DFIVX vs. PTTRX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

DFIVX (DFA International Value Portfolio) and PTTRX (PIMCO Total Return Fund Institutional Class) are both mutual funds - DFIVX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by Dimensional, while PTTRX is a Total Bond Market fund managed by PIMCO. Over the past 10 years, DFIVX returned 12.11%/yr vs 2.29%/yr for PTTRX. At a correlation of -0.03, they often move in opposite directions. DFIVX charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.47%/yr for PTTRX.

Performance

DFIVX vs. PTTRX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA International Value Portfolio (DFIVX) and PIMCO Total Return Fund Institutional Class (PTTRX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFIVX achieves a 11.58% return, which is significantly higher than PTTRX's 0.64% return. Over the past 10 years, DFIVX has outperformed PTTRX with an annualized return of 12.11%, while PTTRX has yielded a comparatively lower 2.29% annualized return.

DFIVX

• 1D: 2.28%
• 1M: -0.81%
• YTD: 11.58%
• 6M: 13.38%
• 1Y: 33.04%
• 3Y*: 23.51%
• 5Y*: 14.00%
• 10Y*: 12.11%

PTTRX

• 1D: 0.69%
• 1M: 0.88%
• YTD: 0.64%
• 6M: 1.49%
• 1Y: 6.46%
• 3Y*: 5.45%
• 5Y*: 0.58%
• 10Y*: 2.29%

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

DFIVX vs. PTTRX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFIVX DFA International Value Portfolio	11.58%	45.24%	6.87%	17.83%	-3.51%	18.57%	-2.13%	15.68%	-17.49%	26.08%
PTTRX PIMCO Total Return Fund Institutional Class	0.64%	9.35%	2.62%	6.33%	-14.72%	-0.59%	8.88%	8.36%	-0.24%	5.13%

Correlation

The correlation between DFIVX and PTTRX is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.37
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.29
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.18
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.00
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 15, 1994	-0.03

The correlation between DFIVX and PTTRX shifts across timeframes, from -0.03 (all time) to 0.37 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DFIVX vs. PTTRX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFIVX

DFIVX Risk / Return Rank: 85
DFIVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
DFIVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
DFIVX Omega Ratio Rank: 80
DFIVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
DFIVX Martin Ratio Rank: 89

PTTRX

PTTRX Risk / Return Rank: 38
PTTRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
PTTRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
PTTRX Omega Ratio Rank: 42
PTTRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
PTTRX Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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.

DFIVX vs. PTTRX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA International Value Portfolio (DFIVX) and PIMCO Total Return Fund Institutional Class (PTTRX). 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.

	DFIVX	PTTRX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.42	1.47	+0.95
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.26	2.17	+1.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.27	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.60	1.83	+1.77
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.00	5.48	+8.53

DFIVX vs. PTTRX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFIVX Sharpe Ratio is 2.42, which is higher than the PTTRX Sharpe Ratio of 1.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFIVX and PTTRX, 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

DFIVX vs. PTTRX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFIVX drawdown since its inception was -66.61%, which is greater than PTTRX's maximum drawdown of -19.28%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFIVX and PTTRX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFIVX	PTTRX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-66.61%	-19.28%	-47.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.58%	-3.69%	-5.89%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.39%	-6.18%	-8.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.29%	-19.28%	-6.01%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-48.11%	-19.28%	-28.83%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.55%	-1.49%	-0.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.23%	-2.19%	-10.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.46%	1.23%	+1.23%

Volatility

DFIVX vs. PTTRX - Volatility Comparison

DFA International Value Portfolio (DFIVX) has a higher volatility of 4.48% compared to PIMCO Total Return Fund Institutional Class (PTTRX) at 1.77%. This indicates that DFIVX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PTTRX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFIVX	PTTRX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.48%	1.77%	+2.71%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.46%	3.61%	+7.85%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.26%	4.63%	+9.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.36%	6.28%	+10.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.01%	5.23%	+12.78%

DFIVX vs. PTTRX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFIVX has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than PTTRX's 0.47% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFIVX vs. PTTRX - Dividend Comparison

DFIVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.77%, less than PTTRX's 4.54% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFIVX DFA International Value Portfolio	3.77%	4.21%	3.94%	4.40%	3.78%	4.37%	2.42%	3.70%	6.60%	2.85%	3.36%	3.45%
PTTRX PIMCO Total Return Fund Institutional Class	4.54%	4.47%	4.61%	3.81%	3.63%	2.59%	6.11%	3.96%	3.13%	2.63%	3.02%	6.64%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFIVX and PTTRX in my portfolio?

DFIVX and PTTRX have a correlation of 0.37, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFIVX or PTTRX?

DFIVX has higher volatility (4.48%) compared to PTTRX (1.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFIVX dropped -66.61% vs PTTRX's -19.28%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFIVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.42 vs 1.47), 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.