VNSYX vs. DFIEX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VNSYX (Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select Fund) and DFIEX (DFA International Core Equity Portfolio I) are both mutual funds - VNSYX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Natixis, while DFIEX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by Dimensional. Over the past 10 years, VNSYX returned 13.85%/yr vs 10.01%/yr for DFIEX. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VNSYX charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.24%/yr for DFIEX.

Performance

VNSYX vs. DFIEX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select Fund (VNSYX) and DFA International Core Equity Portfolio I (DFIEX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VNSYX achieves a 9.03% return, which is significantly lower than DFIEX's 11.05% return. Over the past 10 years, VNSYX has outperformed DFIEX with an annualized return of 13.85%, while DFIEX has yielded a comparatively lower 10.01% annualized return.

VNSYX

• 1D: 0.24%
• 1M: 2.98%
• YTD: 9.03%
• 6M: 8.73%
• 1Y: 23.88%
• 3Y*: 13.71%
• 5Y*: 10.90%
• 10Y*: 13.85%

DFIEX

• 1D: 0.31%
• 1M: 3.55%
• YTD: 11.05%
• 6M: 14.04%
• 1Y: 28.12%
• 3Y*: 19.64%
• 5Y*: 9.78%
• 10Y*: 10.01%

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

VNSYX vs. DFIEX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VNSYX Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select Fund	9.03%	13.11%	10.69%	22.23%	-16.65%	39.78%	18.57%	27.85%	-4.74%	23.83%
DFIEX DFA International Core Equity Portfolio I	11.05%	36.18%	3.99%	17.50%	-13.51%	13.85%	7.73%	21.70%	-17.41%	28.04%

Correlation

The correlation between VNSYX and DFIEX is 0.50, 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	0.50
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.55
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.65
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 2, 2012	0.71

Over the past year, the correlation between VNSYX and DFIEX has dropped to 0.50 - well below their long-term average of 0.71, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

VNSYX vs. DFIEX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VNSYX

VNSYX Risk / Return Rank: 49
VNSYX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
VNSYX Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
VNSYX Omega Ratio Rank: 48
VNSYX Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
VNSYX Martin Ratio Rank: 48

DFIEX

DFIEX Risk / Return Rank: 45
DFIEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
DFIEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
DFIEX Omega Ratio Rank: 44
DFIEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
DFIEX Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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.

VNSYX vs. DFIEX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select Fund (VNSYX) and DFA International Core Equity Portfolio I (DFIEX). 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.

	VNSYX	DFIEX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.11	1.99	+0.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.05	2.76	+0.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.36	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.53	2.49	+0.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.02	9.74	+0.27
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VNSYX vs. DFIEX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VNSYX Sharpe Ratio is 2.11, which is comparable to the DFIEX Sharpe Ratio of 1.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VNSYX and DFIEX, 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

	VNSYX	DFIEX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.11	1.99	+0.12
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.64	0.62	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.78	0.61	+0.17
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.85	0.37	+0.48

Drawdowns

VNSYX vs. DFIEX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VNSYX drawdown since its inception was -33.15%, smaller than the maximum DFIEX drawdown of -62.22%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VNSYX and DFIEX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VNSYX	DFIEX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.15%	-62.22%	+29.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.85%	-11.01%	-0.84%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.65%	-12.81%	-7.84%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.91%	-28.66%	+4.75%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.15%	-41.04%	+7.89%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.16%	-0.35%	+0.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.16%	-12.18%	+8.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.27%	2.81%	+0.46%

Volatility

VNSYX vs. DFIEX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select Fund (VNSYX) is 3.31%, while DFA International Core Equity Portfolio I (DFIEX) has a volatility of 4.11%. This indicates that VNSYX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFIEX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VNSYX	DFIEX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.31%	4.11%	-0.80%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.59%	11.15%	+0.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.21%	13.85%	+0.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.71%	15.75%	+1.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.10%	16.39%	+1.71%

VNSYX vs. DFIEX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VNSYX has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than DFIEX's 0.24% expense ratio.

Dividends

VNSYX vs. DFIEX - Dividend Comparison

VNSYX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.55%, more than DFIEX's 2.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFIEX DFA International Core Equity Portfolio I	2.91%	3.22%	3.42%	3.36%	2.88%	2.98%	1.77%	2.90%	2.95%	2.49%	2.76%	4.20%
VNSYX Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select Fund	8.55%	9.33%	0.00%	0.14%	1.18%	36.73%	7.14%	8.46%	10.64%	8.55%	1.89%	2.26%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VNSYX and DFIEX in my portfolio?

VNSYX and DFIEX 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, VNSYX or DFIEX?

DFIEX has higher volatility (4.11%) compared to VNSYX (3.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VNSYX dropped -33.15% vs DFIEX's -62.22%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VNSYX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.11 vs 1.99), 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.