VSMSX vs. DFSCX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VSMSX (Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Index Fund Institutional Shares) and DFSCX (DFA U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, VSMSX returned 10.81%/yr vs 11.20%/yr for DFSCX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VSMSX charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.41%/yr for DFSCX.

Performance

VSMSX vs. DFSCX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSMSX) and DFA U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio (DFSCX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with VSMSX having a 16.33% return and DFSCX slightly higher at 16.94%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VSMSX having a 10.81% annualized return and DFSCX not far ahead at 11.20%.

VSMSX

• 1D: 0.88%
• 1M: 2.59%
• YTD: 16.33%
• 6M: 15.18%
• 1Y: 32.75%
• 3Y*: 14.78%
• 5Y*: 5.90%
• 10Y*: 10.81%

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)

VSMSX vs. DFSCX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VSMSX Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Index Fund Institutional Shares	16.33%	6.04%	7.20%	17.57%	-16.19%	26.72%	11.46%	22.73%	-8.51%	13.39%
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 VSMSX and DFSCX 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 (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2012	0.98

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

Return for Risk

VSMSX vs. DFSCX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSMSX

VSMSX Risk / Return Rank: 58
VSMSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
VSMSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VSMSX Omega Ratio Rank: 41
VSMSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
VSMSX Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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.

VSMSX vs. DFSCX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSMSX) 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.

	VSMSX	DFSCX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.00	2.16	-0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.88	3.11	-0.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.37	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.03	4.65	-0.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.48	14.95	-1.48
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VSMSX vs. DFSCX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSMSX Sharpe Ratio is 2.00, which is comparable to the DFSCX Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSMSX 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

	VSMSX	DFSCX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.00	2.16	-0.16
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.28	0.43	-0.16
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47	0.50	-0.03
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.56	0.61	-0.05

Drawdowns

VSMSX vs. DFSCX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSMSX drawdown since its inception was -44.42%, smaller than the maximum DFSCX drawdown of -63.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSMSX and DFSCX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSMSX	DFSCX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.42%	-63.07%	+18.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.69%	-8.17%	-0.52%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.93%	-27.01%	-0.92%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.93%	-27.01%	-0.92%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.42%	-46.88%	+2.46%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.03%	0.00%	-0.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.41%	-9.91%	+2.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.59%	2.53%	+0.06%

Volatility

VSMSX vs. DFSCX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSMSX) and DFA U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio (DFSCX) have volatilities of 4.48% and 4.48%, 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

	VSMSX	DFSCX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.48%	4.48%	0.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.70%	11.59%	+0.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.55%	17.57%	-0.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.47%	21.01%	+0.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.21%	22.64%	+0.57%

VSMSX vs. DFSCX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSMSX has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than DFSCX's 0.41% expense ratio.

Dividends

VSMSX vs. DFSCX - Dividend Comparison

VSMSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.20%, 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%
VSMSX Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.20%	1.39%	1.49%	1.47%	1.52%	1.17%	1.10%	1.38%	1.39%	1.11%	1.00%	1.33%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSMSX and DFSCX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, VSMSX 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, VSMSX or DFSCX?

DFSCX has higher volatility (4.48%) compared to VSMSX (4.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSMSX dropped -44.42% vs DFSCX's -63.07%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFSCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 2.00), 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.