VMVIX vs. DFVEX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VMVIX (Vanguard Mid-Cap Value Index Fund) and DFVEX (DFA U.S. Vector Equity Fund) are both Mid Cap Value Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, VMVIX returned 10.36%/yr vs 12.21%/yr for DFVEX. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VMVIX charges 0.19%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for DFVEX.

Performance

VMVIX vs. DFVEX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Mid-Cap Value Index Fund (VMVIX) and DFA U.S. Vector Equity Fund (DFVEX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VMVIX achieves a 10.90% return, which is significantly lower than DFVEX's 12.07% return. Over the past 10 years, VMVIX has underperformed DFVEX with an annualized return of 10.36%, while DFVEX has yielded a comparatively higher 12.21% annualized return.

VMVIX

• 1D: 0.85%
• 1M: 1.52%
• YTD: 10.90%
• 6M: 11.71%
• 1Y: 22.73%
• 3Y*: 16.21%
• 5Y*: 8.26%
• 10Y*: 10.36%

DFVEX

• 1D: 0.29%
• 1M: 4.47%
• YTD: 12.07%
• 6M: 12.59%
• 1Y: 28.65%
• 3Y*: 18.58%
• 5Y*: 10.49%
• 10Y*: 12.21%

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

VMVIX vs. DFVEX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VMVIX Vanguard Mid-Cap Value Index Fund	10.90%	11.22%	13.48%	10.00%	-8.00%	28.60%	2.33%	27.85%	-12.57%	16.91%
DFVEX DFA U.S. Vector Equity Fund	12.07%	13.66%	14.36%	17.60%	-9.96%	32.10%	7.53%	26.11%	-13.24%	14.15%

Correlation

The correlation between VMVIX and DFVEX is 0.83, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 25, 2006	0.95

The correlation between VMVIX and DFVEX shifts across timeframes, from 0.83 (1 year) to 0.95 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VMVIX vs. DFVEX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VMVIX

VMVIX Risk / Return Rank: 58
VMVIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
VMVIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
VMVIX Omega Ratio Rank: 45
VMVIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
VMVIX Martin Ratio Rank: 67

DFVEX

DFVEX Risk / Return Rank: 73
DFVEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
DFVEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
DFVEX Omega Ratio Rank: 63
DFVEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
DFVEX Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

VMVIX vs. DFVEX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Mid-Cap Value Index Fund (VMVIX) and DFA U.S. Vector Equity Fund (DFVEX). 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.

	VMVIX	DFVEX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.08	2.49	-0.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.01	3.55	-0.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.44	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.41	3.59	-0.17
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.03	14.75	-1.72
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VMVIX vs. DFVEX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VMVIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.08, which is comparable to the DFVEX Sharpe Ratio of 2.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VMVIX and DFVEX, 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

	VMVIX	DFVEX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.08	2.49	-0.41
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.52	0.58	-0.06
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.55	0.61	-0.06
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.43	0.42	+0.01

Drawdowns

VMVIX vs. DFVEX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VMVIX drawdown since its inception was -61.61%, roughly equal to the maximum DFVEX drawdown of -62.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VMVIX and DFVEX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VMVIX	DFVEX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.61%	-62.71%	+1.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.96%	-8.45%	+1.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.94%	-21.20%	+2.26%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.81%	-21.20%	+1.39%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.08%	-42.20%	-0.88%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.46%	-9.12%	+0.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.82%	2.04%	-0.22%

Volatility

VMVIX vs. DFVEX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Mid-Cap Value Index Fund (VMVIX) is 2.66%, while DFA U.S. Vector Equity Fund (DFVEX) has a volatility of 2.96%. This indicates that VMVIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFVEX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VMVIX	DFVEX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.66%	2.96%	-0.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.18%	8.97%	-0.79%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.42%	12.18%	-0.76%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.02%	18.22%	-2.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.79%	20.15%	-1.36%

VMVIX vs. DFVEX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VMVIX has a 0.19% expense ratio, which is lower than DFVEX's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

VMVIX vs. DFVEX - Dividend Comparison

VMVIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.76%, more than DFVEX's 1.07% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFVEX DFA U.S. Vector Equity Fund	1.07%	0.91%	1.26%	3.33%	4.94%	9.56%	1.28%	2.98%	4.09%	4.41%	3.46%	4.59%
VMVIX Vanguard Mid-Cap Value Index Fund	1.76%	1.42%	1.99%	2.15%	2.15%	1.67%	2.26%	1.95%	2.60%	1.75%	1.81%	1.91%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VMVIX and DFVEX in my portfolio?

VMVIX and DFVEX have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VMVIX or DFVEX?

DFVEX has higher volatility (2.96%) compared to VMVIX (2.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VMVIX dropped -61.61% vs DFVEX's -62.71%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFVEX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.49 vs 2.08), 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.