DFISX vs. VFSNX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFISX (DFA International Small Company Portfolio) and VFSNX (Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, DFISX returned 8.36%/yr vs 8.21%/yr for VFSNX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFISX charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.11%/yr for VFSNX.

Performance

DFISX vs. VFSNX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA International Small Company Portfolio (DFISX) and Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VFSNX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFISX achieves a 9.65% return, which is significantly lower than VFSNX's 11.76% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with DFISX having a 8.36% annualized return and VFSNX not far behind at 8.21%.

DFISX

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: 3.43%
• YTD: 9.65%
• 6M: 13.12%
• 1Y: 26.38%
• 3Y*: 18.77%
• 5Y*: 7.30%
• 10Y*: 8.36%

VFSNX

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: 1.81%
• YTD: 11.76%
• 6M: 14.55%
• 1Y: 28.61%
• 3Y*: 17.18%
• 5Y*: 6.19%
• 10Y*: 8.21%

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

DFISX vs. VFSNX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFISX DFA International Small Company Portfolio	9.65%	36.35%	3.76%	14.46%	-17.13%	10.71%	9.27%	24.18%	-19.42%	24.78%
VFSNX Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	11.76%	29.97%	2.63%	15.18%	-21.26%	12.74%	11.92%	21.72%	-18.46%	30.30%

Correlation

The correlation between DFISX and VFSNX is 0.94, 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	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 23, 2009	0.96

The correlation between DFISX and VFSNX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFISX vs. VFSNX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFISX

DFISX Risk / Return Rank: 38
DFISX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
DFISX Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
DFISX Omega Ratio Rank: 41
DFISX Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
DFISX Martin Ratio Rank: 35

VFSNX

VFSNX Risk / Return Rank: 47
VFSNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
VFSNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VFSNX Omega Ratio Rank: 50
VFSNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
VFSNX Martin Ratio Rank: 45

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.

DFISX vs. VFSNX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA International Small Company Portfolio (DFISX) and Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VFSNX). 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.

	DFISX	VFSNX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.87	2.11	-0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.65	2.89	-0.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.39	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.15	2.46	-0.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.90	9.47	-1.56
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFISX vs. VFSNX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFISX Sharpe Ratio is 1.87, which is comparable to the VFSNX Sharpe Ratio of 2.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFISX and VFSNX, 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

	DFISX	VFSNX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.87	2.11	-0.24
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.46	0.41	+0.05
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.52	0.52	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.47	0.59	-0.13

Drawdowns

DFISX vs. VFSNX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFISX drawdown since its inception was -60.66%, which is greater than VFSNX's maximum drawdown of -43.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFISX and VFSNX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFISX	VFSNX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.66%	-43.65%	-17.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.96%	-11.47%	-0.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.68%	-14.70%	+1.02%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.06%	-33.75%	-1.31%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.00%	-43.65%	+0.65%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.31%	-1.09%	-0.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.64%	-9.49%	-2.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.24%	2.98%	+0.26%

Volatility

DFISX vs. VFSNX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA International Small Company Portfolio (DFISX) is 3.78%, while Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VFSNX) has a volatility of 4.30%. This indicates that DFISX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VFSNX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFISX	VFSNX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.78%	4.30%	-0.52%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.00%	11.19%	-0.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.77%	13.40%	+0.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.89%	15.03%	+0.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.20%	15.76%	+0.44%

DFISX vs. VFSNX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFISX has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than VFSNX's 0.11% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFISX vs. VFSNX - Dividend Comparison

DFISX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.87%, less than VFSNX's 3.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFISX DFA International Small Company Portfolio	2.87%	3.19%	3.39%	3.01%	3.51%	3.06%	1.71%	4.54%	7.74%	1.27%	4.44%	4.47%
VFSNX Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	3.01%	3.36%	3.41%	3.11%	2.26%	2.70%	1.90%	3.25%	2.81%	2.85%	2.93%	2.69%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFISX and VFSNX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, DFISX and VFSNX 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, DFISX or VFSNX?

VFSNX has higher volatility (4.30%) compared to DFISX (3.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFISX dropped -60.66% vs VFSNX's -43.65%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFSNX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.11 vs 1.87), 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.