VBMFX vs. DSFIX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

VBMFX (Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund) and DSFIX (DFA Social Fixed Income Portfolio) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. Over the past 5 years, VBMFX returned 0.05%/yr vs 0.47%/yr for DSFIX. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VBMFX charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.21%/yr for DSFIX.

Performance

VBMFX vs. DSFIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund (VBMFX) and DFA Social Fixed Income Portfolio (DSFIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VBMFX achieves a 0.58% return, which is significantly lower than DSFIX's 1.20% return.

VBMFX

• 1D: 0.42%
• 1M: 0.85%
• YTD: 0.58%
• 6M: 0.70%
• 1Y: 4.24%
• 3Y*: 4.00%
• 5Y*: 0.05%
• 10Y*: 1.44%

DSFIX

• 1D: 0.54%
• 1M: 0.95%
• YTD: 1.20%
• 6M: 1.09%
• 1Y: 4.52%
• 3Y*: 4.67%
• 5Y*: 0.47%
• 10Y*: —

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

VBMFX vs. DSFIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VBMFX Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund	0.58%	7.05%	1.15%	5.62%	-13.25%	-2.04%	7.63%	8.61%	-0.34%	3.45%
DSFIX DFA Social Fixed Income Portfolio	1.20%	6.80%	1.81%	7.18%	-13.07%	-2.19%	9.26%	9.83%	-0.32%	3.24%

Correlation

The correlation between VBMFX and DSFIX is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2017	0.94

The correlation between VBMFX and DSFIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VBMFX vs. DSFIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VBMFX

VBMFX Risk / Return Rank: 21
VBMFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
VBMFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
VBMFX Omega Ratio Rank: 20
VBMFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
VBMFX Martin Ratio Rank: 19

DSFIX

DSFIX Risk / Return Rank: 26
DSFIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
DSFIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
DSFIX Omega Ratio Rank: 24
DSFIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
DSFIX Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

VBMFX vs. DSFIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund (VBMFX) and DFA Social Fixed Income Portfolio (DSFIX). 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.

	VBMFX	DSFIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.09	1.19	-0.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.64	1.77	-0.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.21	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.46	1.75	-0.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.11	4.75	-0.65

VBMFX vs. DSFIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VBMFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.09, which is comparable to the DSFIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VBMFX and DSFIX, 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

VBMFX vs. DSFIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VBMFX drawdown since its inception was -19.08%, roughly equal to the maximum DSFIX drawdown of -18.94%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VBMFX and DSFIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VBMFX	DSFIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.08%	-18.94%	-0.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.91%	-2.66%	-0.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.02%	-4.70%	-1.32%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.24%	-18.87%	+0.63%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-19.08%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.70%	-0.65%	-2.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.70%	-4.64%	+1.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.03%	0.98%	+0.05%

Volatility

VBMFX vs. DSFIX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund (VBMFX) and DFA Social Fixed Income Portfolio (DSFIX) have volatilities of 1.23% and 1.20%, 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

	VBMFX	DSFIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.23%	1.20%	+0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.89%	2.83%	+0.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.92%	3.94%	-0.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.02%	5.79%	+0.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.98%	4.95%	+0.03%

VBMFX vs. DSFIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VBMFX has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than DSFIX's 0.21% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VBMFX vs. DSFIX - Dividend Comparison

VBMFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.86%, less than DSFIX's 4.10% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DSFIX DFA Social Fixed Income Portfolio	4.10%	3.61%	3.95%	3.28%	2.54%	2.70%	2.22%	2.58%	2.56%	1.87%	0.00%	0.00%
VBMFX Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund	3.86%	3.76%	3.57%	2.99%	2.49%	1.72%	2.31%	2.63%	2.47%	2.45%	2.43%	2.71%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VBMFX and DSFIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, VBMFX and DSFIX 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, VBMFX or DSFIX?

VBMFX has higher volatility (1.23%) compared to DSFIX (1.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VBMFX dropped -19.08% vs DSFIX's -18.94%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DSFIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.19 vs 1.09), 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.