VMCIX vs. DFEMX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VMCIX (Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares) and DFEMX (DFA Emerging Markets Portfolio) are both mutual funds - VMCIX is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while DFEMX is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund managed by Dimensional. Over the past 10 years, VMCIX returned 11.59%/yr vs 11.51%/yr for DFEMX. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VMCIX charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.36%/yr for DFEMX.

Performance

VMCIX vs. DFEMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VMCIX) 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, VMCIX achieves a 10.56% return, which is significantly lower than DFEMX's 31.30% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VMCIX having a 11.59% annualized return and DFEMX not far behind at 11.51%.

VMCIX

• 1D: 0.90%
• 1M: 3.69%
• YTD: 10.56%
• 6M: 10.21%
• 1Y: 18.75%
• 3Y*: 16.83%
• 5Y*: 8.11%
• 10Y*: 11.59%

DFEMX

• 1D: 1.02%
• 1M: 10.69%
• YTD: 31.30%
• 6M: 34.75%
• 1Y: 60.80%
• 3Y*: 25.98%
• 5Y*: 10.30%
• 10Y*: 11.51%

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

VMCIX vs. DFEMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VMCIX Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	10.56%	11.67%	14.68%	16.54%	-18.70%	24.53%	18.20%	31.04%	-9.25%	19.30%
DFEMX DFA Emerging Markets Portfolio	31.30%	33.57%	6.90%	13.08%	-16.91%	2.53%	13.89%	16.02%	-13.62%	36.57%

Correlation

The correlation between VMCIX and DFEMX is 0.50, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.50
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.56
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.61
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.63
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 22, 1998	0.63

The correlation between VMCIX and DFEMX shifts across timeframes, from 0.50 (1 year) to 0.63 (10 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VMCIX vs. DFEMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VMCIX

VMCIX Risk / Return Rank: 35
VMCIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
VMCIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
VMCIX Omega Ratio Rank: 29
VMCIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
VMCIX Martin Ratio Rank: 44

DFEMX

DFEMX Risk / Return Rank: 93
DFEMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
DFEMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
DFEMX Omega Ratio Rank: 92
DFEMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
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.

VMCIX vs. DFEMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VMCIX) 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.

	VMCIX	DFEMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.62	3.69	-2.07
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.31	4.67	-2.36
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.69	-0.41
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.45	4.82	-2.37
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	9.29	19.39	-10.10
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VMCIX vs. DFEMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VMCIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.62, which is lower than the DFEMX Sharpe Ratio of 3.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VMCIX 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VMCIX	DFEMX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.62	3.69	-2.07
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.46	0.66	-0.20
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.61	0.70	-0.08
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.49	0.41	+0.08

Drawdowns

VMCIX vs. DFEMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VMCIX drawdown since its inception was -58.86%, smaller than the maximum DFEMX drawdown of -62.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VMCIX and DFEMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VMCIX	DFEMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.86%	-62.43%	+3.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.13%	-12.85%	+4.72%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.93%	-16.12%	-2.81%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.54%	-31.84%	+4.30%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.30%	-40.44%	+1.14%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.97%	-15.34%	+7.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.14%	3.17%	-1.03%

Volatility

VMCIX vs. DFEMX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VMCIX) is 2.97%, while DFA Emerging Markets Portfolio (DFEMX) has a volatility of 7.55%. This indicates that VMCIX 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

	VMCIX	DFEMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.97%	7.55%	-4.58%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.29%	14.71%	-5.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.31%	16.80%	-4.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.63%	15.69%	+1.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.92%	16.57%	+2.35%

VMCIX vs. DFEMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VMCIX has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than DFEMX's 0.36% expense ratio.

Dividends

VMCIX vs. DFEMX - Dividend Comparison

VMCIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.35%, less than DFEMX's 1.94% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFEMX DFA Emerging Markets Portfolio	1.94%	2.55%	3.14%	3.34%	3.90%	6.13%	1.45%	2.33%	2.14%	1.74%	1.92%	2.08%
VMCIX Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.35%	1.52%	1.49%	1.51%	1.60%	1.12%	1.45%	1.48%	1.83%	1.36%	1.46%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VMCIX and DFEMX in my portfolio?

VMCIX and DFEMX have a correlation of 0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VMCIX or DFEMX?

DFEMX has higher volatility (7.55%) compared to VMCIX (2.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VMCIX dropped -58.86% vs DFEMX's -62.43%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFEMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.69 vs 1.62), 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.