DFVIX vs. VBR

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFVIX (DFA International Value III Portfolio) and VBR (Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF) are both funds - DFVIX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by Dimensional, while VBR is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Value Index. Over the past 10 years, DFVIX returned 12.38%/yr vs 10.53%/yr for VBR. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFVIX charges 0.24%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VBR.

Performance

DFVIX vs. VBR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA International Value III Portfolio (DFVIX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFVIX achieves a 13.32% return, which is significantly higher than VBR's 11.67% return. Over the past 10 years, DFVIX has outperformed VBR with an annualized return of 12.38%, while VBR has yielded a comparatively lower 10.53% annualized return.

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%

VBR

• 1D: -0.39%
• 1M: 2.39%
• YTD: 11.67%
• 6M: 11.95%
• 1Y: 25.78%
• 3Y*: 16.44%
• 5Y*: 7.95%
• 10Y*: 10.53%

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

DFVIX vs. VBR - 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%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	11.67%	9.09%	12.40%	16.00%	-9.38%	28.08%	5.90%	22.78%	-12.28%	11.81%

Correlation

The correlation between DFVIX and VBR is 0.64, 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	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2004	0.74

The correlation between DFVIX and VBR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.64 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFVIX vs. VBR — 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

VBR

VBR Risk / Return Rank: 52
VBR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
VBR Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
VBR Omega Ratio Rank: 46
VBR Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
VBR Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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. VBR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA International Value III Portfolio (DFVIX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR). 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	VBR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.72	1.71	+1.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.68	2.52	+1.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	1.30	+0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.90	2.93	+0.98
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.36	10.32	+5.04
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. VBR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFVIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.72, which is higher than the VBR Sharpe Ratio of 1.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFVIX and VBR, 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	VBR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.72	1.71	+1.01
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94	0.40	+0.53
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.69	0.49	+0.20
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.41	0.42	0.00

Drawdowns

DFVIX vs. VBR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFVIX drawdown since its inception was -66.53%, which is greater than VBR's maximum drawdown of -61.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFVIX and VBR.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFVIX	VBR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-66.53%	-61.98%	-4.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.53%	-8.85%	-0.68%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.68%	-24.19%	+9.51%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.26%	-24.19%	-1.07%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.89%	-45.28%	-2.61%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.04%	-0.39%	+0.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.27%	-8.27%	-4.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.41%	2.50%	-0.09%

Volatility

DFVIX vs. VBR - Volatility Comparison

DFA International Value III Portfolio (DFVIX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) have volatilities of 3.86% and 3.96%, 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	VBR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.86%	3.96%	-0.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.85%	10.46%	+0.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.73%	15.17%	-1.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.46%	19.77%	-3.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.10%	21.73%	-3.63%

DFVIX vs. VBR - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFVIX has a 0.24% expense ratio, which is higher than VBR'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

DFVIX vs. VBR - Dividend Comparison

DFVIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.87%, more than VBR's 1.76% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	1.76%	1.95%	1.98%	2.12%	2.03%	1.75%	1.68%	2.06%	2.35%	1.79%	1.77%	1.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFVIX and VBR in my portfolio?

DFVIX and VBR have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFVIX or VBR?

VBR has higher volatility (3.96%) compared to DFVIX (3.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFVIX dropped -66.53% vs VBR's -61.98%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFVIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.72 vs 1.71), 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.