DFIC vs. VWIUX

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

DFIC (DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF) and VWIUX (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares) are both funds - DFIC is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while VWIUX is a Municipal Bonds fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 3 years, DFIC returned 18.91%/yr vs 4.48%/yr for VWIUX. At a 0.17 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. DFIC charges 0.23%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VWIUX.

Performance

DFIC vs. VWIUX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC) and Vanguard Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares (VWIUX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFIC achieves a 10.73% return, which is significantly higher than VWIUX's 1.11% return.

DFIC

• 1D: 0.42%
• 1M: 0.18%
• YTD: 10.73%
• 6M: 12.40%
• 1Y: 26.84%
• 3Y*: 18.91%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VWIUX

• 1D: -0.07%
• 1M: 0.57%
• YTD: 1.11%
• 6M: 1.69%
• 1Y: 6.43%
• 3Y*: 4.48%
• 5Y*: 1.61%
• 10Y*: 2.41%

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

DFIC vs. VWIUX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFIC DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF	10.73%	37.09%	4.10%	17.32%	-8.86%
VWIUX Vanguard Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares	1.11%	5.99%	2.34%	5.90%	-1.82%

Correlation

The correlation between DFIC and VWIUX is 0.29, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.29
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.19
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 24, 2022	0.17

The correlation between DFIC and VWIUX shifts across timeframes, from 0.17 (all time) to 0.29 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DFIC vs. VWIUX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFIC

DFIC Risk / Return Rank: 59
DFIC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
DFIC Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
DFIC Omega Ratio Rank: 62
DFIC Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
DFIC Martin Ratio Rank: 59

VWIUX

VWIUX Risk / Return Rank: 74
VWIUX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
VWIUX Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
VWIUX Omega Ratio Rank: 95
VWIUX Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
VWIUX Martin Ratio Rank: 40

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.

DFIC vs. VWIUX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC) and Vanguard Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares (VWIUX). 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.

	DFIC	VWIUX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	2.79	-1.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.51	4.48	-1.97
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.74	-0.42
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.34	2.18	+0.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.21	7.17	+2.04

DFIC vs. VWIUX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFIC Sharpe Ratio is 1.79, which is lower than the VWIUX Sharpe Ratio of 2.79. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFIC and VWIUX, 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

DFIC vs. VWIUX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFIC drawdown since its inception was -24.40%, which is greater than VWIUX's maximum drawdown of -11.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFIC and VWIUX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFIC	VWIUX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.40%	-11.38%	-13.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.00%	-2.99%	-8.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.14%	-4.40%	-8.74%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-11.38%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-11.38%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.93%	-1.09%	+0.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.53%	-1.44%	-3.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.79%	0.91%	+1.88%

Volatility

DFIC vs. VWIUX - Volatility Comparison

DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC) has a higher volatility of 5.13% compared to Vanguard Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares (VWIUX) at 0.85%. This indicates that DFIC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VWIUX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFIC	VWIUX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.13%	0.85%	+4.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.10%	1.86%	+10.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.38%	2.34%	+12.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.26%	3.27%	+12.99%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.26%	3.43%	+12.83%

DFIC vs. VWIUX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFIC has a 0.23% expense ratio, which is higher than VWIUX's 0.09% 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

DFIC vs. VWIUX - Dividend Comparison

DFIC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.27%, less than VWIUX's 3.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFIC DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF	2.27%	2.54%	2.87%	2.55%	1.47%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VWIUX Vanguard Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares	3.34%	4.06%	3.63%	2.78%	2.51%	1.89%	2.40%	2.88%	2.89%	2.82%	2.91%	2.96%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFIC and VWIUX in my portfolio?

DFIC and VWIUX have a correlation of 0.29, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFIC or VWIUX?

DFIC has higher volatility (5.13%) compared to VWIUX (0.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFIC dropped -24.40% vs VWIUX's -11.38%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VWIUX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.79 vs 1.79), 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.