VGIT vs. DISVX

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

VGIT (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF) and DISVX (DFA International Small Cap Value Portfolio) are both funds - VGIT is a Government Bonds fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury 3-10 Year Index, while DISVX is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund managed by Dimensional. Over the past 10 years, VGIT returned 1.16%/yr vs 10.21%/yr for DISVX. At a correlation of -0.13, they often move in opposite directions. VGIT charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.46%/yr for DISVX.

Performance

VGIT vs. DISVX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) and DFA International Small Cap Value Portfolio (DISVX). 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 DISVX's 7.70% return. Over the past 10 years, VGIT has underperformed DISVX with an annualized return of 1.16%, while DISVX has yielded a comparatively higher 10.21% 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%

DISVX

• 1D: -2.29%
• 1M: -2.66%
• YTD: 7.70%
• 6M: 11.65%
• 1Y: 32.02%
• 3Y*: 24.98%
• 5Y*: 12.91%
• 10Y*: 10.21%

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

VGIT vs. DISVX - 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%
DISVX DFA International Small Cap Value Portfolio	7.70%	52.17%	7.88%	17.58%	-9.80%	15.84%	0.82%	21.04%	-23.36%	25.41%

Correlation

The correlation between VGIT and DISVX is 0.34, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.34
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.27
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.17
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.01
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 23, 2009	-0.13

The correlation between VGIT and DISVX shifts across timeframes, from -0.13 (all time) to 0.34 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VGIT vs. DISVX — 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

DISVX

DISVX Risk / Return Rank: 53
DISVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
DISVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
DISVX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
DISVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
DISVX Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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. DISVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) and DFA International Small Cap Value Portfolio (DISVX). 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	DISVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.08	2.24	-1.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.64	3.09	-1.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.41	-0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.26	2.45	-1.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.66	8.67	-5.00
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. DISVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGIT Sharpe Ratio is 1.08, which is lower than the DISVX Sharpe Ratio of 2.24. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGIT and DISVX, 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	DISVX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.08	2.24	-1.17
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.01	0.81	-0.82
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.26	0.61	-0.35
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.49	0.52	-0.03

Drawdowns

VGIT vs. DISVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGIT drawdown since its inception was -16.05%, smaller than the maximum DISVX drawdown of -61.57%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGIT and DISVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGIT	DISVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.05%	-61.57%	+45.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.83%	-13.26%	+10.43%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.34%	-13.69%	+9.35%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.02%	-27.43%	+12.41%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-16.05%	-49.24%	+33.19%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.71%	-5.89%	+3.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.52%	-12.19%	+8.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.97%	3.73%	-2.76%

Volatility

VGIT vs. DISVX - Volatility Comparison

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

Volatility by Period

	VGIT	DISVX	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%	11.91%	-9.55%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.32%	14.50%	-11.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.38%	16.09%	-10.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.50%	16.79%	-12.29%

VGIT vs. DISVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGIT has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than DISVX's 0.46% expense ratio.

Dividends

VGIT vs. DISVX - Dividend Comparison

VGIT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.88%, less than DISVX's 6.70% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DISVX DFA International Small Cap Value Portfolio	6.70%	7.17%	4.56%	3.87%	2.40%	3.51%	1.84%	3.97%	5.91%	3.77%	5.85%	3.51%
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 DISVX in my portfolio?

VGIT and DISVX have a correlation of 0.34, 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 DISVX?

DISVX has higher volatility (4.03%) compared to VGIT (1.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGIT dropped -16.05% vs DISVX's -61.57%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DISVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.24 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.