VCADX vs. DFCA
Compare and contrast key facts about Vanguard California Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares (VCADX) and Dimensional California Municipal Bond ETF (DFCA).
VCADX is managed by Vanguard. It was launched on Nov 12, 2001. DFCA is an actively managed fund by Dimensional. It was launched on Jun 26, 2023.
Performance
VCADX vs. DFCA - Performance Comparison
Loading graphics...
VCADX vs. DFCA - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
VCADX Vanguard California Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares | -0.70% | 5.90% | 2.24% | 3.77% |
DFCA Dimensional California Municipal Bond ETF | 0.07% | 2.99% | 1.49% | 2.59% |
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VCADX achieves a -0.70% return, which is significantly lower than DFCA's 0.07% return.
VCADX
- 1D
- 0.18%
- 1M
- -2.81%
- YTD
- -0.70%
- 6M
- 0.87%
- 1Y
- 4.57%
- 3Y*
- 3.59%
- 5Y*
- 1.53%
- 10Y*
- 2.25%
DFCA
- 1D
- 0.13%
- 1M
- -1.50%
- YTD
- 0.07%
- 6M
- 1.46%
- 1Y
- 3.40%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
VCADX vs. DFCA - Expense Ratio Comparison
VCADX has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than DFCA's 0.19% 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%.
Return for Risk
VCADX vs. DFCA — Risk / Return Rank
VCADX
DFCA
VCADX vs. DFCA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard California Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares (VCADX) and Dimensional California Municipal Bond ETF (DFCA). 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.
| VCADX | DFCA | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 1.39 | 1.32 | +0.06 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 1.87 | 1.70 | +0.17 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.40 | 1.30 | +0.10 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.48 | 1.39 | +0.09 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 5.66 | 5.09 | +0.56 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading graphics...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| VCADX | DFCA | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.39 | 1.32 | +0.06 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.48 | — | — |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.66 | — | — |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 1.08 | 1.03 | +0.05 |
Correlation
The correlation between VCADX and DFCA is 0.67, which is considered to be moderate. This suggests that the two assets have some degree of positive relationship in their price movements. Moderate correlation can be acceptable for portfolio diversification, offering a balance between risk and potential returns.
Dividends
VCADX vs. DFCA - Dividend Comparison
VCADX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.14%, more than DFCA's 2.83% yield.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VCADX Vanguard California Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares | 3.14% | 3.82% | 3.35% | 2.57% | 2.36% | 1.77% | 2.28% | 2.72% | 2.71% | 2.66% | 2.76% | 2.86% |
DFCA Dimensional California Municipal Bond ETF | 2.83% | 2.86% | 2.86% | 1.24% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Drawdowns
VCADX vs. DFCA - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VCADX drawdown since its inception was -11.13%, which is greater than DFCA's maximum drawdown of -3.28%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCADX and DFCA.
Loading graphics...
Drawdown Indicators
| VCADX | DFCA | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -11.13% | -3.28% | -7.85% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -3.78% | -2.49% | -1.29% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -11.13% | — | — |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -11.13% | — | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -2.81% | -1.50% | -1.31% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -1.50% | -0.68% | -0.82% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 0.99% | 0.68% | +0.31% |
Volatility
VCADX vs. DFCA - Volatility Comparison
Vanguard California Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares (VCADX) has a higher volatility of 0.94% compared to Dimensional California Municipal Bond ETF (DFCA) at 0.84%. This indicates that VCADX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFCA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading graphics...
Volatility by Period
| VCADX | DFCA | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 0.94% | 0.84% | +0.10% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 1.53% | 1.24% | +0.29% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 3.91% | 2.58% | +1.33% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 3.22% | 2.52% | +0.70% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 3.42% | 2.52% | +0.90% |