PFORX vs. DFALX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

PFORX (PIMCO International Bond Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged)) and DFALX (DFA Large Cap International Portfolio) are both mutual funds - PFORX is a Global Bonds fund managed by PIMCO, while DFALX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by Dimensional. Over the past 10 years, PFORX returned 2.83%/yr vs 10.35%/yr for DFALX. At a correlation of -0.01, they often move in opposite directions. PFORX charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for DFALX.

Performance

PFORX vs. DFALX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PIMCO International Bond Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged) (PFORX) 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, PFORX achieves a -0.18% return, which is significantly lower than DFALX's 10.02% return. Over the past 10 years, PFORX has underperformed DFALX with an annualized return of 2.83%, while DFALX has yielded a comparatively higher 10.35% annualized return.

PFORX

• 1D: 0.31%
• 1M: 1.49%
• YTD: -0.18%
• 6M: 0.36%
• 1Y: 2.47%
• 3Y*: 5.31%
• 5Y*: 1.43%
• 10Y*: 2.83%

DFALX

• 1D: 2.73%
• 1M: 2.09%
• YTD: 10.02%
• 6M: 11.54%
• 1Y: 25.05%
• 3Y*: 18.07%
• 5Y*: 9.39%
• 10Y*: 10.35%

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

PFORX vs. DFALX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PFORX PIMCO International Bond Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged)	-0.18%	4.33%	5.70%	9.52%	-10.33%	-1.67%	6.17%	7.64%	2.64%	3.52%
DFALX DFA Large Cap International Portfolio	10.02%	33.60%	4.55%	17.88%	-13.04%	12.79%	8.13%	22.05%	-14.15%	25.35%

Correlation

The correlation between PFORX and DFALX is 0.44, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.44
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.23
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.16
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.09
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 2, 1992	-0.01

The correlation between PFORX and DFALX shifts across timeframes, from -0.01 (all time) to 0.44 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

PFORX vs. DFALX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PFORX

PFORX Risk / Return Rank: 10
PFORX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
PFORX Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
PFORX Omega Ratio Rank: 11
PFORX Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
PFORX Martin Ratio Rank: 9

DFALX

DFALX Risk / Return Rank: 53
DFALX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
DFALX Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
DFALX Omega Ratio Rank: 51
DFALX Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
DFALX Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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.

PFORX vs. DFALX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PIMCO International Bond Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged) (PFORX) 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.

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.

	PFORX	DFALX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.63	1.70	-1.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.95	2.39	-1.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	1.30	-0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.60	2.32	-1.72
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.78	8.96	-7.18

PFORX vs. DFALX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PFORX Sharpe Ratio is 0.63, which is lower than the DFALX Sharpe Ratio of 1.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PFORX 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.

Drawdowns

PFORX vs. DFALX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PFORX drawdown since its inception was -13.87%, smaller than the maximum DFALX drawdown of -59.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PFORX and DFALX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PFORX	DFALX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.87%	-59.76%	+45.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.99%	-10.70%	+6.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-3.99%	-13.11%	+9.12%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-13.71%	-27.52%	+13.81%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-13.87%	-35.58%	+21.71%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.67%	-0.81%	-0.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.95%	-12.00%	+10.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.33%	2.76%	-1.43%

Volatility

PFORX vs. DFALX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for PIMCO International Bond Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged) (PFORX) is 1.33%, while DFA Large Cap International Portfolio (DFALX) has a volatility of 4.92%. This indicates that PFORX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFALX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PFORX	DFALX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.33%	4.92%	-3.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.38%	12.05%	-8.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.82%	14.60%	-10.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.62%	15.77%	-12.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.16%	16.19%	-13.03%

PFORX vs. DFALX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PFORX has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than DFALX's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

PFORX vs. DFALX - Dividend Comparison

PFORX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.12%, more than DFALX's 2.75% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFALX DFA Large Cap International Portfolio	2.75%	2.89%	3.18%	3.24%	2.86%	3.00%	1.88%	2.88%	3.07%	2.55%	2.89%	2.94%
PFORX PIMCO International Bond Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged)	4.12%	4.23%	4.91%	3.02%	3.65%	1.55%	2.46%	6.86%	2.90%	1.46%	1.38%	9.12%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PFORX and DFALX in my portfolio?

PFORX and DFALX have a correlation of 0.44, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PFORX or DFALX?

DFALX has higher volatility (4.92%) compared to PFORX (1.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PFORX dropped -13.87% vs DFALX's -59.76%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFALX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.70 vs 0.63), 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.