DFAI vs. VZICX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

DFAI (Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF) and VZICX (Vanguard International Core Stock Fund Admiral Shares) are both funds - DFAI is a Global Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while VZICX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 5 years, DFAI returned 9.55%/yr vs 11.67%/yr for VZICX. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFAI charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for VZICX.

Performance

DFAI vs. VZICX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI) and Vanguard International Core Stock Fund Admiral Shares (VZICX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFAI achieves a 10.08% return, which is significantly lower than VZICX's 14.29% return.

DFAI

• 1D: 0.84%
• 1M: 2.35%
• YTD: 10.08%
• 6M: 12.41%
• 1Y: 25.22%
• 3Y*: 18.70%
• 5Y*: 9.55%
• 10Y*: —

VZICX

• 1D: -0.54%
• 1M: 3.56%
• YTD: 14.29%
• 6M: 16.67%
• 1Y: 34.67%
• 3Y*: 23.10%
• 5Y*: 11.67%
• 10Y*: —

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

DFAI vs. VZICX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	10.08%	34.04%	4.68%	17.60%	-12.95%	13.86%	6.13%
VZICX Vanguard International Core Stock Fund Admiral Shares	14.29%	38.55%	8.74%	14.35%	-10.62%	11.85%	6.31%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAI and VZICX is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 19, 2020	0.94

The correlation between DFAI and VZICX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFAI vs. VZICX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFAI

DFAI Risk / Return Rank: 52
DFAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
DFAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
DFAI Omega Ratio Rank: 53
DFAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
DFAI Martin Ratio Rank: 54

VZICX

VZICX Risk / Return Rank: 67
VZICX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
VZICX Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
VZICX Omega Ratio Rank: 66
VZICX Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
VZICX Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

DFAI vs. VZICX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI) and Vanguard International Core Stock Fund Admiral Shares (VZICX). 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.

	DFAI	VZICX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.80	2.43	-0.62
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.54	3.30	-0.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.45	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.31	3.26	-0.95
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.08	12.81	-3.73
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFAI vs. VZICX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAI Sharpe Ratio is 1.80, which is comparable to the VZICX Sharpe Ratio of 2.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAI and VZICX, 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

	DFAI	VZICX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.80	2.43	-0.62
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60	0.77	-0.17
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.79	0.75	+0.05

Drawdowns

DFAI vs. VZICX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAI drawdown since its inception was -27.44%, smaller than the maximum VZICX drawdown of -34.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAI and VZICX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAI	VZICX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.44%	-34.37%	+6.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.95%	-10.81%	-0.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.25%	-13.30%	+0.05%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.44%	-24.89%	-2.55%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.78%	-0.54%	-0.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.12%	-5.71%	+0.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.79%	2.75%	+0.04%

Volatility

DFAI vs. VZICX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI) is 4.39%, while Vanguard International Core Stock Fund Admiral Shares (VZICX) has a volatility of 4.82%. This indicates that DFAI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VZICX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFAI	VZICX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.39%	4.82%	-0.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.71%	12.09%	-0.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.07%	14.56%	-0.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.92%	15.28%	+0.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.70%	17.91%	-2.21%

DFAI vs. VZICX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAI has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is lower than VZICX's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFAI vs. VZICX - Dividend Comparison

DFAI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.24%, less than VZICX's 3.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	2.24%	2.45%	2.72%	2.64%	2.72%	2.06%	0.09%	0.00%
VZICX Vanguard International Core Stock Fund Admiral Shares	3.86%	4.41%	2.65%	2.20%	2.10%	4.37%	1.89%	0.11%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAI and VZICX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, DFAI and VZICX 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, DFAI or VZICX?

VZICX has higher volatility (4.82%) compared to DFAI (4.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAI dropped -27.44% vs VZICX's -34.37%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VZICX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.43 vs 1.80), 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.