STBFX vs. DFAIX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

STBFX (Sextant Short Term Bond Fund) and DFAIX (DFA Short-Duration Real Return Portfolio) are both Short-Term Bond funds. At a 0.27 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. STBFX charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.22%/yr for DFAIX.

Performance

STBFX vs. DFAIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Sextant Short Term Bond Fund (STBFX) and DFA Short-Duration Real Return Portfolio (DFAIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

STBFX

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFAIX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.56%
• YTD: 2.57%
• 6M: 2.56%
• 1Y: 4.85%
• 3Y*: 5.79%
• 5Y*: 3.84%
• 10Y*: 3.33%

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

STBFX vs. DFAIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
STBFX Sextant Short Term Bond Fund	0.28%	4.92%	3.87%	3.79%	-4.16%	-1.09%	3.42%	4.03%	1.09%	0.50%
DFAIX DFA Short-Duration Real Return Portfolio	2.57%	4.86%	6.38%	5.64%	-2.77%	5.40%	2.75%	5.63%	0.11%	1.71%

Correlation

The correlation between STBFX and DFAIX is 0.06, 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	0.06
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.15
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.29
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.25
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2014	0.27

Over the past year, the correlation between STBFX and DFAIX has dropped to 0.06 - well below their long-term average of 0.27, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

STBFX vs. DFAIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFAIX

DFAIX Risk / Return Rank: 99
DFAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
DFAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
DFAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 98
DFAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
DFAIX Martin Ratio Rank: 99

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.

STBFX vs. DFAIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Sextant Short Term Bond Fund (STBFX) and DFA Short-Duration Real Return Portfolio (DFAIX). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	STBFX	DFAIX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	4.44	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	1.22	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	1.31	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	—	1.13	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	STBFX	DFAIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	—	-5.63%	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-0.47%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-3.12%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-5.46%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-5.63%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	—	0.00%	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	—	-0.94%	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.10%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	STBFX	DFAIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.47%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	0.93%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.11%	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	—	3.18%	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	—	2.55%	—

STBFX vs. DFAIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

STBFX has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAIX's 0.22% expense ratio.

Dividends

STBFX vs. DFAIX - Dividend Comparison

STBFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.61%, less than DFAIX's 4.54% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFAIX DFA Short-Duration Real Return Portfolio	4.54%	4.65%	4.14%	3.66%	1.68%	0.98%	0.82%	2.53%	2.72%	1.71%	1.41%	1.29%
STBFX Sextant Short Term Bond Fund	2.61%	3.17%	2.77%	1.84%	1.04%	1.07%	1.60%	1.75%	1.47%	1.30%	1.06%	1.07%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STBFX and DFAIX in my portfolio?

STBFX and DFAIX have a correlation of 0.06, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.