BSBIX vs. DFCFX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

BSBIX (Baird Short-Term Bond Fund Institutional Class) and DFCFX (DFA Two-Year Fixed Income Portfolio) are both Short-Term Bond funds. Over the past 10 years, BSBIX returned 2.48%/yr vs 2.49%/yr for DFCFX. At a 0.39 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BSBIX charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.21%/yr for DFCFX.

Performance

BSBIX vs. DFCFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Baird Short-Term Bond Fund Institutional Class (BSBIX) and DFA Two-Year Fixed Income Portfolio (DFCFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BSBIX achieves a 0.94% return, which is significantly lower than DFCFX's 1.62% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with BSBIX having a 2.48% annualized return and DFCFX not far ahead at 2.49%.

BSBIX

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: 0.46%
• YTD: 0.94%
• 6M: 1.16%
• 1Y: 4.11%
• 3Y*: 5.17%
• 5Y*: 2.53%
• 10Y*: 2.48%

DFCFX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.31%
• YTD: 1.62%
• 6M: 1.77%
• 1Y: 2.87%
• 3Y*: 4.06%
• 5Y*: 3.80%
• 10Y*: 2.49%

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

BSBIX vs. DFCFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BSBIX Baird Short-Term Bond Fund Institutional Class	0.94%	5.67%	4.99%	5.65%	-3.64%	-0.42%	4.23%	4.68%	1.49%	1.53%
DFCFX DFA Two-Year Fixed Income Portfolio	1.62%	2.28%	5.33%	4.92%	-3.28%	8.60%	0.57%	2.65%	1.78%	0.92%

Correlation

The correlation between BSBIX and DFCFX is 0.08, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.08
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.10
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.44
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.38
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 31, 2004	0.39

Over the past year, the correlation between BSBIX and DFCFX has dropped to 0.08 - well below their long-term average of 0.39, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

BSBIX vs. DFCFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

BSBIX

BSBIX Risk / Return Rank: 96
BSBIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
BSBIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
BSBIX Omega Ratio Rank: 97
BSBIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
BSBIX Martin Ratio Rank: 95

DFCFX

DFCFX Risk / Return Rank: 81
DFCFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
DFCFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
DFCFX Omega Ratio Rank: 99
DFCFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
DFCFX Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

BSBIX vs. DFCFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Baird Short-Term Bond Fund Institutional Class (BSBIX) and DFA Two-Year Fixed Income Portfolio (DFCFX). 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.

	BSBIX	DFCFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.13	2.49	+0.65
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	5.05	2.86	+2.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.85	3.47	-1.62
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.40	2.94	+1.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.06	10.63	+8.43

BSBIX vs. DFCFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BSBIX Sharpe Ratio is 3.13, which is comparable to the DFCFX Sharpe Ratio of 2.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BSBIX and DFCFX, 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

BSBIX vs. DFCFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BSBIX drawdown since its inception was -5.95%, which is greater than DFCFX's maximum drawdown of -4.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BSBIX and DFCFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BSBIX	DFCFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.95%	-4.27%	-1.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.94%	-1.03%	+0.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-0.94%	-1.33%	+0.39%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-5.93%	-4.27%	-1.66%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-5.95%	-4.27%	-1.68%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.55%	-0.26%	-0.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.22%	0.28%	-0.06%

Volatility

BSBIX vs. DFCFX - Volatility Comparison

Baird Short-Term Bond Fund Institutional Class (BSBIX) has a higher volatility of 0.51% compared to DFA Two-Year Fixed Income Portfolio (DFCFX) at 0.23%. This indicates that BSBIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFCFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BSBIX	DFCFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.51%	0.23%	+0.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.03%	0.43%	+0.60%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.32%	1.22%	+0.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.95%	4.39%	-2.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.67%	3.13%	-1.46%

BSBIX vs. DFCFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BSBIX has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than DFCFX's 0.21% expense ratio.

Dividends

BSBIX vs. DFCFX - Dividend Comparison

BSBIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.26%, more than DFCFX's 2.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BSBIX Baird Short-Term Bond Fund Institutional Class	4.26%	4.35%	4.34%	3.41%	1.79%	1.42%	2.61%	2.49%	2.20%	1.73%	1.60%	1.62%
DFCFX DFA Two-Year Fixed Income Portfolio	2.92%	2.16%	4.90%	3.43%	1.32%	8.29%	0.67%	2.22%	1.87%	1.22%	0.79%	0.53%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BSBIX and DFCFX in my portfolio?

BSBIX and DFCFX have a correlation of 0.08, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BSBIX or DFCFX?

BSBIX has higher volatility (0.51%) compared to DFCFX (0.23%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BSBIX dropped -5.95% vs DFCFX's -4.27%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BSBIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.13 vs 2.49), 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.