VFISX vs. RFBAX
Compare and contrast key facts about Vanguard Short-Term Treasury Fund Investor Shares (VFISX) and Davis Government Bond Fund (RFBAX).
VFISX is managed by Vanguard. It was launched on Oct 28, 1991. RFBAX is managed by Davis Funds. It was launched on Nov 30, 1994.
Performance
VFISX vs. RFBAX - Performance Comparison
Loading graphics...
VFISX vs. RFBAX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VFISX Vanguard Short-Term Treasury Fund Investor Shares | -0.13% | 5.36% | 3.75% | 3.54% | -4.71% | -0.88% | 3.95% | 3.60% | 1.36% | 0.38% |
RFBAX Davis Government Bond Fund | 0.32% | 4.49% | 4.33% | 3.63% | -5.29% | -1.48% | 1.69% | 3.23% | 0.42% | 0.21% |
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VFISX achieves a -0.13% return, which is significantly lower than RFBAX's 0.32% return. Over the past 10 years, VFISX has outperformed RFBAX with an annualized return of 1.57%, while RFBAX has yielded a comparatively lower 1.03% annualized return.
VFISX
- 1D
- 0.20%
- 1M
- -1.10%
- YTD
- -0.13%
- 6M
- 0.90%
- 1Y
- 3.32%
- 3Y*
- 3.68%
- 5Y*
- 1.36%
- 10Y*
- 1.57%
RFBAX
- 1D
- 0.00%
- 1M
- -0.39%
- YTD
- 0.32%
- 6M
- 0.87%
- 1Y
- 3.01%
- 3Y*
- 3.84%
- 5Y*
- 1.21%
- 10Y*
- 1.03%
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
VFISX vs. RFBAX - Expense Ratio Comparison
VFISX has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than RFBAX's 1.00% expense ratio.
Return for Risk
VFISX vs. RFBAX — Risk / Return Rank
VFISX
RFBAX
VFISX vs. RFBAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Short-Term Treasury Fund Investor Shares (VFISX) and Davis Government Bond Fund (RFBAX). 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.
| VFISX | RFBAX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 1.66 | 1.81 | -0.15 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 2.75 | 2.96 | -0.21 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.35 | 1.49 | -0.14 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.85 | 4.51 | -1.65 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 10.23 | 15.32 | -5.09 |
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
| VFISX | RFBAX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.66 | 1.81 | -0.15 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.52 | 0.59 | -0.07 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.75 | 0.58 | +0.17 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 1.53 | 1.04 | +0.49 |
Correlation
The correlation between VFISX and RFBAX is 0.63, 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
VFISX vs. RFBAX - Dividend Comparison
VFISX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.49%, more than RFBAX's 2.77% yield.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VFISX Vanguard Short-Term Treasury Fund Investor Shares | 3.49% | 3.89% | 4.38% | 3.95% | 1.93% | 0.52% | 2.20% | 2.39% | 2.10% | 1.15% | 1.18% | 0.83% |
RFBAX Davis Government Bond Fund | 2.77% | 3.01% | 3.23% | 2.15% | 0.80% | 0.57% | 0.93% | 1.67% | 1.17% | 0.59% | 0.68% | 0.75% |
Drawdowns
VFISX vs. RFBAX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VFISX drawdown since its inception was -6.86%, smaller than the maximum RFBAX drawdown of -8.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VFISX and RFBAX.
Loading graphics...
Drawdown Indicators
| VFISX | RFBAX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -6.86% | -8.03% | +1.17% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -1.40% | -0.77% | -0.63% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -6.86% | -7.61% | +0.75% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -6.86% | -8.03% | +1.17% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.10% | -0.58% | -0.52% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -0.65% | -1.19% | +0.54% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 0.39% | 0.23% | +0.16% |
Volatility
VFISX vs. RFBAX - Volatility Comparison
Vanguard Short-Term Treasury Fund Investor Shares (VFISX) has a higher volatility of 0.70% compared to Davis Government Bond Fund (RFBAX) at 0.48%. This indicates that VFISX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RFBAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading graphics...
Volatility by Period
| VFISX | RFBAX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 0.70% | 0.48% | +0.22% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 1.40% | 1.19% | +0.21% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 2.23% | 1.93% | +0.30% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 2.64% | 2.06% | +0.58% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 2.10% | 1.78% | +0.32% |