VDADX vs. DFISX

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

VDADX (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund Admiral Shares) and DFISX (DFA International Small Company Portfolio) are both mutual funds - VDADX is a Dividend fund tracking the S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index, while DFISX is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund managed by Dimensional. Over the past 10 years, VDADX returned 13.05%/yr vs 7.92%/yr for DFISX. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VDADX charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for DFISX.

Performance

VDADX vs. DFISX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund Admiral Shares (VDADX) and DFA International Small Company Portfolio (DFISX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with VDADX having a 6.53% return and DFISX slightly lower at 6.48%. Over the past 10 years, VDADX has outperformed DFISX with an annualized return of 13.05%, while DFISX has yielded a comparatively lower 7.92% annualized return.

VDADX

• 1D: -1.36%
• 1M: 2.28%
• YTD: 6.53%
• 6M: 6.41%
• 1Y: 18.22%
• 3Y*: 16.23%
• 5Y*: 10.38%
• 10Y*: 13.05%

DFISX

• 1D: -2.33%
• 1M: -2.44%
• YTD: 6.48%
• 6M: 9.54%
• 1Y: 21.99%
• 3Y*: 17.56%
• 5Y*: 6.48%
• 10Y*: 7.92%

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

VDADX vs. DFISX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VDADX Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund Admiral Shares	6.53%	14.17%	16.99%	14.44%	-9.80%	23.59%	15.47%	29.68%	-2.06%	22.22%
DFISX DFA International Small Company Portfolio	6.48%	36.35%	3.76%	14.46%	-17.13%	10.71%	9.27%	24.18%	-19.42%	24.78%

Correlation

The correlation between VDADX and DFISX is 0.70, 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	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.64
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.68
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 23, 2013	0.68

The correlation between VDADX and DFISX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.64 to 0.70 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VDADX vs. DFISX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VDADX

VDADX Risk / Return Rank: 44
VDADX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
VDADX Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
VDADX Omega Ratio Rank: 41
VDADX Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
VDADX Martin Ratio Rank: 48

DFISX

DFISX Risk / Return Rank: 32
DFISX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
DFISX Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
DFISX Omega Ratio Rank: 33
DFISX Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
DFISX Martin Ratio Rank: 31

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.

VDADX vs. DFISX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund Admiral Shares (VDADX) and DFA International Small Company Portfolio (DFISX). 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.

	VDADX	DFISX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.87	1.59	+0.28
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.71	2.25	+0.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.29	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.39	1.85	+0.54
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.65	6.79	+2.86
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VDADX vs. DFISX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VDADX Sharpe Ratio is 1.87, which is comparable to the DFISX Sharpe Ratio of 1.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VDADX and DFISX, 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

	VDADX	DFISX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.87	1.59	+0.28
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73	0.41	+0.32
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.81	0.49	+0.32
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.76	0.46	+0.30

Drawdowns

VDADX vs. DFISX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VDADX drawdown since its inception was -31.70%, smaller than the maximum DFISX drawdown of -60.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VDADX and DFISX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VDADX	DFISX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.70%	-60.66%	+28.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.93%	-11.96%	+4.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.95%	-13.68%	-1.27%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.42%	-35.06%	+14.64%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.70%	-43.00%	+11.30%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.36%	-4.16%	+2.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.40%	-11.64%	+8.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.96%	3.25%	-1.29%

Volatility

VDADX vs. DFISX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund Admiral Shares (VDADX) is 2.55%, while DFA International Small Company Portfolio (DFISX) has a volatility of 3.95%. This indicates that VDADX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFISX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VDADX	DFISX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.55%	3.95%	-1.40%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.70%	11.30%	-3.60%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.16%	13.94%	-3.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.28%	15.92%	-1.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.20%	16.21%	-0.01%

VDADX vs. DFISX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VDADX has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than DFISX's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

VDADX vs. DFISX - Dividend Comparison

VDADX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.46%, less than DFISX's 2.95% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFISX DFA International Small Company Portfolio	2.95%	3.19%	3.39%	3.01%	3.51%	3.06%	1.71%	4.54%	7.74%	1.27%	4.44%	4.47%
VDADX Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.46%	1.60%	1.71%	1.86%	1.94%	1.53%	1.61%	1.69%	2.07%	1.88%	2.14%	2.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VDADX and DFISX in my portfolio?

VDADX and DFISX have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VDADX or DFISX?

DFISX has higher volatility (3.95%) compared to VDADX (2.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VDADX dropped -31.70% vs DFISX's -60.66%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VDADX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.87 vs 1.59), 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.