VFSIX vs. DFALX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VFSIX (Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Institutional Shares) and DFALX (DFA Large Cap International Portfolio) are both mutual funds - VFSIX is a Total Bond Market fund managed by Vanguard, while DFALX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by Dimensional. Over the past 10 years, VFSIX returned 2.60%/yr vs 10.35%/yr for DFALX. At a correlation of -0.03, they often move in opposite directions. VFSIX charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for DFALX.

Performance

VFSIX vs. DFALX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Institutional Shares (VFSIX) and DFA Large Cap International Portfolio (DFALX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VFSIX achieves a 0.73% return, which is significantly lower than DFALX's 10.02% return. Over the past 10 years, VFSIX has underperformed DFALX with an annualized return of 2.60%, while DFALX has yielded a comparatively higher 10.35% annualized return.

VFSIX

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 0.60%
• YTD: 0.73%
• 6M: 1.22%
• 1Y: 4.72%
• 3Y*: 5.58%
• 5Y*: 2.33%
• 10Y*: 2.60%

DFALX

• 1D: 2.73%
• 1M: 2.09%
• YTD: 10.02%
• 6M: 11.54%
• 1Y: 25.05%
• 3Y*: 18.07%
• 5Y*: 9.39%
• 10Y*: 10.35%

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

VFSIX vs. DFALX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VFSIX Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Institutional Shares	0.73%	6.89%	5.12%	5.88%	-5.72%	-0.59%	5.28%	5.88%	1.00%	2.15%
DFALX DFA Large Cap International Portfolio	10.02%	33.60%	4.55%	17.88%	-13.04%	12.79%	8.13%	22.05%	-14.15%	25.35%

Correlation

The correlation between VFSIX and DFALX is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.29
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.25
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.12
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 30, 1997	-0.03

The correlation between VFSIX and DFALX shifts across timeframes, from -0.03 (all time) to 0.39 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VFSIX vs. DFALX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VFSIX

VFSIX Risk / Return Rank: 77
VFSIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
VFSIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
VFSIX Omega Ratio Rank: 82
VFSIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
VFSIX Martin Ratio Rank: 71

DFALX

DFALX Risk / Return Rank: 53
DFALX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
DFALX Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
DFALX Omega Ratio Rank: 51
DFALX Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
DFALX Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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.

VFSIX vs. DFALX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Institutional Shares (VFSIX) and DFA Large Cap International Portfolio (DFALX). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	VFSIX	DFALX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.01	1.70	+0.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.59	2.39	+1.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.30	+0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.72	2.32	+0.40
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.65	8.96	+1.69

VFSIX vs. DFALX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VFSIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.01, which is comparable to the DFALX Sharpe Ratio of 1.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VFSIX and DFALX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

VFSIX vs. DFALX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VFSIX drawdown since its inception was -9.21%, smaller than the maximum DFALX drawdown of -59.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VFSIX and DFALX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VFSIX	DFALX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.21%	-59.76%	+50.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.71%	-10.70%	+8.99%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.71%	-13.11%	+11.40%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-9.21%	-27.52%	+18.31%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-9.21%	-35.58%	+26.37%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.32%	-0.81%	+0.49%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.79%	-12.00%	+11.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.43%	2.76%	-2.33%

Volatility

VFSIX vs. DFALX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Institutional Shares (VFSIX) is 0.77%, while DFA Large Cap International Portfolio (DFALX) has a volatility of 4.92%. This indicates that VFSIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFALX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VFSIX	DFALX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.77%	4.92%	-4.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.69%	12.05%	-10.36%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.32%	14.60%	-12.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.99%	15.77%	-12.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.49%	16.19%	-13.70%

VFSIX vs. DFALX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VFSIX has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than DFALX's 0.18% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VFSIX vs. DFALX - Dividend Comparison

VFSIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.74%, more than DFALX's 2.75% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFALX DFA Large Cap International Portfolio	2.75%	2.89%	3.18%	3.24%	2.86%	3.00%	1.88%	2.88%	3.07%	2.55%	2.89%	2.94%
VFSIX Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Institutional Shares	4.74%	4.61%	4.19%	2.88%	2.06%	1.81%	2.35%	2.95%	2.80%	2.13%	2.17%	2.12%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VFSIX and DFALX in my portfolio?

VFSIX and DFALX have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VFSIX or DFALX?

DFALX has higher volatility (4.92%) compared to VFSIX (0.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VFSIX dropped -9.21% vs DFALX's -59.76%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFSIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.01 vs 1.70), 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.