk / Return Rank

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

TSLTX

TSLTX Risk / Return Rank: 91
TSLTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
TSLTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
TSLTX Omega Ratio Rank: 82
TSLTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
TSLTX Martin Ratio Rank: 95

DFFVX

DFFVX Risk / Return Rank: 59
DFFVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
DFFVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
DFFVX Omega Ratio Rank: 48
DFFVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
DFFVX Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

TSLTX vs. DFFVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Transamerica Small Cap Value (TSLTX) and DFA U.S. Targeted Value Portfolio (DFFVX). 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.

	TSLTX	DFFVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.90	1.96	+0.94
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.02	2.89	+1.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.50	1.35	+0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.23	3.45	+2.79
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.75	11.19	+9.56

TSLTX vs. DFFVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TSLTX Sharpe Ratio is 2.90, which is higher than the DFFVX Sharpe Ratio of 1.96. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TSLTX and DFFVX, 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

TSLTX vs. DFFVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TSLTX drawdown since its inception was -55.58%, smaller than the maximum DFFVX drawdown of -64.21%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TSLTX and DFFVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	TSLTX	DFFVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.58%	-64.21%	+8.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.73%	-9.70%	+1.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.62%	-26.09%	-0.53%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-55.58%	-26.09%	-29.49%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-50.75%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-15.32%	-1.41%	-13.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-28.37%	-9.69%	-18.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.32%	2.98%	-0.66%

Volatility

TSLTX vs. DFFVX - Volatility Comparison

Transamerica Small Cap Value (TSLTX) has a higher volatility of 4.60% compared to DFA U.S. Targeted Value Portfolio (DFFVX) at 3.96%. This indicates that TSLTX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFFVX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TSLTX	DFFVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.60%	3.96%	+0.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.19%	11.11%	+0.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.65%	17.07%	-0.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	50.01%	21.47%	+28.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	43.48%	23.67%	+19.81%

TSLTX vs. DFFVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

TSLTX has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than DFFVX's 0.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

TSLTX vs. DFFVX - Dividend Comparison

TSLTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.29%, more than DFFVX's 1.48% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFFVX DFA U.S. Targeted Value Portfolio	1.48%	1.69%	1.40%	2.26%	5.17%	2.74%	1.52%	3.82%	5.95%	5.16%	3.95%	5.84%
TSLTX Transamerica Small Cap Value	4.29%	5.38%	27.99%	2.99%	21.70%	77.67%	0.24%	4.26%	11.17%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TSLTX and DFFVX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, TSLTX and DFFVX 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, TSLTX or DFFVX?

TSLTX has higher volatility (4.60%) compared to DFFVX (3.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TSLTX dropped -55.58% vs DFFVX's -64.21%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TSLTX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.90 vs 1.96), 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.