VPKIX vs. DFRSX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VPKIX (Vanguard Pacific Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares) and DFRSX (DFA Asia Pacific Small Company) are both Asia Pacific Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, VPKIX returned 11.11%/yr vs 6.77%/yr for DFRSX. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VPKIX charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.42%/yr for DFRSX.

Performance

VPKIX vs. DFRSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Pacific Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares (VPKIX) and DFA Asia Pacific Small Company (DFRSX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VPKIX achieves a 32.65% return, which is significantly higher than DFRSX's 3.87% return. Over the past 10 years, VPKIX has outperformed DFRSX with an annualized return of 11.11%, while DFRSX has yielded a comparatively lower 6.77% annualized return.

VPKIX

• 1D: 2.94%
• 1M: 7.06%
• YTD: 32.65%
• 6M: 34.38%
• 1Y: 57.08%
• 3Y*: 22.78%
• 5Y*: 11.39%
• 10Y*: 11.11%

DFRSX

• 1D: -0.49%
• 1M: 1.18%
• YTD: 3.87%
• 6M: 3.05%
• 1Y: 29.35%
• 3Y*: 12.62%
• 5Y*: 4.31%
• 10Y*: 6.77%

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

VPKIX vs. DFRSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VPKIX Vanguard Pacific Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares	32.65%	33.12%	1.29%	15.58%	-15.20%	1.47%	16.54%	17.61%	-13.87%	28.55%
DFRSX DFA Asia Pacific Small Company	3.87%	34.73%	0.27%	3.99%	-16.96%	12.59%	14.24%	13.30%	-15.48%	25.17%

Correlation

The correlation between VPKIX and DFRSX is 0.67, 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	0.67
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.73
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 15, 2000	0.70

The correlation between VPKIX and DFRSX shifts across timeframes, from 0.67 (1 year) to 0.78 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VPKIX vs. DFRSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VPKIX

VPKIX Risk / Return Rank: 85
VPKIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
VPKIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
VPKIX Omega Ratio Rank: 82
VPKIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
VPKIX Martin Ratio Rank: 87

DFRSX

DFRSX Risk / Return Rank: 34
DFRSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
DFRSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
DFRSX Omega Ratio Rank: 38
DFRSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
DFRSX Martin Ratio Rank: 25

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.

VPKIX vs. DFRSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Pacific Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares (VPKIX) and DFA Asia Pacific Small Company (DFRSX). 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.

	VPKIX	DFRSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.71	1.70	+1.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.40	2.34	+1.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.50	1.31	+0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.14	1.93	+2.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.46	5.62	+9.84

VPKIX vs. DFRSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VPKIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.71, which is higher than the DFRSX Sharpe Ratio of 1.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VPKIX and DFRSX, 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

VPKIX vs. DFRSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VPKIX drawdown since its inception was -55.26%, smaller than the maximum DFRSX drawdown of -69.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VPKIX and DFRSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VPKIX	DFRSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.26%	-69.06%	+13.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.40%	-14.20%	+0.80%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.38%	-21.29%	+4.91%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.12%	-30.18%	-0.94%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.62%	-46.25%	+12.63%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-6.58%	+6.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.41%	-17.20%	+1.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.59%	4.86%	-1.27%

Volatility

VPKIX vs. DFRSX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Pacific Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares (VPKIX) has a higher volatility of 10.05% compared to DFA Asia Pacific Small Company (DFRSX) at 5.20%. This indicates that VPKIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFRSX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VPKIX	DFRSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.05%	5.20%	+4.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.61%	13.33%	+4.28%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.47%	16.16%	+4.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.93%	17.36%	-0.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.48%	17.07%	-0.59%

VPKIX vs. DFRSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VPKIX has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than DFRSX's 0.42% expense ratio.

Dividends

VPKIX vs. DFRSX - Dividend Comparison

VPKIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.52%, less than DFRSX's 4.73% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFRSX DFA Asia Pacific Small Company	4.73%	4.92%	4.66%	4.70%	9.99%	12.82%	2.91%	4.56%	3.48%	4.01%	3.79%	3.96%
VPKIX Vanguard Pacific Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares	2.52%	4.00%	3.15%	3.11%	2.74%	3.17%	1.81%	2.85%	3.05%	2.60%	2.67%	2.45%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VPKIX and DFRSX in my portfolio?

VPKIX and DFRSX have a correlation of 0.67, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VPKIX or DFRSX?

VPKIX has higher volatility (10.05%) compared to DFRSX (5.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VPKIX dropped -55.26% vs DFRSX's -69.06%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VPKIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.71 vs 1.70), 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.