DFUSX vs. VO

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

DFUSX (DFA U.S. Large Company Portfolio) and VO (Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF) are both funds - DFUSX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Dimensional, while VO is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Mid Cap Index. Over the past 10 years, DFUSX returned 15.30%/yr vs 11.77%/yr for VO. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFUSX charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VO.

Performance

DFUSX vs. VO - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFUSX achieves a 8.57% return, which is significantly lower than VO's 10.43% return. Over the past 10 years, DFUSX has outperformed VO with an annualized return of 15.30%, while VO has yielded a comparatively lower 11.77% annualized return.

DFUSX

• 1D: 1.80%
• 1M: -0.12%
• YTD: 8.57%
• 6M: 8.90%
• 1Y: 25.09%
• 3Y*: 20.99%
• 5Y*: 13.26%
• 10Y*: 15.30%

VO

• 1D: 0.97%
• 1M: 2.97%
• YTD: 10.43%
• 6M: 9.31%
• 1Y: 19.60%
• 3Y*: 15.74%
• 5Y*: 7.79%
• 10Y*: 11.77%

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

DFUSX vs. VO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFUSX DFA U.S. Large Company Portfolio	8.57%	17.76%	24.91%	26.28%	-18.14%	28.53%	18.41%	32.08%	-4.45%	21.04%
VO Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF	10.43%	11.62%	15.31%	16.03%	-18.73%	24.70%	18.10%	30.98%	-9.24%	19.28%

Correlation

The correlation between DFUSX and VO is 0.75, 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	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.82
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.92

The correlation between DFUSX and VO shifts across timeframes, from 0.75 (1 year) to 0.92 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DFUSX vs. VO — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFUSX

DFUSX Risk / Return Rank: 74
DFUSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
DFUSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
DFUSX Omega Ratio Rank: 70
DFUSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
DFUSX Martin Ratio Rank: 84

VO

VO Risk / Return Rank: 49
VO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
VO Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
VO Omega Ratio Rank: 44
VO Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
VO Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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. VO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA U.S. Large Company Portfolio (DFUSX) and Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO). 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	VO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.03	1.43	+0.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.79	2.05	+0.73
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.25	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.76	2.23	+0.52
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.54	8.44	+4.11

DFUSX vs. VO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFUSX Sharpe Ratio is 2.03, which is higher than the VO Sharpe Ratio of 1.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFUSX and VO, 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. VO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFUSX drawdown since its inception was -54.96%, smaller than the maximum VO drawdown of -58.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFUSX and VO.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFUSX	VO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.96%	-58.87%	+3.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.88%	-8.17%	-0.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.76%	-19.02%	+0.26%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.58%	-27.57%	+2.99%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.79%	-39.37%	+5.58%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.81%	-0.45%	-2.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.59%	-7.85%	-2.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.94%	2.16%	-0.22%

Volatility

DFUSX vs. VO - Volatility Comparison

DFA U.S. Large Company Portfolio (DFUSX) and Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) have volatilities of 4.46% and 4.31%, 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	VO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.46%	4.31%	+0.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.73%	9.71%	+0.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.09%	12.74%	-0.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.95%	17.65%	-0.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.10%	18.96%	-0.86%

DFUSX vs. VO - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFUSX has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is higher than VO'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

DFUSX vs. VO - Dividend Comparison

DFUSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.98%, less than VO's 1.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFUSX DFA U.S. Large Company Portfolio	0.98%	1.04%	1.24%	4.17%	6.24%	6.57%	3.82%	2.74%	2.64%	1.56%	1.95%	2.87%
VO Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF	1.36%	1.52%	1.49%	1.52%	1.60%	1.12%	1.45%	1.48%	1.82%	1.35%	1.45%	1.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFUSX and VO in my portfolio?

DFUSX and VO have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFUSX or VO?

DFUSX has higher volatility (4.46%) compared to VO (4.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFUSX dropped -54.96% vs VO's -58.87%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFUSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.03 vs 1.43), 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.