DFUSX vs. VLCAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFUSX (DFA U.S. Large Company Portfolio) and VLCAX (Vanguard Large-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds - DFUSX tracks the S&P 500 Index while VLCAX tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DFUSX returned 15.66%/yr vs 15.78%/yr for VLCAX. With a 1.00 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFUSX charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VLCAX.

Performance

DFUSX vs. VLCAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA U.S. Large Company Portfolio (DFUSX) and Vanguard Large-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VLCAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with DFUSX having a 9.80% return and VLCAX slightly lower at 9.50%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with DFUSX having a 15.66% annualized return and VLCAX not far ahead at 15.78%.

DFUSX

• 1D: -0.36%
• 1M: 0.12%
• YTD: 9.80%
• 6M: 8.80%
• 1Y: 25.48%
• 3Y*: 21.34%
• 5Y*: 13.54%
• 10Y*: 15.66%

VLCAX

• 1D: -0.44%
• 1M: 0.22%
• YTD: 9.50%
• 6M: 8.50%
• 1Y: 25.15%
• 3Y*: 21.58%
• 5Y*: 13.11%
• 10Y*: 15.78%

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

DFUSX vs. VLCAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFUSX DFA U.S. Large Company Portfolio	9.80%	17.76%	24.91%	26.28%	-18.14%	28.53%	18.41%	32.08%	-4.45%	21.04%
VLCAX Vanguard Large-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares	9.50%	18.09%	25.10%	27.26%	-19.69%	27.02%	21.03%	31.39%	-4.49%	22.02%

Correlation

The correlation between DFUSX and VLCAX is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	1.00

The correlation between DFUSX and VLCAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFUSX vs. VLCAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFUSX

DFUSX Risk / Return Rank: 68
DFUSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
DFUSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
DFUSX Omega Ratio Rank: 62
DFUSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
DFUSX Martin Ratio Rank: 79

VLCAX

VLCAX Risk / Return Rank: 61
VLCAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
VLCAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
VLCAX Omega Ratio Rank: 56
VLCAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VLCAX Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

DFUSX vs. VLCAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA U.S. Large Company Portfolio (DFUSX) and Vanguard Large-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VLCAX). 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.

	DFUSX	VLCAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.22	2.10	+0.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.04	2.85	+0.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.38	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.05	2.88	+0.17
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.76	12.80	+0.96

DFUSX vs. VLCAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFUSX Sharpe Ratio is 2.22, which is comparable to the VLCAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.10. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFUSX and VLCAX, 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

DFUSX vs. VLCAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFUSX drawdown since its inception was -54.96%, roughly equal to the maximum VLCAX drawdown of -54.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFUSX and VLCAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFUSX	VLCAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.96%	-54.76%	-0.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.88%	-9.19%	+0.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.76%	-19.01%	+0.25%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.58%	-25.65%	+1.07%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.79%	-33.97%	+0.18%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.70%	-1.78%	+0.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.58%	-6.85%	-3.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.95%	2.06%	-0.11%

Volatility

DFUSX vs. VLCAX - Volatility Comparison

DFA U.S. Large Company Portfolio (DFUSX) and Vanguard Large-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VLCAX) have volatilities of 4.72% and 4.79%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFUSX	VLCAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.72%	4.79%	-0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.87%	9.92%	-0.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.23%	12.60%	-0.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.96%	17.25%	-0.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.12%	18.25%	-0.13%

DFUSX vs. VLCAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFUSX has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is higher than VLCAX's 0.05% 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

DFUSX vs. VLCAX - Dividend Comparison

DFUSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.97%, less than VLCAX's 0.98% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFUSX DFA U.S. Large Company Portfolio	0.97%	1.04%	1.24%	4.17%	6.24%	6.57%	3.82%	2.74%	2.64%	1.56%	1.95%	2.87%
VLCAX Vanguard Large-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares	0.98%	1.08%	1.23%	1.40%	1.66%	1.18%	1.45%	1.80%	2.08%	1.75%	1.98%	1.96%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFUSX and VLCAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, DFUSX and VLCAX 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, DFUSX or VLCAX?

VLCAX has higher volatility (4.79%) compared to DFUSX (4.72%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFUSX dropped -54.96% vs VLCAX's -54.76%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFUSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.22 vs 2.10), 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.