VAGVX vs. DFWVX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VAGVX (Vanguard Advice Select Global Value Fund) and DFWVX (DFA World ex U.S. Value Portfolio Fund) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. Over the past 3 years, VAGVX returned 17.53%/yr vs 24.46%/yr for DFWVX. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.40% expense ratio.

Performance

VAGVX vs. DFWVX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Advice Select Global Value Fund (VAGVX) and DFA World ex U.S. Value Portfolio Fund (DFWVX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VAGVX achieves a 11.10% return, which is significantly lower than DFWVX's 17.30% return.

VAGVX

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: 4.88%
• YTD: 11.10%
• 6M: 12.56%
• 1Y: 31.37%
• 3Y*: 17.53%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFWVX

• 1D: 0.75%
• 1M: 5.65%
• YTD: 17.30%
• 6M: 20.85%
• 1Y: 41.46%
• 3Y*: 24.46%
• 5Y*: 16.46%
• 10Y*: 29.51%

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

VAGVX vs. DFWVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
VAGVX Vanguard Advice Select Global Value Fund	11.10%	24.78%	8.69%	12.39%	-5.95%	-0.55%
DFWVX DFA World ex U.S. Value Portfolio Fund	17.30%	40.30%	6.66%	17.37%	-6.41%	12.75%

Correlation

The correlation between VAGVX and DFWVX is 0.78, 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	0.78
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 10, 2021	0.86

The correlation between VAGVX and DFWVX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VAGVX vs. DFWVX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VAGVX

VAGVX Risk / Return Rank: 67
VAGVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
VAGVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
VAGVX Omega Ratio Rank: 60
VAGVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
VAGVX Martin Ratio Rank: 70

DFWVX

DFWVX Risk / Return Rank: 88
DFWVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
DFWVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
DFWVX Omega Ratio Rank: 88
DFWVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
DFWVX Martin Ratio Rank: 84

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.

VAGVX vs. DFWVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Advice Select Global Value Fund (VAGVX) and DFA World ex U.S. Value Portfolio Fund (DFWVX). 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.

	VAGVX	DFWVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.45	3.26	-0.81
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.37	4.35	-0.99
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.61	-0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.28	4.20	-0.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.47	15.89	-2.42
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VAGVX vs. DFWVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VAGVX Sharpe Ratio is 2.45, which is comparable to the DFWVX Sharpe Ratio of 3.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VAGVX and DFWVX, 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

	VAGVX	DFWVX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.45	3.26	-0.81
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	1.03	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.85	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.69	0.72	-0.03

Drawdowns

VAGVX vs. DFWVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VAGVX drawdown since its inception was -20.54%, smaller than the maximum DFWVX drawdown of -41.32%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VAGVX and DFWVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VAGVX	DFWVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.54%	-41.32%	+20.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.71%	-9.91%	+0.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.23%	-14.11%	-1.12%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.59%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.32%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.09%	-7.08%	+2.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.36%	2.60%	-0.24%

Volatility

VAGVX vs. DFWVX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Advice Select Global Value Fund (VAGVX) is 3.75%, while DFA World ex U.S. Value Portfolio Fund (DFWVX) has a volatility of 4.18%. This indicates that VAGVX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFWVX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VAGVX	DFWVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.75%	4.18%	-0.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.94%	10.52%	-0.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.01%	12.77%	+0.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.53%	16.06%	-0.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.53%	34.91%	-19.38%

VAGVX vs. DFWVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VAGVX and DFWVX have an expense ratio of 0.40%.

Dividends

VAGVX vs. DFWVX - Dividend Comparison

VAGVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.81%, more than DFWVX's 3.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFWVX DFA World ex U.S. Value Portfolio Fund	3.37%	3.66%	4.28%	4.30%	3.75%	15.97%	2.43%	110.54%	5.26%	2.70%	2.92%	2.77%
VAGVX Vanguard Advice Select Global Value Fund	6.81%	7.56%	7.49%	1.41%	0.65%	0.13%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VAGVX and DFWVX in my portfolio?

VAGVX and DFWVX have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VAGVX or DFWVX?

DFWVX has higher volatility (4.18%) compared to VAGVX (3.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VAGVX dropped -20.54% vs DFWVX's -41.32%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFWVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.26 vs 2.45), 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.