DFLVX vs. VTV

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFLVX (DFA U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio) and VTV (Vanguard Value ETF) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, DFLVX returned 11.94%/yr vs 12.48%/yr for VTV. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFLVX charges 0.22%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VTV.

Performance

DFLVX vs. VTV - 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 Value ETF (VTV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFLVX achieves a 16.01% return, which is significantly higher than VTV's 12.30% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with DFLVX having a 11.94% annualized return and VTV not far ahead at 12.48%.

DFLVX

• 1D: 1.10%
• 1M: 5.70%
• YTD: 16.01%
• 6M: 17.69%
• 1Y: 33.76%
• 3Y*: 19.38%
• 5Y*: 11.03%
• 10Y*: 11.94%

VTV

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 4.23%
• YTD: 12.30%
• 6M: 13.12%
• 1Y: 26.25%
• 3Y*: 18.28%
• 5Y*: 11.24%
• 10Y*: 12.48%

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

DFLVX vs. VTV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFLVX DFA U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio	16.01%	16.36%	12.76%	11.52%	-5.81%	30.40%	-0.58%	25.46%	-11.68%	18.50%
VTV Vanguard Value ETF	12.30%	15.27%	15.95%	9.32%	-2.09%	26.53%	2.33%	25.66%	-5.47%	17.15%

Correlation

The correlation between DFLVX and VTV is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
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 Feb 2, 2004	0.96

The correlation between DFLVX and VTV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFLVX vs. VTV — 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: 91
DFLVX Omega Ratio Rank: 84
DFLVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
DFLVX Martin Ratio Rank: 95

VTV

VTV Risk / Return Rank: 79
VTV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
VTV Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
VTV Omega Ratio Rank: 77
VTV Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
VTV Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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. VTV - 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 Value ETF (VTV). 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.

	DFLVX	VTV	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	3.20	2.61	+0.59
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	4.51	3.74	+0.78
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.56	1.47	+0.10
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.02	4.15	+1.87
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	22.08	15.69	+6.39
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFLVX vs. VTV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFLVX Sharpe Ratio is 3.20, which is comparable to the VTV Sharpe Ratio of 2.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFLVX and VTV, 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

	DFLVX	VTV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.20	2.61	+0.59
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.70	0.81	-0.12
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.65	0.75	-0.10
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.53	0.51	+0.02

Drawdowns

DFLVX vs. VTV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFLVX drawdown since its inception was -65.65%, which is greater than VTV's maximum drawdown of -59.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFLVX and VTV.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFLVX	VTV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.65%	-59.27%	-6.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.86%	-6.35%	+0.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.64%	-14.52%	-2.12%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.83%	-17.04%	-2.79%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.79%	-36.78%	-5.01%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.48%	-7.87%	-0.61%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.59%	1.68%	-0.09%

Volatility

DFLVX vs. VTV - Volatility Comparison

DFA U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio (DFLVX) has a higher volatility of 2.86% compared to Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) at 2.52%. This indicates that DFLVX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VTV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFLVX	VTV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.86%	2.52%	+0.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.21%	7.55%	+0.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.02%	10.11%	+0.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.88%	13.88%	+2.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.38%	16.67%	+1.71%

DFLVX vs. VTV - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFLVX has a 0.22% expense ratio, which is higher than VTV'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. VTV - Dividend Comparison

DFLVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.45%, less than VTV's 1.86% 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%
VTV Vanguard Value ETF	1.86%	2.05%	2.31%	2.46%	2.52%	2.15%	2.56%	2.50%	2.73%	2.29%	2.44%	2.60%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFLVX and VTV in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, DFLVX and VTV 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, DFLVX or VTV?

DFLVX has higher volatility (2.86%) compared to VTV (2.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFLVX dropped -65.65% vs VTV's -59.27%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFLVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.20 vs 2.61), 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.