DFLVX vs. VTSPX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFLVX (DFA U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio) and VTSPX (Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both mutual funds - DFLVX is a Large Cap Value Equities fund managed by Dimensional, while VTSPX is a Inflation-Protected Bonds fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, DFLVX returned 12.36%/yr vs 3.05%/yr for VTSPX. At a 0.05 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. DFLVX charges 0.22%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VTSPX.

Performance

DFLVX vs. VTSPX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio (DFLVX) and Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities Index Fund Institutional Shares (VTSPX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFLVX achieves a 16.63% return, which is significantly higher than VTSPX's 1.34% return. Over the past 10 years, DFLVX has outperformed VTSPX with an annualized return of 12.36%, while VTSPX has yielded a comparatively lower 3.05% annualized return.

DFLVX

• 1D: 0.82%
• 1M: 2.72%
• YTD: 16.63%
• 6M: 15.85%
• 1Y: 32.08%
• 3Y*: 19.24%
• 5Y*: 11.94%
• 10Y*: 12.36%

VTSPX

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: -0.16%
• YTD: 1.34%
• 6M: 1.50%
• 1Y: 3.56%
• 3Y*: 5.01%
• 5Y*: 3.27%
• 10Y*: 3.05%

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

DFLVX vs. VTSPX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFLVX DFA U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio	16.63%	16.36%	12.76%	11.52%	-5.81%	30.40%	-0.58%	25.46%	-11.68%	18.50%
VTSPX Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.34%	6.06%	4.75%	4.61%	-2.82%	5.32%	4.99%	4.82%	0.59%	0.83%

Correlation

The correlation between DFLVX and VTSPX is 0.03, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.03
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.10
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.14
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.07
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2013	0.05

The correlation between DFLVX and VTSPX shifts across timeframes, from 0.03 (1 year) to 0.14 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DFLVX vs. VTSPX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFLVX

DFLVX Risk / Return Rank: 92
DFLVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
DFLVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
DFLVX Omega Ratio Rank: 84
DFLVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
DFLVX Martin Ratio Rank: 95

VTSPX

VTSPX Risk / Return Rank: 85
VTSPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
VTSPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
VTSPX Omega Ratio Rank: 80
VTSPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
VTSPX Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

DFLVX vs. VTSPX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio (DFLVX) and Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities Index Fund Institutional Shares (VTSPX). 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.

	DFLVX	VTSPX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.93	2.32	+0.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.09	3.64	+0.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.51	1.49	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.67	4.88	+0.80
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.59	18.24	+2.35

DFLVX vs. VTSPX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFLVX Sharpe Ratio is 2.93, which is comparable to the VTSPX Sharpe Ratio of 2.32. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFLVX and VTSPX, 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

DFLVX vs. VTSPX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFLVX drawdown since its inception was -65.65%, which is greater than VTSPX's maximum drawdown of -5.35%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFLVX and VTSPX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFLVX	VTSPX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.65%	-5.35%	-60.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.86%	-0.75%	-5.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.64%	-0.92%	-15.72%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.83%	-5.35%	-14.48%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.79%	-5.35%	-36.44%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.46%	-0.75%	+0.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.46%	-1.01%	-7.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.60%	0.20%	+1.40%

Volatility

DFLVX vs. VTSPX - Volatility Comparison

DFA U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio (DFLVX) has a higher volatility of 3.77% compared to Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities Index Fund Institutional Shares (VTSPX) at 0.67%. This indicates that DFLVX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VTSPX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFLVX	VTSPX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.77%	0.67%	+3.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.48%	1.22%	+7.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.36%	1.58%	+9.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.87%	2.66%	+13.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.40%	2.24%	+16.16%

DFLVX vs. VTSPX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFLVX has a 0.22% expense ratio, which is higher than VTSPX's 0.04% 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

DFLVX vs. VTSPX - Dividend Comparison

DFLVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.45%, less than VTSPX's 3.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFLVX DFA U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio	1.45%	1.71%	1.87%	3.65%	4.56%	5.90%	1.97%	4.04%	7.83%	6.06%	3.77%	6.52%
VTSPX Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities Index Fund Institutional Shares	3.61%	3.81%	2.70%	2.86%	6.84%	4.69%	1.21%	1.96%	2.47%	1.52%	0.80%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFLVX and VTSPX in my portfolio?

DFLVX and VTSPX have a correlation of 0.03, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFLVX or VTSPX?

DFLVX has higher volatility (3.77%) compared to VTSPX (0.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFLVX dropped -65.65% vs VTSPX's -5.35%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFLVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.93 vs 2.32), 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.