VASVX vs. DFSVX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VASVX (Vanguard Selected Value Fund) and DFSVX (DFA U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio I) are both mutual funds - VASVX is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while DFSVX is a Small Cap Value Equities fund managed by Dimensional. Over the past 10 years, VASVX returned 10.67%/yr vs 11.50%/yr for DFSVX. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VASVX charges 0.32%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for DFSVX.

Performance

VASVX vs. DFSVX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Selected Value Fund (VASVX) and DFA U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio I (DFSVX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VASVX achieves a 8.86% return, which is significantly lower than DFSVX's 16.32% return. Over the past 10 years, VASVX has underperformed DFSVX with an annualized return of 10.67%, while DFSVX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.50% annualized return.

VASVX

• 1D: 0.28%
• 1M: 3.11%
• YTD: 8.86%
• 6M: 10.46%
• 1Y: 20.29%
• 3Y*: 15.35%
• 5Y*: 8.74%
• 10Y*: 10.67%

DFSVX

• 1D: 0.96%
• 1M: 2.50%
• YTD: 16.32%
• 6M: 15.74%
• 1Y: 34.94%
• 3Y*: 18.16%
• 5Y*: 10.22%
• 10Y*: 11.50%

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

VASVX vs. DFSVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VASVX Vanguard Selected Value Fund	8.86%	10.99%	6.68%	25.45%	-7.55%	27.54%	5.79%	29.55%	-19.75%	18.01%
DFSVX DFA U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio I	16.32%	8.37%	9.58%	19.02%	-3.57%	39.97%	2.24%	18.15%	-15.13%	6.82%

Correlation

The correlation between VASVX and DFSVX is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 16, 1996	0.88

The correlation between VASVX and DFSVX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VASVX vs. DFSVX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VASVX

VASVX Risk / Return Rank: 25
VASVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
VASVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
VASVX Omega Ratio Rank: 24
VASVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
VASVX Martin Ratio Rank: 24

DFSVX

DFSVX Risk / Return Rank: 61
DFSVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
DFSVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
DFSVX Omega Ratio Rank: 48
DFSVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
DFSVX Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

VASVX vs. DFSVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Selected Value Fund (VASVX) and DFA U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio I (DFSVX). 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.

	VASVX	DFSVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.42	2.15	-0.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.17	3.11	-0.94
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.38	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.87	3.93	-2.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.08	12.54	-6.46
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VASVX vs. DFSVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VASVX Sharpe Ratio is 1.42, which is lower than the DFSVX Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VASVX and DFSVX, 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

	VASVX	DFSVX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.42	2.15	-0.73
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.43	0.48	-0.05
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.48	0.48	-0.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.46	0.53	-0.07

Drawdowns

VASVX vs. DFSVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VASVX drawdown since its inception was -55.70%, smaller than the maximum DFSVX drawdown of -66.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VASVX and DFSVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VASVX	DFSVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.70%	-66.70%	+11.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.74%	-9.59%	-2.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.98%	-27.69%	+1.71%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.98%	-27.69%	+1.71%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-48.19%	-52.12%	+3.93%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.93%	0.00%	-0.93%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.53%	-9.47%	-0.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.60%	2.99%	+0.61%

Volatility

VASVX vs. DFSVX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Selected Value Fund (VASVX) and DFA U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio I (DFSVX) have volatilities of 4.12% and 4.26%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VASVX	DFSVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.12%	4.26%	-0.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.13%	11.34%	-0.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.44%	17.53%	-2.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.53%	21.49%	-0.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.46%	23.90%	-1.44%

VASVX vs. DFSVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VASVX has a 0.32% expense ratio, which is higher than DFSVX's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

VASVX vs. DFSVX - Dividend Comparison

VASVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 12.24%, more than DFSVX's 1.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFSVX DFA U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio I	1.50%	1.69%	1.47%	3.67%	6.77%	10.40%	1.96%	2.83%	7.54%	5.18%	4.18%	5.29%
VASVX Vanguard Selected Value Fund	12.24%	13.32%	14.35%	8.29%	13.22%	7.77%	10.19%	7.44%	11.90%	8.59%	4.51%	5.68%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VASVX and DFSVX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, VASVX and DFSVX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, VASVX or DFSVX?

DFSVX has higher volatility (4.26%) compared to VASVX (4.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VASVX dropped -55.70% vs DFSVX's -66.70%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFSVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 1.42), 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.