PYGSX vs. DFGFX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PYGSX (Payden Global Low Duration Fund) and DFGFX (DFA Two Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio) are both Global Bonds funds. Over the past 10 years, PYGSX returned 2.45%/yr vs 1.81%/yr for DFGFX. At a 0.31 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PYGSX charges 0.53%/yr vs 0.16%/yr for DFGFX.

Performance

PYGSX vs. DFGFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Payden Global Low Duration Fund (PYGSX) and DFA Two Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio (DFGFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PYGSX achieves a 0.64% return, which is significantly lower than DFGFX's 1.60% return. Over the past 10 years, PYGSX has outperformed DFGFX with an annualized return of 2.45%, while DFGFX has yielded a comparatively lower 1.81% annualized return.

PYGSX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.18%
• YTD: 0.64%
• 6M: 0.96%
• 1Y: 4.05%
• 3Y*: 5.09%
• 5Y*: 2.59%
• 10Y*: 2.45%

DFGFX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.51%
• YTD: 1.60%
• 6M: 1.90%
• 1Y: 2.64%
• 3Y*: 4.29%
• 5Y*: 2.30%
• 10Y*: 1.81%

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

PYGSX vs. DFGFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PYGSX Payden Global Low Duration Fund	0.64%	5.72%	5.19%	5.61%	-3.38%	0.17%	3.14%	4.77%	0.58%	1.90%
DFGFX DFA Two Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio	1.60%	2.89%	5.36%	4.95%	-2.62%	-0.37%	0.88%	2.87%	1.91%	0.93%

Correlation

The correlation between PYGSX and DFGFX is 0.12, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.12
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.08
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.38
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.32
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 1997	0.31

The correlation between PYGSX and DFGFX shifts across timeframes, from 0.08 (3 years) to 0.38 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

PYGSX vs. DFGFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PYGSX

PYGSX Risk / Return Rank: 80
PYGSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
PYGSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
PYGSX Omega Ratio Rank: 89
PYGSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
PYGSX Martin Ratio Rank: 67

DFGFX

DFGFX Risk / Return Rank: 40
DFGFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
DFGFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
DFGFX Omega Ratio Rank: 98
DFGFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
DFGFX Martin Ratio Rank: 23

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.

PYGSX vs. DFGFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Payden Global Low Duration Fund (PYGSX) and DFA Two Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio (DFGFX). 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.

	PYGSX	DFGFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.66	1.69	+0.97
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.31	1.84	+2.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.63	2.36	-0.72
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.32	1.89	+1.42
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.07	5.81	+7.27
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PYGSX vs. DFGFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PYGSX Sharpe Ratio is 2.66, which is higher than the DFGFX Sharpe Ratio of 1.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PYGSX and DFGFX, 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

	PYGSX	DFGFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.66	1.69	+0.97
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.38	1.28	+0.10
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.41	1.34	+0.07
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.08	2.29	-0.20

Drawdowns

PYGSX vs. DFGFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PYGSX drawdown since its inception was -7.29%, which is greater than DFGFX's maximum drawdown of -4.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PYGSX and DFGFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PYGSX	DFGFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.29%	-4.00%	-3.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.23%	-1.41%	+0.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.23%	-2.12%	+0.89%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-5.38%	-4.00%	-1.38%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-7.29%	-4.00%	-3.29%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.35%	0.00%	-0.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.49%	-0.23%	-0.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.31%	0.46%	-0.15%

Volatility

PYGSX vs. DFGFX - Volatility Comparison

Payden Global Low Duration Fund (PYGSX) has a higher volatility of 0.48% compared to DFA Two Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio (DFGFX) at 0.28%. This indicates that PYGSX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFGFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PYGSX	DFGFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.48%	0.28%	+0.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.11%	0.52%	+0.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.53%	1.58%	-0.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.88%	1.81%	+0.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.75%	1.36%	+0.39%

PYGSX vs. DFGFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PYGSX has a 0.53% expense ratio, which is higher than DFGFX's 0.16% expense ratio.

Dividends

PYGSX vs. DFGFX - Dividend Comparison

PYGSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.65%, more than DFGFX's 3.10% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFGFX DFA Two Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio	3.10%	2.67%	4.77%	3.19%	1.17%	0.23%	0.57%	2.24%	2.21%	1.54%	0.65%	0.02%
PYGSX Payden Global Low Duration Fund	4.65%	4.63%	4.64%	3.84%	2.14%	1.68%	1.78%	2.74%	2.51%	1.68%	1.19%	1.20%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PYGSX and DFGFX in my portfolio?

PYGSX and DFGFX have a correlation of 0.12, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PYGSX or DFGFX?

PYGSX has higher volatility (0.48%) compared to DFGFX (0.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PYGSX dropped -7.29% vs DFGFX's -4.00%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PYGSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.66 vs 1.69), 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.