DFISX vs. VTIAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DFISX (DFA International Small Company Portfolio) and VTIAX (Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - DFISX is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund managed by Dimensional, while VTIAX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. Over the past 10 years, DFISX returned 8.37%/yr vs 9.97%/yr for VTIAX. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFISX charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VTIAX.

Performance

DFISX vs. VTIAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA International Small Company Portfolio (DFISX) and Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTIAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFISX achieves a 8.12% return, which is significantly lower than VTIAX's 15.62% return. Over the past 10 years, DFISX has underperformed VTIAX with an annualized return of 8.37%, while VTIAX has yielded a comparatively higher 9.97% annualized return.

DFISX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -0.11%
• YTD: 8.12%
• 6M: 8.42%
• 1Y: 24.90%
• 3Y*: 17.25%
• 5Y*: 7.67%
• 10Y*: 8.37%

VTIAX

• 1D: 1.33%
• 1M: 3.10%
• YTD: 15.62%
• 6M: 16.30%
• 1Y: 34.01%
• 3Y*: 18.59%
• 5Y*: 9.25%
• 10Y*: 9.97%

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

DFISX vs. VTIAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFISX DFA International Small Company Portfolio	8.12%	36.35%	3.76%	14.46%	-17.13%	10.71%	9.27%	24.18%	-19.42%	24.78%
VTIAX Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Admiral Shares	15.62%	32.18%	5.34%	15.28%	-16.02%	8.59%	11.27%	21.52%	-14.46%	27.54%

Correlation

The correlation between DFISX and VTIAX is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 29, 2010	0.93

The correlation between DFISX and VTIAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFISX vs. VTIAX — 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: 40
DFISX Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
DFISX Omega Ratio Rank: 40
DFISX Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
DFISX Martin Ratio Rank: 35

VTIAX

VTIAX Risk / Return Rank: 64
VTIAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
VTIAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VTIAX Omega Ratio Rank: 66
VTIAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VTIAX Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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. VTIAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA International Small Company Portfolio (DFISX) and Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTIAX). 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.

	DFISX	VTIAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.73	2.20	-0.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.45	2.97	-0.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.41	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.04	2.94	-0.90
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.35	11.43	-4.08

DFISX vs. VTIAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFISX Sharpe Ratio is 1.73, which is comparable to the VTIAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFISX and VTIAX, 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

DFISX vs. VTIAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFISX drawdown since its inception was -60.66%, which is greater than VTIAX's maximum drawdown of -35.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFISX and VTIAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFISX	VTIAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.66%	-35.83%	-24.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.96%	-11.28%	-0.68%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.68%	-13.13%	-0.55%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.06%	-29.52%	-5.54%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.00%	-35.83%	-7.17%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.68%	0.00%	-2.68%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.63%	-8.06%	-3.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.30%	2.90%	+0.40%

Volatility

DFISX vs. VTIAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA International Small Company Portfolio (DFISX) is 4.53%, while Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTIAX) has a volatility of 6.12%. This indicates that DFISX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VTIAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFISX	VTIAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.53%	6.12%	-1.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.60%	13.05%	-1.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.11%	15.09%	-0.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.94%	15.21%	+0.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.19%	15.97%	+0.22%

DFISX vs. VTIAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFISX has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than VTIAX's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFISX vs. VTIAX - Dividend Comparison

DFISX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.91%, more than VTIAX's 2.49% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFISX DFA International Small Company Portfolio	2.91%	3.19%	3.39%	3.01%	3.51%	3.06%	1.71%	4.54%	7.74%	1.27%	4.44%	4.47%
VTIAX Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Admiral Shares	2.49%	3.15%	3.33%	3.22%	3.04%	3.05%	2.10%	3.04%	3.16%	2.73%	2.93%	2.84%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFISX and VTIAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, DFISX and VTIAX 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 VTIAX?

VTIAX has higher volatility (6.12%) compared to DFISX (4.53%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFISX dropped -60.66% vs VTIAX's -35.83%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTIAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.20 vs 1.73), 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.