VICSX vs. DFTEX
VICSX (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares) and DFTEX (DFA Intermediate-Term Extended Quality Portfolio Fund) are both Corporate Bonds funds. Over the past 10 years, VICSX returned 2.89%/yr vs 2.31%/yr for DFTEX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VICSX charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for DFTEX.
Performance
VICSX vs. DFTEX - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VICSX achieves a 0.13% return, which is significantly lower than DFTEX's 0.87% return. Over the past 10 years, VICSX has outperformed DFTEX with an annualized return of 2.89%, while DFTEX has yielded a comparatively lower 2.31% annualized return.
VICSX
- 1D
- -0.22%
- 1M
- 0.46%
- YTD
- 0.13%
- 6M
- 0.35%
- 1Y
- 5.06%
- 3Y*
- 6.18%
- 5Y*
- 1.18%
- 10Y*
- 2.89%
DFTEX
- 1D
- -0.31%
- 1M
- 0.69%
- YTD
- 0.87%
- 6M
- 0.97%
- 1Y
- 5.45%
- 3Y*
- 5.80%
- 5Y*
- 0.54%
- 10Y*
- 2.31%
VICSX vs. DFTEX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VICSX Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares | 0.13% | 9.36% | 3.66% | 8.88% | -14.09% | -1.56% | 9.52% | 13.99% | -1.73% | 5.47% |
DFTEX DFA Intermediate-Term Extended Quality Portfolio Fund | 0.87% | 7.70% | 2.89% | 9.61% | -16.28% | -2.05% | 10.26% | 13.38% | -2.10% | 5.20% |
Correlation
The correlation between VICSX and DFTEX is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.96 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.97 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.97 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.96 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 3, 2012 | 0.96 |
The correlation between VICSX and DFTEX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
VICSX vs. DFTEX — Risk / Return Rank
VICSX
DFTEX
VICSX vs. DFTEX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VICSX) and DFA Intermediate-Term Extended Quality Portfolio Fund (DFTEX). 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.
| VICSX | DFTEX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.02 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.08 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.24 | 1.25 | -0.01 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.80 | 1.81 | -0.01 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 5.67 | 5.86 | -0.19 |
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Drawdowns
VICSX vs. DFTEX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VICSX drawdown since its inception was -20.53%, smaller than the maximum DFTEX drawdown of -22.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VICSX and DFTEX.
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Drawdown Indicators
| VICSX | DFTEX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -20.53% | -22.83% | +2.30% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -2.98% | -3.22% | +0.24% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -6.02% | -5.38% | -0.64% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -20.53% | -22.83% | +2.30% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -20.53% | -22.83% | +2.30% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.39% | -0.94% | -0.45% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -3.15% | -4.44% | +1.29% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 0.95% | 0.99% | -0.04% |
Volatility
VICSX vs. DFTEX - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VICSX) is 1.17%, while DFA Intermediate-Term Extended Quality Portfolio Fund (DFTEX) has a volatility of 1.26%. This indicates that VICSX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFTEX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| VICSX | DFTEX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 1.17% | 1.26% | -0.09% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 2.99% | 3.18% | -0.19% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 3.91% | 4.20% | -0.29% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 6.17% | 6.70% | -0.53% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 5.35% | 5.89% | -0.54% |
VICSX vs. DFTEX - Expense Ratio Comparison
VICSX has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than DFTEX's 0.20% 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
VICSX vs. DFTEX - Dividend Comparison
VICSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.77%, less than DFTEX's 4.93% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DFTEX DFA Intermediate-Term Extended Quality Portfolio Fund | 4.93% | 4.30% | 4.27% | 3.79% | 3.25% | 4.12% | 3.31% | 3.06% | 3.24% | 2.91% | 2.88% | 3.90% |
VICSX Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares | 4.77% | 4.59% | 4.77% | 3.70% | 3.00% | 2.76% | 2.77% | 3.35% | 3.62% | 3.22% | 3.03% | 3.36% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.96, VICSX and DFTEX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.
DFTEX has higher volatility (1.26%) compared to VICSX (1.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VICSX dropped -20.53% vs DFTEX's -22.83%.
DFTEX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.39 vs 1.38), 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.
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