DGFAX vs. RFBAX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

DGFAX (Davis Global Fund) and RFBAX (Davis Government Bond Fund) are both mutual funds - DGFAX is a Global Equities fund managed by Davis Funds, while RFBAX is a Government Bonds fund managed by Davis Funds. Over the past 10 years, DGFAX returned 10.83%/yr vs 1.06%/yr for RFBAX. At a correlation of -0.08, they often move in opposite directions. DGFAX charges 0.96%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for RFBAX.

Performance

DGFAX vs. RFBAX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DGFAX achieves a -2.17% return, which is significantly lower than RFBAX's 0.88% return. Over the past 10 years, DGFAX has outperformed RFBAX with an annualized return of 10.83%, while RFBAX has yielded a comparatively lower 1.06% annualized return.

DGFAX

• 1D: -1.07%
• 1M: -2.23%
• YTD: -2.17%
• 6M: -2.46%
• 1Y: 14.17%
• 3Y*: 18.80%
• 5Y*: 5.44%
• 10Y*: 10.83%

RFBAX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.25%
• YTD: 0.88%
• 6M: 1.15%
• 1Y: 3.08%
• 3Y*: 3.97%
• 5Y*: 1.34%
• 10Y*: 1.06%

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

DGFAX vs. RFBAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DGFAX Davis Global Fund	-2.17%	31.85%	22.59%	17.22%	-16.53%	-5.15%	23.06%	31.61%	-20.73%	33.33%
RFBAX Davis Government Bond Fund	0.88%	4.49%	4.33%	3.63%	-5.29%	-1.48%	1.69%	3.23%	0.42%	0.21%

Correlation

The correlation between DGFAX and RFBAX is 0.10, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.10
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.07
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.05
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.02
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 23, 2004	-0.08

The correlation between DGFAX and RFBAX shifts across timeframes, from -0.08 (all time) to 0.10 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DGFAX vs. RFBAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DGFAX

DGFAX Risk / Return Rank: 20
DGFAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
DGFAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
DGFAX Omega Ratio Rank: 22
DGFAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
DGFAX Martin Ratio Rank: 20

RFBAX

RFBAX Risk / Return Rank: 74
RFBAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
RFBAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
RFBAX Omega Ratio Rank: 82
RFBAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
RFBAX Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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. RFBAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Davis Global Fund (DGFAX) and Davis Government Bond Fund (RFBAX). 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.

	DGFAX	RFBAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.14	1.76	-0.62
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.61	2.84	-1.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.48	-0.27
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.30	4.27	-2.97
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.30	16.71	-12.41

DGFAX vs. RFBAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DGFAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.14, which is lower than the RFBAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DGFAX and RFBAX, 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

DGFAX vs. RFBAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DGFAX drawdown since its inception was -65.64%, which is greater than RFBAX's maximum drawdown of -8.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DGFAX and RFBAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DGFAX	RFBAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.64%	-8.03%	-57.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.72%	-0.77%	-11.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.92%	-0.88%	-16.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.51%	-7.50%	-32.01%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.47%	-8.03%	-34.44%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.91%	-0.19%	-5.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.66%	-1.18%	-13.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.85%	0.20%	+3.65%

Volatility

DGFAX vs. RFBAX - Volatility Comparison

Davis Global Fund (DGFAX) has a higher volatility of 4.69% compared to Davis Government Bond Fund (RFBAX) at 0.55%. This indicates that DGFAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RFBAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DGFAX	RFBAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.69%	0.55%	+4.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.14%	1.30%	+9.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.60%	1.87%	+12.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.52%	2.10%	+18.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.94%	1.78%	+18.16%

DGFAX vs. RFBAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DGFAX has a 0.96% expense ratio, which is lower than RFBAX's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

DGFAX vs. RFBAX - Dividend Comparison

DGFAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.01%, more than RFBAX's 3.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DGFAX Davis Global Fund	8.01%	7.83%	13.06%	1.07%	0.00%	11.55%	0.27%	1.88%	9.25%	0.00%	0.00%	6.12%
RFBAX Davis Government Bond Fund	3.04%	3.01%	3.23%	2.15%	0.80%	0.57%	0.93%	1.67%	1.17%	0.59%	0.68%	0.75%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DGFAX and RFBAX in my portfolio?

DGFAX and RFBAX have a correlation of 0.10, 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 RFBAX?

DGFAX has higher volatility (4.69%) compared to RFBAX (0.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DGFAX dropped -65.64% vs RFBAX's -8.03%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RFBAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.76 vs 1.14), 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.