DFVQX vs. DFALX

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

DFVQX (DFA International Vector Equity Portfolio) and DFALX (DFA Large Cap International Portfolio) are both mutual funds - DFVQX is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund managed by Dimensional, while DFALX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by Dimensional. Over the past 10 years, DFVQX returned 9.88%/yr vs 9.92%/yr for DFALX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFVQX charges 0.36%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for DFALX.

Performance

DFVQX vs. DFALX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA International Vector Equity Portfolio (DFVQX) and DFA Large Cap International Portfolio (DFALX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFVQX achieves a 11.35% return, which is significantly higher than DFALX's 10.54% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with DFVQX having a 9.88% annualized return and DFALX not far ahead at 9.92%.

DFVQX

• 1D: 0.25%
• 1M: 0.86%
• YTD: 11.35%
• 6M: 14.18%
• 1Y: 28.86%
• 3Y*: 20.68%
• 5Y*: 10.06%
• 10Y*: 9.88%

DFALX

• 1D: 0.53%
• 1M: 1.65%
• YTD: 10.54%
• 6M: 12.93%
• 1Y: 25.52%
• 3Y*: 18.71%
• 5Y*: 9.53%
• 10Y*: 9.92%

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

DFVQX vs. DFALX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFVQX DFA International Vector Equity Portfolio	11.35%	38.02%	4.55%	17.05%	-12.54%	15.01%	6.10%	20.87%	-19.03%	27.51%
DFALX DFA Large Cap International Portfolio	10.54%	33.60%	4.55%	17.88%	-13.04%	12.79%	8.13%	22.05%	-14.15%	25.35%

Correlation

The correlation between DFVQX and DFALX is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 6, 2012	0.98

The correlation between DFVQX and DFALX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFVQX vs. DFALX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFVQX

DFVQX Risk / Return Rank: 55
DFVQX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
DFVQX Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
DFVQX Omega Ratio Rank: 54
DFVQX Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
DFVQX Martin Ratio Rank: 53

DFALX

DFALX Risk / Return Rank: 44
DFALX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
DFALX Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
DFALX Omega Ratio Rank: 42
DFALX Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
DFALX Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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.

DFVQX vs. DFALX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA International Vector Equity Portfolio (DFVQX) and DFA Large Cap International Portfolio (DFALX). 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.

	DFVQX	DFALX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.18	1.85	+0.33
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.02	2.58	+0.44
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.33	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.69	2.43	+0.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.45	9.47	+0.98
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFVQX vs. DFALX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFVQX Sharpe Ratio is 2.18, which is comparable to the DFALX Sharpe Ratio of 1.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFVQX and DFALX, 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

	DFVQX	DFALX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.18	1.85	+0.33
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.65	0.61	+0.04
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.60	0.62	-0.02
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.61	0.38	+0.23

Drawdowns

DFVQX vs. DFALX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFVQX drawdown since its inception was -44.58%, smaller than the maximum DFALX drawdown of -59.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFVQX and DFALX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFVQX	DFALX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.58%	-59.76%	+15.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.98%	-10.70%	-0.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.00%	-13.11%	+0.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.33%	-27.52%	-0.81%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.58%	-35.58%	-9.00%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.10%	-0.34%	-0.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.85%	-12.01%	+4.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.81%	2.74%	+0.07%

Volatility

DFVQX vs. DFALX - Volatility Comparison

DFA International Vector Equity Portfolio (DFVQX) and DFA Large Cap International Portfolio (DFALX) have volatilities of 3.88% and 4.04%, 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

	DFVQX	DFALX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.88%	4.04%	-0.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.03%	11.42%	-0.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.56%	14.07%	-0.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.64%	15.67%	-0.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.54%	16.17%	+0.37%

DFVQX vs. DFALX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFVQX has a 0.36% expense ratio, which is higher than DFALX's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFVQX vs. DFALX - Dividend Comparison

DFVQX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.92%, more than DFALX's 2.74% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFALX DFA Large Cap International Portfolio	2.74%	2.89%	3.18%	3.24%	2.86%	3.00%	1.88%	2.88%	3.07%	2.55%	2.89%	2.94%
DFVQX DFA International Vector Equity Portfolio	2.92%	3.06%	3.56%	3.47%	2.73%	4.76%	1.79%	2.68%	5.96%	1.81%	2.15%	2.77%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFVQX and DFALX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, DFVQX and DFALX 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, DFVQX or DFALX?

DFALX has higher volatility (4.04%) compared to DFVQX (3.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFVQX dropped -44.58% vs DFALX's -59.76%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFVQX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.18 vs 1.85), 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.