DODFX vs. VFIAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DODFX (Dodge & Cox International Stock Fund) and VFIAX (Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - DODFX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dodge & Cox, while VFIAX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. DODFX is actively managed, while VFIAX is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DODFX returned 11.77%/yr vs 15.76%/yr for VFIAX. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DODFX charges 0.61%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VFIAX.

Performance

DODFX vs. VFIAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dodge & Cox International Stock Fund (DODFX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DODFX achieves a 13.91% return, which is significantly higher than VFIAX's 9.77% return. Over the past 10 years, DODFX has underperformed VFIAX with an annualized return of 11.77%, while VFIAX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.76% annualized return.

DODFX

• 1D: 0.70%
• 1M: 3.36%
• YTD: 13.91%
• 6M: 13.91%
• 1Y: 32.64%
• 3Y*: 20.85%
• 5Y*: 11.93%
• 10Y*: 11.77%

VFIAX

• 1D: -0.36%
• 1M: 0.10%
• YTD: 9.77%
• 6M: 8.77%
• 1Y: 25.48%
• 3Y*: 21.36%
• 5Y*: 13.57%
• 10Y*: 15.76%

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

DODFX vs. VFIAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DODFX Dodge & Cox International Stock Fund	13.91%	38.77%	3.74%	16.70%	-6.78%	10.99%	5.15%	22.79%	-18.01%	23.95%
VFIAX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares	9.77%	17.83%	24.97%	26.24%	-18.16%	28.65%	18.32%	31.46%	-4.45%	21.78%

Correlation

The correlation between DODFX and VFIAX is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.70
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 30, 2001	0.73

The correlation between DODFX and VFIAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.65 to 0.73 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DODFX vs. VFIAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DODFX

DODFX Risk / Return Rank: 72
DODFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
DODFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
DODFX Omega Ratio Rank: 77
DODFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
DODFX Martin Ratio Rank: 61

VFIAX

VFIAX Risk / Return Rank: 65
VFIAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VFIAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VFIAX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
VFIAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VFIAX Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

DODFX vs. VFIAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dodge & Cox International Stock Fund (DODFX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX). 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.

	DODFX	VFIAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.42	2.15	+0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.23	2.91	+0.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.39	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.00	3.01	-0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.40	13.60	-2.19

DODFX vs. VFIAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DODFX Sharpe Ratio is 2.42, which is comparable to the VFIAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DODFX and VFIAX, 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

DODFX vs. VFIAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DODFX drawdown since its inception was -63.23%, which is greater than VFIAX's maximum drawdown of -55.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DODFX and VFIAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DODFX	VFIAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.23%	-55.20%	-8.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.14%	-8.90%	-2.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.41%	-18.75%	+4.34%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.52%	-24.53%	+0.01%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.61%	-33.83%	-10.78%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.72%	+1.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.63%	-9.38%	-2.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.92%	1.97%	+0.95%

Volatility

DODFX vs. VFIAX - Volatility Comparison

Dodge & Cox International Stock Fund (DODFX) has a higher volatility of 5.39% compared to Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX) at 4.67%. This indicates that DODFX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VFIAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DODFX	VFIAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.39%	4.67%	+0.72%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.93%	9.84%	+2.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.82%	12.50%	+1.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.01%	16.99%	-0.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.18%	18.11%	+0.07%

DODFX vs. VFIAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DODFX has a 0.61% expense ratio, which is higher than VFIAX's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

DODFX vs. VFIAX - Dividend Comparison

DODFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.44%, more than VFIAX's 1.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DODFX Dodge & Cox International Stock Fund	4.44%	5.05%	2.25%	2.29%	2.23%	2.49%	4.21%	3.93%	2.93%	1.93%	3.66%	2.30%
VFIAX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.03%	1.12%	1.24%	1.45%	1.68%	1.24%	1.53%	1.87%	2.05%	1.78%	2.02%	2.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DODFX and VFIAX in my portfolio?

DODFX and VFIAX have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DODFX or VFIAX?

DODFX has higher volatility (5.39%) compared to VFIAX (4.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DODFX dropped -63.23% vs VFIAX's -55.20%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DODFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.42 vs 2.15), 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.