DFGX vs. BNDX
DFGX (Dimensional Global Ex US Core Fixed Income ETF) and BNDX (Vanguard Total International Bond ETF) are both Global Bonds funds. DFGX is actively managed, while BNDX is passively managed. Over the past year, DFGX returned 2.80% vs 1.82% for BNDX. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFGX charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for BNDX.
Performance
DFGX vs. BNDX - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, DFGX achieves a 0.85% return, which is significantly higher than BNDX's 0.54% return.
DFGX
- 1D
- -0.28%
- 1M
- 0.95%
- YTD
- 0.85%
- 6M
- 0.43%
- 1Y
- 2.80%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
BNDX
- 1D
- -0.35%
- 1M
- 0.63%
- YTD
- 0.54%
- 6M
- 0.23%
- 1Y
- 1.82%
- 3Y*
- 4.03%
- 5Y*
- 0.33%
- 10Y*
- 1.68%
DFGX vs. BNDX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
DFGX Dimensional Global Ex US Core Fixed Income ETF | 0.85% | 3.46% | 3.75% | 4.95% |
BNDX Vanguard Total International Bond ETF | 0.54% | 2.86% | 3.57% | 4.81% |
Correlation
The correlation between DFGX and BNDX is 0.90, 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 | 0.90 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 9, 2023 | 0.89 |
The correlation between DFGX and BNDX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
DFGX vs. BNDX — Risk / Return Rank
DFGX
BNDX
DFGX vs. BNDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Global Ex US Core Fixed Income ETF (DFGX) and Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX). 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.
| DFGX | BNDX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.15 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.23 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.12 | 1.10 | +0.03 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 0.85 | 0.62 | +0.22 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 2.46 | 1.78 | +0.68 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading charts...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| DFGX | BNDX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.69 | 0.53 | +0.15 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | — | 0.07 | — |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | — | 0.41 | — |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 1.10 | 0.61 | +0.50 |
Drawdowns
DFGX vs. BNDX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum DFGX drawdown since its inception was -3.32%, smaller than the maximum BNDX drawdown of -16.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFGX and BNDX.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| DFGX | BNDX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -3.32% | -16.23% | +12.91% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -3.32% | -2.93% | -0.39% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | — | -2.93% | — |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | — | -15.86% | — |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -16.23% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.29% | -1.49% | +0.20% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -0.78% | -3.09% | +2.31% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.14% | 1.02% | +0.12% |
Volatility
DFGX vs. BNDX - Volatility Comparison
Dimensional Global Ex US Core Fixed Income ETF (DFGX) has a higher volatility of 1.67% compared to Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) at 1.57%. This indicates that DFGX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BNDX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| DFGX | BNDX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 1.67% | 1.57% | +0.10% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 3.36% | 2.91% | +0.45% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 4.10% | 3.43% | +0.67% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 4.66% | 4.88% | -0.22% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 4.66% | 4.09% | +0.57% |
DFGX vs. BNDX - Expense Ratio Comparison
DFGX has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is higher than BNDX's 0.07% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.
Dividends
DFGX vs. BNDX - Dividend Comparison
DFGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.75%, less than BNDX's 4.49% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BNDX Vanguard Total International Bond ETF | 4.49% | 4.39% | 4.18% | 4.42% | 1.51% | 3.74% | 1.11% | 3.40% | 3.01% | 2.23% | 1.89% | 1.63% |
DFGX Dimensional Global Ex US Core Fixed Income ETF | 2.75% | 2.84% | 4.61% | 0.49% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.90, DFGX and BNDX 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.
DFGX has higher volatility (1.67%) compared to BNDX (1.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFGX dropped -3.32% vs BNDX's -16.23%.
On 1-year performance, DFGX leads with 2.80% vs 1.82% for BNDX. On fees, BNDX is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, BNDX has been the lower-risk option at 1.57%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 1-year period, DFGX has performed better with a 2.80% return vs 1.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
BNDX is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for DFGX.
BNDX has the higher dividend yield at 4.49%, compared with 2.75% for DFGX.
They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for DFGX and 0.07% for BNDX.
DFGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.69 vs 0.53), 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.
Find the right allocation for DFGX and BNDX
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer