DFAS vs FSCC
Dimensional US Small Cap ETF vs Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Core ETF
Which is better, DFAS or FSCC?
Each has led over a different period.
DFAS has a lower expense ratio. DFAS led over 1Y, FSCC over the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.94.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFAS | FSCC |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.27%Best | 0.36% |
| AUM | $34.2B | $427M |
| Dividend Yield | 1.04% | 0.24% |
| Holdings | 2,060 | 622 |
| YTD Return | +10.62%Best | +10.38% |
| 1Y Return | +14.08%Best | +12.30% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.46% | - |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.05% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6%Best | 18.4% |
| Max Drawdown | -26.1%Best | -27.2% |
| $10,000 over 2.2 years | $12,102 | $13,065Best |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Federated Hermes |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Small Cap Blend | Small Cap Blend |
| Inception | Dec 15, 1998 | Jul 30, 2024 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 2.2 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 31, 2024 to Oct 14, 2026 (2.2 years).
DFAS vs FSCC growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 2.2 years both funds cover.
DFAS vs FSCC Performance
Dimensional US Small Cap ETF (DFAS) is an ETF from Dimensional and Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Core ETF (FSCC) is an ETF from Federated Hermes. Over the past year DFAS returned +14.08% while FSCC returned +12.30%. Year to date, DFAS is up 10.62% versus a gain of 10.38% for FSCC.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FSCC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.4% compared with 15.6% for DFAS. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -26.1% for DFAS and -27.2% for FSCC. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFAS charges 0.27% per year while FSCC charges 0.36%. On a $10,000 position that is $27 vs $36 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFAS currently yields 1.04% against 0.24% for FSCC.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 1,552 holdings in DFAS and 310 in FSCC, totalling 93.8% and 100.0% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 1,552 positions we hold weights for in DFAS and 310 in FSCC, against full books of 2,060 and 622.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DFAS and FSCC you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFAS or FSCC?
DFAS has an expense ratio of 0.27% while FSCC charges 0.36%. DFAS is the cheaper option, by $9 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DFAS or FSCC?
Over the past year DFAS returned +14.08% vs +12.30% for FSCC, so DFAS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), DFAS annualized +9.06% vs +12.92% for FSCC. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DFAS or FSCC?
FSCC has been the more volatile fund at 18.4% annualized versus 15.6% for DFAS. Worst drawdown: DFAS -26.1% vs FSCC -27.2%.
Should I hold both DFAS and FSCC?
DFAS and FSCC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFAS or FSCC?
DFAS yields 1.04% while FSCC yields 0.24%, so DFAS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is FSCC better than DFAS?
DFAS has a lower expense ratio. DFAS led over 1Y, FSCC over the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.94. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.