DGFAX vs. PGVFX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

DGFAX (Davis Global Fund) and PGVFX (Polaris Global Value Fund) are both Global Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, DGFAX returned 10.95%/yr vs 10.84%/yr for PGVFX. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DGFAX charges 0.96%/yr vs 0.99%/yr for PGVFX.

Performance

DGFAX vs. PGVFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Davis Global Fund (DGFAX) and Polaris Global Value Fund (PGVFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DGFAX achieves a 3.43% return, which is significantly lower than PGVFX's 19.15% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with DGFAX having a 10.95% annualized return and PGVFX not far behind at 10.84%.

DGFAX

• 1D: 1.75%
• 1M: 4.56%
• YTD: 3.43%
• 6M: 7.01%
• 1Y: 24.56%
• 3Y*: 21.38%
• 5Y*: 6.01%
• 10Y*: 10.95%

PGVFX

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: 5.09%
• YTD: 19.15%
• 6M: 23.38%
• 1Y: 38.30%
• 3Y*: 21.45%
• 5Y*: 9.40%
• 10Y*: 10.84%

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

DGFAX vs. PGVFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DGFAX Davis Global Fund	3.43%	31.85%	22.59%	17.22%	-16.53%	-5.15%	23.06%	31.61%	-20.73%	33.33%
PGVFX Polaris Global Value Fund	19.15%	27.01%	5.33%	14.76%	-12.00%	15.38%	6.65%	22.83%	-12.64%	20.60%

Correlation

The correlation between DGFAX and PGVFX is 0.62, 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	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 27, 2004	0.79

The correlation between DGFAX and PGVFX shifts across timeframes, from 0.62 (1 year) to 0.79 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DGFAX vs. PGVFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DGFAX

DGFAX Risk / Return Rank: 33
DGFAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
DGFAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
DGFAX Omega Ratio Rank: 38
DGFAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
DGFAX Martin Ratio Rank: 27

PGVFX

PGVFX Risk / Return Rank: 89
PGVFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
PGVFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
PGVFX Omega Ratio Rank: 88
PGVFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
PGVFX Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

DGFAX vs. PGVFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Davis Global Fund (DGFAX) and Polaris Global Value Fund (PGVFX). 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.

	DGFAX	PGVFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	3.29	-1.50
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.44	4.61	-2.17
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.63	-0.30
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.94	4.35	-2.41
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	6.57	15.75	-9.18
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DGFAX vs. PGVFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DGFAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.79, which is lower than the PGVFX Sharpe Ratio of 3.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DGFAX and PGVFX, 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

	DGFAX	PGVFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.79	3.29	-1.50
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.29	0.68	-0.39
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.55	0.69	-0.14
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.43	0.49	-0.06

Drawdowns

DGFAX vs. PGVFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DGFAX drawdown since its inception was -65.64%, roughly equal to the maximum PGVFX drawdown of -68.09%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DGFAX and PGVFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DGFAX	PGVFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.64%	-68.09%	+2.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.72%	-8.76%	-3.96%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.92%	-12.53%	-4.39%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.84%	-27.58%	-13.26%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.47%	-41.26%	-1.21%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.27%	+0.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.69%	-11.30%	-3.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.75%	2.42%	+1.33%

Volatility

DGFAX vs. PGVFX - Volatility Comparison

Davis Global Fund (DGFAX) and Polaris Global Value Fund (PGVFX) have volatilities of 4.27% and 4.15%, 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

	DGFAX	PGVFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.27%	4.15%	+0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.66%	9.55%	+1.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.37%	11.77%	+2.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.49%	13.80%	+6.69%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.98%	15.87%	+4.11%

DGFAX vs. PGVFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DGFAX has a 0.96% expense ratio, which is lower than PGVFX's 0.99% expense ratio.

Dividends

DGFAX vs. PGVFX - Dividend Comparison

DGFAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.57%, more than PGVFX's 4.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DGFAX Davis Global Fund	7.57%	7.83%	13.06%	1.07%	0.00%	11.55%	0.27%	1.88%	9.25%	0.00%	0.00%	6.12%
PGVFX Polaris Global Value Fund	4.34%	5.17%	5.65%	1.68%	3.55%	4.05%	1.55%	3.69%	3.39%	1.50%	1.32%	1.26%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DGFAX and PGVFX in my portfolio?

DGFAX and PGVFX have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DGFAX or PGVFX?

DGFAX has higher volatility (4.27%) compared to PGVFX (4.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DGFAX dropped -65.64% vs PGVFX's -68.09%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PGVFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.29 vs 1.79), 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.