VFH vs. DFNL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VFH (Vanguard Financials ETF) and DFNL (Davis Select Financial ETF) are both Financials Equities funds. VFH is passively managed, while DFNL is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, VFH returned 7.83%/yr vs 10.20%/yr for DFNL. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VFH charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.64%/yr for DFNL.

Performance

VFH vs. DFNL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Financials ETF (VFH) and Davis Select Financial ETF (DFNL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VFH achieves a -6.40% return, which is significantly lower than DFNL's -5.82% return.

VFH

• 1D: -1.39%
• 1M: -1.74%
• YTD: -6.40%
• 6M: -3.96%
• 1Y: 2.39%
• 3Y*: 18.44%
• 5Y*: 7.83%
• 10Y*: 12.20%

DFNL

• 1D: -1.60%
• 1M: -1.94%
• YTD: -5.82%
• 6M: -1.79%
• 1Y: 12.54%
• 3Y*: 22.23%
• 5Y*: 10.20%
• 10Y*: —

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

VFH vs. DFNL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VFH Vanguard Financials ETF	-6.40%	14.91%	30.44%	14.17%	-12.31%	35.22%	-1.96%	31.57%	-13.52%	19.51%
DFNL Davis Select Financial ETF	-5.82%	28.59%	28.56%	14.45%	-8.45%	31.25%	-4.97%	27.37%	-11.59%	20.46%

Correlation

The correlation between VFH and DFNL is 0.89, 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	0.89
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 13, 2017	0.94

The correlation between VFH and DFNL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

VFH vs. DFNL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VFH	DFNL
Financial Services	96.8%	92.6%
Technology	2.1%	3.7%
Real Estate	0.8%	-
Industrials	0.2%	2.7%
Healthcare	0.1%	-
Communication Services	0.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.0%	1.0%
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

VFH vs. DFNL — Risk / Return Rank

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

VFH

VFH Risk / Return Rank: 10
VFH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
VFH Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
VFH Omega Ratio Rank: 10
VFH Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
VFH Martin Ratio Rank: 10

DFNL

DFNL Risk / Return Rank: 23
DFNL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
DFNL Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
DFNL Omega Ratio Rank: 23
DFNL Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
DFNL Martin Ratio Rank: 22

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.

VFH vs. DFNL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Financials ETF (VFH) and Davis Select Financial ETF (DFNL). 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.

	VFH	DFNL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.16	0.86	-0.70
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.32	1.27	-0.95
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.04	1.15	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.16	0.97	-0.81
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.43	2.84	-2.41
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VFH vs. DFNL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VFH Sharpe Ratio is 0.16, which is lower than the DFNL Sharpe Ratio of 0.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VFH and DFNL, 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

	VFH	DFNL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.16	0.86	-0.70
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.41	0.53	-0.12
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.54	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.24	0.51	-0.27

Drawdowns

VFH vs. DFNL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VFH drawdown since its inception was -78.61%, which is greater than DFNL's maximum drawdown of -44.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VFH and DFNL.

Drawdown Indicators

	VFH	DFNL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-78.61%	-44.51%	-34.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.75%	-12.94%	-1.81%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.30%	-16.05%	-1.25%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.66%	-26.27%	+0.61%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.42%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.24%	-8.54%	-0.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.54%	-7.66%	-10.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.55%	4.43%	+1.12%

Volatility

VFH vs. DFNL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Financials ETF (VFH) is 3.34%, while Davis Select Financial ETF (DFNL) has a volatility of 3.93%. This indicates that VFH experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFNL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VFH	DFNL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.34%	3.93%	-0.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.10%	11.22%	-0.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.79%	14.68%	+0.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.31%	19.33%	-0.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.54%	22.62%	-0.08%

VFH vs. DFNL - Expense Ratio Comparison

VFH has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than DFNL's 0.64% expense ratio.

Dividends

VFH vs. DFNL - Dividend Comparison

VFH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.56%, more than DFNL's 1.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFNL Davis Select Financial ETF	1.45%	1.37%	2.19%	2.33%	3.34%	2.45%	1.45%	2.52%	3.12%	1.10%	0.00%	0.00%
VFH Vanguard Financials ETF	1.56%	1.55%	1.75%	2.08%	2.31%	1.87%	2.21%	2.17%	2.30%	1.53%	1.63%	2.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VFH and DFNL in my portfolio?

VFH and DFNL have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VFH or DFNL?

DFNL has higher volatility (3.93%) compared to VFH (3.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VFH dropped -78.61% vs DFNL's -44.51%.

Which ETF is better, VFH or DFNL?

On 5-year performance, DFNL leads with 10.20% vs 7.83% for VFH. On fees, VFH is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, VFH has been the lower-risk option at 3.34%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VFH or DFNL?

Over the 5-year period, DFNL has performed better with a 10.20% return vs 7.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VFH or DFNL?

VFH is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.64% for DFNL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VFH or DFNL?

VFH has the higher dividend yield at 1.56%, compared with 1.45% for DFNL.

What is the main difference between VFH and DFNL?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Davis Advisers. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for VFH and 0.64% for DFNL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFNL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.86 vs 0.16), 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.