VIAAX vs. DFVIX

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

VIAAX (Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation Index Fund Admiral Shares) and DFVIX (DFA International Value III Portfolio) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, VIAAX returned 7.94%/yr vs 12.51%/yr for DFVIX. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VIAAX charges 0.16%/yr vs 0.24%/yr for DFVIX.

Performance

VIAAX vs. DFVIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation Index Fund Admiral Shares (VIAAX) and DFA International Value III Portfolio (DFVIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VIAAX achieves a 5.94% return, which is significantly lower than DFVIX's 14.24% return. Over the past 10 years, VIAAX has underperformed DFVIX with an annualized return of 7.94%, while DFVIX has yielded a comparatively higher 12.51% annualized return.

VIAAX

• 1D: 0.58%
• 1M: 2.02%
• 6M: 3.61%
• YTD: 5.94%
• 1Y: 10.72%
• 3Y*: 10.08%
• 5Y*: 5.02%
• 10Y*: 7.94%

DFVIX

• 1D: 0.62%
• 1M: 1.19%
• 6M: 10.55%
• YTD: 14.24%
• 1Y: 35.12%
• 3Y*: 22.67%
• 5Y*: 16.97%
• 10Y*: 12.51%

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

VIAAX vs. DFVIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VIAAX Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation Index Fund Admiral Shares	5.94%	16.83%	2.60%	16.07%	-16.66%	12.36%	15.10%	26.99%	-11.32%	27.83%
DFVIX DFA International Value III Portfolio	14.24%	44.85%	6.86%	17.89%	-3.41%	23.59%	-1.96%	15.85%	-17.29%	26.23%

Correlation

The correlation between VIAAX and DFVIX is 0.79, 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	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 7, 2016	0.82

The correlation between VIAAX and DFVIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VIAAX vs. DFVIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VIAAX

VIAAX Risk / Return Rank: 17
VIAAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
VIAAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
VIAAX Omega Ratio Rank: 16
VIAAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
VIAAX Martin Ratio Rank: 20

DFVIX

DFVIX Risk / Return Rank: 89
DFVIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
DFVIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
DFVIX Omega Ratio Rank: 85
DFVIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
DFVIX 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.

VIAAX vs. DFVIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation Index Fund Admiral Shares (VIAAX) and DFA International Value III Portfolio (DFVIX). 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.

	VIAAX	DFVIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.87	2.54	-1.67
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.29	3.45	-2.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.45	-0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.08	3.77	-2.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.73	14.46	-10.72

VIAAX vs. DFVIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VIAAX Sharpe Ratio is 0.87, which is lower than the DFVIX Sharpe Ratio of 2.54. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VIAAX and DFVIX, 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

VIAAX vs. DFVIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VIAAX drawdown since its inception was -30.78%, smaller than the maximum DFVIX drawdown of -66.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VIAAX and DFVIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VIAAX	DFVIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-30.78%	-66.53%	+35.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.52%	-9.53%	-0.99%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.38%	-14.68%	+0.30%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.59%	-25.26%	-3.33%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-30.78%	-47.89%	+17.11%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.09%	-12.23%	+6.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.03%	2.48%	+0.55%

Volatility

VIAAX vs. DFVIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation Index Fund Admiral Shares (VIAAX) is 2.64%, while DFA International Value III Portfolio (DFVIX) has a volatility of 3.59%. This indicates that VIAAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFVIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VIAAX	DFVIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.64%	3.59%	-0.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.22%	11.61%	-1.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.06%	14.20%	-1.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.09%	16.46%	-2.37%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.05%	17.75%	-2.70%

VIAAX vs. DFVIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VIAAX has a 0.16% expense ratio, which is lower than DFVIX's 0.24% 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

VIAAX vs. DFVIX - Dividend Comparison

VIAAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.02%, less than DFVIX's 3.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFVIX DFA International Value III Portfolio	3.79%	4.09%	4.16%	4.44%	3.82%	7.97%	2.25%	3.53%	6.16%	3.02%	3.43%	5.84%
VIAAX Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation Index Fund Admiral Shares	2.02%	2.09%	1.92%	1.92%	2.05%	7.01%	1.28%	1.83%	1.99%	1.69%	0.68%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VIAAX and DFVIX in my portfolio?

VIAAX and DFVIX have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VIAAX or DFVIX?

DFVIX has higher volatility (3.59%) compared to VIAAX (2.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VIAAX dropped -30.78% vs DFVIX's -66.53%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFVIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.54 vs 0.87), 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.