VFIUX vs. RFBAX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VFIUX (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury Fund Admiral Shares) and RFBAX (Davis Government Bond Fund) are both Government Bonds funds. Over the past 10 years, VFIUX returned 1.36%/yr vs 1.08%/yr for RFBAX. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VFIUX charges 0.10%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for RFBAX.

Performance

VFIUX vs. RFBAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury Fund Admiral Shares (VFIUX) and Davis Government Bond Fund (RFBAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VFIUX achieves a -0.36% return, which is significantly lower than RFBAX's 0.88% return. Over the past 10 years, VFIUX has outperformed RFBAX with an annualized return of 1.36%, while RFBAX has yielded a comparatively lower 1.08% annualized return.

VFIUX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.04%
• YTD: -0.36%
• 6M: -0.43%
• 1Y: 3.95%
• 3Y*: 3.47%
• 5Y*: 0.15%
• 10Y*: 1.36%

RFBAX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.06%
• YTD: 0.88%
• 6M: 1.15%
• 1Y: 3.48%
• 3Y*: 3.97%
• 5Y*: 1.31%
• 10Y*: 1.08%

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

VFIUX vs. RFBAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VFIUX Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury Fund Admiral Shares	-0.36%	7.65%	1.49%	3.85%	-10.34%	-2.30%	8.31%	6.40%	1.11%	1.67%
RFBAX Davis Government Bond Fund	0.88%	4.49%	4.33%	3.63%	-5.29%	-1.48%	1.69%	3.23%	0.42%	0.21%

Correlation

The correlation between VFIUX and RFBAX is 0.56, 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	0.56
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.60
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.65
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 13, 2001	0.63

The correlation between VFIUX and RFBAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.56 to 0.65 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VFIUX vs. RFBAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VFIUX

VFIUX Risk / Return Rank: 13
VFIUX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
VFIUX Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
VFIUX Omega Ratio Rank: 12
VFIUX Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
VFIUX Martin Ratio Rank: 12

RFBAX

RFBAX Risk / Return Rank: 69
RFBAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
RFBAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
RFBAX Omega Ratio Rank: 77
RFBAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
RFBAX Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

VFIUX vs. RFBAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury Fund Admiral Shares (VFIUX) 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.

	VFIUX	RFBAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.00	1.86	-0.86
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.52	3.01	-1.49
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.51	-0.33
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.21	4.53	-3.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.54	17.94	-14.40
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VFIUX vs. RFBAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VFIUX Sharpe Ratio is 1.00, which is lower than the RFBAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VFIUX and RFBAX, 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

	VFIUX	RFBAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.00	1.86	-0.86
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.03	0.62	-0.60
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.29	0.61	-0.31
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.69	1.05	-0.36

Drawdowns

VFIUX vs. RFBAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VFIUX drawdown since its inception was -15.41%, which is greater than RFBAX's maximum drawdown of -8.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VFIUX and RFBAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VFIUX	RFBAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.41%	-8.03%	-7.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.19%	-0.77%	-2.42%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.75%	-0.88%	-3.87%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.88%	-7.61%	-7.27%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-15.41%	-8.03%	-7.38%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.07%	-0.19%	-1.88%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.80%	-1.18%	-1.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.09%	0.19%	+0.90%

Volatility

VFIUX vs. RFBAX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury Fund Admiral Shares (VFIUX) has a higher volatility of 1.27% compared to Davis Government Bond Fund (RFBAX) at 0.59%. This indicates that VFIUX'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.

Volatility by Period

	VFIUX	RFBAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.27%	0.59%	+0.68%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.76%	1.26%	+1.50%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.89%	1.89%	+2.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.63%	2.10%	+3.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.67%	1.79%	+2.88%

VFIUX vs. RFBAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VFIUX has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than RFBAX's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

VFIUX vs. RFBAX - Dividend Comparison

VFIUX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.03%, more than RFBAX's 3.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RFBAX Davis Government Bond Fund	3.04%	3.01%	3.23%	2.15%	0.80%	0.57%	0.93%	1.67%	1.17%	0.59%	0.68%	0.75%
VFIUX Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury Fund Admiral Shares	4.03%	3.99%	4.16%	3.25%	2.07%	1.07%	4.94%	2.40%	2.44%	1.86%	2.87%	2.60%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VFIUX and RFBAX in my portfolio?

VFIUX and RFBAX have a correlation of 0.56, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VFIUX or RFBAX?

VFIUX has higher volatility (1.27%) compared to RFBAX (0.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VFIUX dropped -15.41% vs RFBAX's -8.03%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RFBAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.86 vs 1.00), 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.