DGIFX vs. VBAIX

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

DGIFX (Disciplined Growth Investors Fund) and VBAIX (Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Over the past 10 years, DGIFX returned 11.97%/yr vs 9.79%/yr for VBAIX. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DGIFX charges 0.78%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VBAIX.

Performance

DGIFX vs. VBAIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Disciplined Growth Investors Fund (DGIFX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DGIFX achieves a 14.16% return, which is significantly higher than VBAIX's 6.53% return. Over the past 10 years, DGIFX has outperformed VBAIX with an annualized return of 11.97%, while VBAIX has yielded a comparatively lower 9.79% annualized return.

DGIFX

• 1D: -0.85%
• 1M: 0.00%
• 6M: 9.80%
• YTD: 14.16%
• 1Y: 17.20%
• 3Y*: 13.65%
• 5Y*: 9.40%
• 10Y*: 11.97%

VBAIX

• 1D: -0.62%
• 1M: 0.49%
• 6M: 5.05%
• YTD: 6.53%
• 1Y: 14.31%
• 3Y*: 14.51%
• 5Y*: 7.83%
• 10Y*: 9.79%

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

DGIFX vs. VBAIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DGIFX Disciplined Growth Investors Fund	14.16%	3.54%	21.13%	33.10%	-18.35%	9.59%	24.07%	23.97%	-2.39%	14.86%
VBAIX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares	6.53%	13.60%	17.78%	17.55%	-16.87%	14.20%	16.40%	21.79%	-2.83%	13.86%

Correlation

The correlation between DGIFX and VBAIX is 0.81, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.81
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 12, 2011	0.87

The correlation between DGIFX and VBAIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DGIFX vs. VBAIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DGIFX

DGIFX Risk / Return Rank: 24
DGIFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
DGIFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
DGIFX Omega Ratio Rank: 21
DGIFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
DGIFX Martin Ratio Rank: 25

VBAIX

VBAIX Risk / Return Rank: 65
VBAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
VBAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
VBAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
VBAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
VBAIX Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

DGIFX vs. VBAIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Disciplined Growth Investors Fund (DGIFX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX). 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.

	DGIFX	VBAIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.00	1.74	-0.74
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.47	2.47	-1.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.32	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.49	2.49	-1.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.47	10.90	-6.43

DGIFX vs. VBAIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DGIFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.00, which is lower than the VBAIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.74. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DGIFX and VBAIX, 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

DGIFX vs. VBAIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DGIFX drawdown since its inception was -30.93%, smaller than the maximum VBAIX drawdown of -35.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DGIFX and VBAIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DGIFX	VBAIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-30.93%	-35.82%	+4.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.91%	-5.84%	-5.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-30.93%	-11.57%	-19.36%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.93%	-21.52%	-9.41%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-30.93%	-22.77%	-8.16%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.80%	-0.81%	-1.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.87%	-4.41%	-1.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.63%	1.33%	+2.30%

Volatility

DGIFX vs. VBAIX - Volatility Comparison

Disciplined Growth Investors Fund (DGIFX) has a higher volatility of 5.30% compared to Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX) at 2.70%. This indicates that DGIFX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VBAIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DGIFX	VBAIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.30%	2.70%	+2.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.28%	6.78%	+5.50%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.28%	8.39%	+7.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.24%	11.18%	+10.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.70%	11.24%	+7.46%

DGIFX vs. VBAIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DGIFX has a 0.78% expense ratio, which is higher than VBAIX's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

DGIFX vs. VBAIX - Dividend Comparison

DGIFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.24%, more than VBAIX's 5.35% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DGIFX Disciplined Growth Investors Fund	7.24%	8.29%	20.95%	2.78%	2.21%	11.12%	10.09%	3.53%	3.74%	4.29%	0.00%	0.00%
VBAIX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares	5.35%	6.01%	8.01%	4.36%	2.84%	3.20%	2.65%	2.29%	2.33%	1.96%	2.10%	2.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DGIFX and VBAIX in my portfolio?

DGIFX and VBAIX have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DGIFX or VBAIX?

DGIFX has higher volatility (5.30%) compared to VBAIX (2.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DGIFX dropped -30.93% vs VBAIX's -35.82%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBAIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.74 vs 1.00), 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.