VFMO vs. DFIVX

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

VFMO (Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF) and DFIVX (DFA International Value Portfolio) are both funds - VFMO is a Momentum fund actively managed by Vanguard, while DFIVX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by Dimensional. Over the past 5 years, VFMO returned 13.14%/yr vs 13.59%/yr for DFIVX. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VFMO charges 0.13%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for DFIVX.

Performance

VFMO vs. DFIVX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF (VFMO) and DFA International Value Portfolio (DFIVX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VFMO achieves a 20.45% return, which is significantly higher than DFIVX's 10.28% return.

VFMO

• 1D: 1.23%
• 1M: 0.42%
• YTD: 20.45%
• 6M: 18.24%
• 1Y: 37.84%
• 3Y*: 26.27%
• 5Y*: 13.14%
• 10Y*: —

DFIVX

• 1D: -2.30%
• 1M: -0.98%
• YTD: 10.28%
• 6M: 13.96%
• 1Y: 33.30%
• 3Y*: 23.24%
• 5Y*: 13.59%
• 10Y*: 11.32%

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

VFMO vs. DFIVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
VFMO Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF	20.45%	17.39%	26.14%	16.25%	-12.84%	19.16%	31.36%	28.22%	-11.41%
DFIVX DFA International Value Portfolio	10.28%	45.24%	6.87%	17.83%	-3.51%	18.57%	-2.13%	15.68%	-18.99%

Correlation

The correlation between VFMO and DFIVX is 0.65, 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	0.65
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.63
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 16, 2018	0.66

The correlation between VFMO and DFIVX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.63 to 0.70 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VFMO vs. DFIVX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VFMO

VFMO Risk / Return Rank: 63
VFMO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
VFMO Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
VFMO Omega Ratio Rank: 54
VFMO Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
VFMO Martin Ratio Rank: 75

DFIVX

DFIVX Risk / Return Rank: 72
DFIVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
DFIVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
DFIVX Omega Ratio Rank: 65
DFIVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
DFIVX Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

VFMO vs. DFIVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF (VFMO) and DFA International Value Portfolio (DFIVX). 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.

	VFMO	DFIVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.75	2.42	-0.67
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.32	3.24	-0.93
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.43	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.46	3.54	-0.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.00	13.92	-0.92
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VFMO vs. DFIVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VFMO Sharpe Ratio is 1.75, which is comparable to the DFIVX Sharpe Ratio of 2.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VFMO and DFIVX, 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

	VFMO	DFIVX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.75	2.42	-0.67
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.61	0.84	-0.23
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.63	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.64	0.39	+0.25

Drawdowns

VFMO vs. DFIVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VFMO drawdown since its inception was -36.77%, smaller than the maximum DFIVX drawdown of -66.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VFMO and DFIVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VFMO	DFIVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.77%	-66.61%	+29.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.98%	-9.58%	-1.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.40%	-14.39%	-10.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.80%	-25.29%	-0.51%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-48.11%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.42%	-2.69%	-0.73%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.76%	-12.24%	+4.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.92%	2.43%	+0.49%

Volatility

VFMO vs. DFIVX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF (VFMO) has a higher volatility of 7.20% compared to DFA International Value Portfolio (DFIVX) at 4.03%. This indicates that VFMO's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFIVX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VFMO	DFIVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.20%	4.03%	+3.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.02%	11.19%	+5.83%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.75%	14.03%	+7.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.80%	16.32%	+5.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.61%	18.03%	+5.58%

VFMO vs. DFIVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VFMO has a 0.13% expense ratio, which is lower than DFIVX's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

VFMO vs. DFIVX - Dividend Comparison

VFMO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.64%, less than DFIVX's 3.82% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFIVX DFA International Value Portfolio	3.82%	4.21%	3.94%	4.40%	3.78%	4.37%	2.42%	3.70%	6.60%	2.85%	3.36%	3.45%
VFMO Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF	0.64%	0.82%	0.72%	0.89%	1.72%	0.81%	0.45%	1.22%	0.70%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VFMO and DFIVX in my portfolio?

VFMO and DFIVX have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VFMO or DFIVX?

VFMO has higher volatility (7.20%) compared to DFIVX (4.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VFMO dropped -36.77% vs DFIVX's -66.61%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFIVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.42 vs 1.75), 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.