DFVIX vs. DFIVX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFVIX (DFA International Value III Portfolio) and DFIVX (DFA International Value Portfolio) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds from Dimensional. Over the past 10 years, DFVIX returned 12.38%/yr vs 11.85%/yr for DFIVX. With a 1.00 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFVIX charges 0.24%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for DFIVX.

Performance

DFVIX vs. DFIVX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA International Value III Portfolio (DFVIX) and DFA International Value Portfolio (DFIVX). 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 DFVIX having a 13.32% return and DFIVX slightly lower at 13.29%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with DFVIX having a 12.38% annualized return and DFIVX not far behind at 11.85%.

DFVIX

• 1D: 0.65%
• 1M: 3.66%
• YTD: 13.32%
• 6M: 17.21%
• 1Y: 37.55%
• 3Y*: 24.49%
• 5Y*: 15.29%
• 10Y*: 12.38%

DFIVX

• 1D: 0.68%
• 1M: 3.65%
• YTD: 13.29%
• 6M: 17.16%
• 1Y: 37.50%
• 3Y*: 24.59%
• 5Y*: 14.38%
• 10Y*: 11.85%

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

DFVIX vs. DFIVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFVIX DFA International Value III Portfolio	13.32%	44.85%	6.86%	17.89%	-3.41%	23.59%	-1.96%	15.85%	-17.29%	26.23%
DFIVX DFA International Value Portfolio	13.29%	45.24%	6.87%	17.83%	-3.51%	18.57%	-2.13%	15.68%	-17.49%	26.08%

Correlation

The correlation between DFVIX and DFIVX is 0.98 - 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	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
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 Feb 6, 1995	1.00

The correlation between DFVIX and DFIVX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFVIX vs. DFIVX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFVIX

DFVIX Risk / Return Rank: 80
DFVIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
DFVIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
DFVIX Omega Ratio Rank: 74
DFVIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
DFVIX Martin Ratio Rank: 81

DFIVX

DFIVX Risk / Return Rank: 78
DFIVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
DFIVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
DFIVX Omega Ratio Rank: 72
DFIVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
DFIVX Martin Ratio Rank: 81

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.

DFVIX vs. DFIVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA International Value III Portfolio (DFVIX) and DFA International Value Portfolio (DFIVX). 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.

	DFVIX	DFIVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.72	2.67	+0.05
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.68	3.58	+0.10
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	1.48	+0.01
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.90	3.85	+0.06
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	15.36	15.14	+0.22
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFVIX vs. DFIVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFVIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.72, which is comparable to the DFIVX Sharpe Ratio of 2.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFVIX and DFIVX, 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

	DFVIX	DFIVX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.72	2.67	+0.05
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94	0.89	+0.05
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.69	0.66	+0.03
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.41	0.39	+0.02

Drawdowns

DFVIX vs. DFIVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFVIX drawdown since its inception was -66.53%, roughly equal to the maximum DFIVX drawdown of -66.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFVIX and DFIVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFVIX	DFIVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-66.53%	-66.61%	+0.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.53%	-9.58%	+0.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.68%	-14.39%	-0.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.26%	-25.29%	+0.03%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.89%	-48.11%	+0.22%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.04%	-0.03%	-0.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.27%	-12.24%	-0.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.41%	2.43%	-0.02%

Volatility

DFVIX vs. DFIVX - Volatility Comparison

DFA International Value III Portfolio (DFVIX) and DFA International Value Portfolio (DFIVX) have volatilities of 3.86% and 3.86%, 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

	DFVIX	DFIVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.86%	3.86%	0.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.85%	10.89%	-0.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.73%	13.85%	-0.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.46%	16.29%	+0.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.10%	18.02%	+0.08%

DFVIX vs. DFIVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFVIX has a 0.24% expense ratio, which is lower than DFIVX's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFVIX vs. DFIVX - Dividend Comparison

DFVIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.87%, more than DFIVX's 3.72% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFIVX DFA International Value Portfolio	3.72%	4.21%	3.94%	4.40%	3.78%	4.37%	2.42%	3.70%	6.60%	2.85%	3.36%	3.45%
DFVIX DFA International Value III Portfolio	3.87%	4.09%	4.16%	4.44%	3.82%	7.97%	2.25%	3.53%	6.16%	3.02%	3.43%	5.84%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFVIX and DFIVX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, DFVIX and DFIVX 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, DFVIX or DFIVX?

DFIVX has higher volatility (3.86%) compared to DFVIX (3.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFVIX dropped -66.53% vs DFIVX's -66.61%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFVIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.72 vs 2.67), 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.