VGIT vs. DFIVX

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

VGIT (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF) and DFIVX (DFA International Value Portfolio) are both funds - VGIT is a Government Bonds fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury 3-10 Year Index, while DFIVX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by Dimensional. Over the past 10 years, VGIT returned 1.16%/yr vs 11.32%/yr for DFIVX. At a correlation of -0.19, they often move in opposite directions. VGIT charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for DFIVX.

Performance

VGIT vs. DFIVX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) 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, VGIT achieves a -0.78% return, which is significantly lower than DFIVX's 10.28% return. Over the past 10 years, VGIT has underperformed DFIVX with an annualized return of 1.16%, while DFIVX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.32% annualized return.

VGIT

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: -0.87%
• YTD: -0.78%
• 6M: -0.42%
• 1Y: 3.55%
• 3Y*: 3.40%
• 5Y*: -0.07%
• 10Y*: 1.16%

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)

VGIT vs. DFIVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VGIT Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF	-0.78%	7.34%	1.39%	4.28%	-10.53%	-2.64%	7.71%	6.19%	1.35%	1.70%
DFIVX DFA International Value Portfolio	10.28%	45.24%	6.87%	17.83%	-3.51%	18.57%	-2.13%	15.68%	-17.49%	26.08%

Correlation

The correlation between VGIT and DFIVX is 0.29, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.29
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.24
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.11
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.08
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 24, 2009	-0.19

The correlation between VGIT and DFIVX shifts across timeframes, from -0.19 (all time) to 0.29 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VGIT vs. DFIVX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGIT

VGIT Risk / Return Rank: 31
VGIT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
VGIT Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
VGIT Omega Ratio Rank: 30
VGIT Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
VGIT Martin Ratio Rank: 28

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.

VGIT vs. DFIVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) 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.

	VGIT	DFIVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.08	2.42	-1.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.64	3.24	-1.60
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.43	-0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.26	3.54	-2.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.66	13.92	-10.26
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VGIT vs. DFIVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGIT Sharpe Ratio is 1.08, which is lower than the DFIVX Sharpe Ratio of 2.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGIT 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

	VGIT	DFIVX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.08	2.42	-1.34
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.01	0.84	-0.85
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.26	0.63	-0.37
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.49	0.39	+0.10

Drawdowns

VGIT vs. DFIVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGIT drawdown since its inception was -16.05%, smaller than the maximum DFIVX drawdown of -66.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGIT and DFIVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGIT	DFIVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.05%	-66.61%	+50.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.83%	-9.58%	+6.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.34%	-14.39%	+10.05%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.02%	-25.29%	+10.27%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-16.05%	-48.11%	+32.06%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.71%	-2.69%	-0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.52%	-12.24%	+8.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.97%	2.43%	-1.46%

Volatility

VGIT vs. DFIVX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) is 1.05%, while DFA International Value Portfolio (DFIVX) has a volatility of 4.03%. This indicates that VGIT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFIVX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VGIT	DFIVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.05%	4.03%	-2.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.36%	11.19%	-8.83%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.32%	14.03%	-10.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.38%	16.32%	-10.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.50%	18.03%	-13.53%

VGIT vs. DFIVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGIT has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than DFIVX's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

VGIT vs. DFIVX - Dividend Comparison

VGIT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.88%, more 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%
VGIT Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF	3.88%	3.79%	3.67%	2.73%	1.74%	1.69%	2.23%	2.24%	2.05%	1.67%	1.69%	1.69%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VGIT and DFIVX in my portfolio?

VGIT and DFIVX have a correlation of 0.29, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VGIT or DFIVX?

DFIVX has higher volatility (4.03%) compared to VGIT (1.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGIT dropped -16.05% vs DFIVX's -66.61%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFIVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.42 vs 1.08), 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.