VFSIX vs. DFEMX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VFSIX (Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Institutional Shares) and DFEMX (DFA Emerging Markets Portfolio) are both mutual funds - VFSIX is a Total Bond Market fund managed by Vanguard, while DFEMX is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund managed by Dimensional. Over the past 10 years, VFSIX returned 2.57%/yr vs 11.70%/yr for DFEMX. At a correlation of -0.06, they often move in opposite directions. VFSIX charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.36%/yr for DFEMX.

Performance

VFSIX vs. DFEMX - 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 Emerging Markets Portfolio (DFEMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VFSIX achieves a 0.44% return, which is significantly lower than DFEMX's 31.78% return. Over the past 10 years, VFSIX has underperformed DFEMX with an annualized return of 2.57%, while DFEMX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.70% annualized return.

VFSIX

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 0.21%
• YTD: 0.44%
• 6M: 0.92%
• 1Y: 4.12%
• 3Y*: 5.55%
• 5Y*: 2.33%
• 10Y*: 2.57%

DFEMX

• 1D: 0.29%
• 1M: 7.81%
• YTD: 31.78%
• 6M: 33.22%
• 1Y: 57.94%
• 3Y*: 25.90%
• 5Y*: 10.78%
• 10Y*: 11.70%

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

VFSIX vs. DFEMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VFSIX Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Institutional Shares	0.44%	6.89%	5.12%	5.88%	-5.72%	-0.59%	5.28%	5.88%	1.00%	2.15%
DFEMX DFA Emerging Markets Portfolio	31.78%	33.57%	6.90%	13.08%	-16.91%	2.53%	13.89%	16.02%	-13.62%	36.57%

Correlation

The correlation between VFSIX and DFEMX is 0.17, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.17
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.10
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.11
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.05
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 30, 1997	-0.06

The correlation between VFSIX and DFEMX shifts across timeframes, from -0.06 (all time) to 0.17 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VFSIX vs. DFEMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VFSIX

VFSIX Risk / Return Rank: 57
VFSIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
VFSIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
VFSIX Omega Ratio Rank: 68
VFSIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
VFSIX Martin Ratio Rank: 51

DFEMX

DFEMX Risk / Return Rank: 91
DFEMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
DFEMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
DFEMX Omega Ratio Rank: 89
DFEMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
DFEMX Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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. DFEMX - 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 Emerging Markets Portfolio (DFEMX). 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	DFEMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.85	3.11	-1.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.25	3.84	-0.59
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.60	-0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.54	4.61	-2.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.84	17.55	-7.71

VFSIX vs. DFEMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VFSIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.85, which is lower than the DFEMX Sharpe Ratio of 3.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VFSIX and DFEMX, 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. DFEMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VFSIX drawdown since its inception was -9.21%, smaller than the maximum DFEMX drawdown of -62.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VFSIX and DFEMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VFSIX	DFEMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.21%	-62.43%	+53.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.71%	-12.85%	+11.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.71%	-16.12%	+14.41%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-9.21%	-31.35%	+22.14%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-9.21%	-40.44%	+31.23%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.61%	0.00%	-0.61%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.79%	-15.32%	+14.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.44%	3.35%	-2.91%

Volatility

VFSIX vs. DFEMX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Institutional Shares (VFSIX) is 0.79%, while DFA Emerging Markets Portfolio (DFEMX) has a volatility of 10.40%. This indicates that VFSIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFEMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VFSIX	DFEMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.79%	10.40%	-9.61%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.73%	17.35%	-15.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.35%	19.10%	-16.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.00%	16.20%	-13.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.50%	16.78%	-14.28%

VFSIX vs. DFEMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VFSIX has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than DFEMX's 0.36% expense ratio.

Dividends

VFSIX vs. DFEMX - Dividend Comparison

VFSIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.76%, more than DFEMX's 1.93% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFEMX DFA Emerging Markets Portfolio	1.93%	2.55%	3.14%	3.34%	3.90%	6.13%	1.45%	2.33%	2.14%	1.74%	1.92%	2.08%
VFSIX Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Institutional Shares	4.76%	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 DFEMX in my portfolio?

VFSIX and DFEMX have a correlation of 0.17, 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 DFEMX?

DFEMX has higher volatility (10.40%) compared to VFSIX (0.79%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VFSIX dropped -9.21% vs DFEMX's -62.43%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFEMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.11 vs 1.85), 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.