DFLV vs. VTI

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

DFLV (Dimensional US Large Cap Value ETF) and VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFLV is a Large Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while VTI is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Total Market Index. DFLV is actively managed, while VTI is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFLV returned 19.86%/yr vs 22.37%/yr for VTI. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFLV charges 0.22%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTI.

Performance

DFLV vs. VTI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional US Large Cap Value ETF (DFLV) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFLV achieves a 16.80% return, which is significantly higher than VTI's 11.72% return.

DFLV

• 1D: 0.63%
• 1M: 4.82%
• YTD: 16.80%
• 6M: 18.40%
• 1Y: 35.08%
• 3Y*: 19.86%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VTI

• 1D: 0.47%
• 1M: 4.59%
• YTD: 11.72%
• 6M: 11.43%
• 1Y: 28.79%
• 3Y*: 22.37%
• 5Y*: 12.80%
• 10Y*: 15.04%

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

DFLV vs. VTI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFLV Dimensional US Large Cap Value ETF	16.80%	15.90%	12.88%	12.31%	-0.67%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	11.72%	17.10%	23.81%	26.05%	-2.31%

Correlation

The correlation between DFLV and VTI is 0.73, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 8, 2022	0.78

The correlation between DFLV and VTI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFLV vs. VTI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFLV	VTI
Financial Services	21.1%	12.0%
Energy	15.2%	3.7%
Healthcare	13.8%	9.2%
Industrials	13.5%	9.8%
Technology	12.5%	33.5%
Consumer Cyclical	7.5%	10.0%
Basic Materials	7.0%	2.0%
Consumer Defensive	4.7%	4.7%
Communication Services	4.5%	10.3%
Real Estate	0.4%	2.4%
Utilities	-	2.3%

Return for Risk

DFLV vs. VTI — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFLV

DFLV Risk / Return Rank: 91
DFLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
DFLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
DFLV Omega Ratio Rank: 90
DFLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
DFLV Martin Ratio Rank: 92

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 73
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 73
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

DFLV vs. VTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional US Large Cap Value ETF (DFLV) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). 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.

	DFLV	VTI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.15	2.38	+0.77
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.36	3.24	+1.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.57	1.43	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.43	3.24	+3.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	22.59	14.94	+7.65
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFLV vs. VTI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFLV Sharpe Ratio is 3.15, which is higher than the VTI Sharpe Ratio of 2.38. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFLV and VTI, 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

	DFLV	VTI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.15	2.38	+0.77
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.74	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.82	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.17	0.51	+0.66

Drawdowns

DFLV vs. VTI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFLV drawdown since its inception was -16.80%, smaller than the maximum VTI drawdown of -55.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFLV and VTI.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFLV	VTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.80%	-55.45%	+38.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.48%	-8.92%	+3.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.80%	-19.30%	+2.50%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.36%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.26%	+0.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.07%	-8.03%	+4.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.56%	1.93%	-0.37%

Volatility

DFLV vs. VTI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional US Large Cap Value ETF (DFLV) is 2.61%, while Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) has a volatility of 2.90%. This indicates that DFLV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VTI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFLV	VTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.61%	2.90%	-0.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.10%	9.13%	-1.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.22%	12.17%	-0.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.20%	17.40%	-3.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.20%	18.30%	-4.10%

DFLV vs. VTI - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFLV has a 0.22% expense ratio, which is higher than VTI's 0.03% 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

DFLV vs. VTI - Dividend Comparison

DFLV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.39%, more than VTI's 1.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFLV Dimensional US Large Cap Value ETF	1.39%	1.61%	1.65%	1.72%	0.11%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	1.01%	1.12%	1.27%	1.44%	1.66%	1.21%	1.42%	1.78%	2.04%	1.71%	1.92%	1.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFLV and VTI in my portfolio?

DFLV and VTI have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFLV or VTI?

VTI has higher volatility (2.90%) compared to DFLV (2.61%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFLV dropped -16.80% vs VTI's -55.45%.

Which ETF is better, DFLV or VTI?

On 3-year performance, VTI leads with 22.37% vs 19.86% for DFLV. On fees, VTI is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, DFLV has been the lower-risk option at 2.61%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFLV or VTI?

Over the 3-year period, VTI has performed better with a 22.37% return vs 19.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFLV or VTI?

VTI is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.22% for DFLV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFLV or VTI?

DFLV has the higher dividend yield at 1.39%, compared with 1.01% for VTI.

What is the main difference between DFLV and VTI?

DFLV is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while VTI is Large Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.22% for DFLV and 0.03% for VTI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFLV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.15 vs 2.38), 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.