VRTTX vs. DFSIX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VRTTX (Vanguard Russell 3000 Index Fund Institutional Shares) and DFSIX (DFA U.S. Sustainability Core 1 Portfolio) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, VRTTX returned 15.21%/yr vs 15.19%/yr for DFSIX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VRTTX charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for DFSIX.

Performance

VRTTX vs. DFSIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Russell 3000 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTTX) and DFA U.S. Sustainability Core 1 Portfolio (DFSIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VRTTX achieves a 10.07% return, which is significantly higher than DFSIX's 6.55% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VRTTX having a 15.21% annualized return and DFSIX not far behind at 15.19%.

VRTTX

• 1D: -0.33%
• 1M: 0.49%
• YTD: 10.07%
• 6M: 8.94%
• 1Y: 25.50%
• 3Y*: 20.91%
• 5Y*: 12.27%
• 10Y*: 15.21%

DFSIX

• 1D: -0.43%
• 1M: 0.43%
• YTD: 6.55%
• 6M: 5.28%
• 1Y: 22.09%
• 3Y*: 19.56%
• 5Y*: 11.76%
• 10Y*: 15.19%

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

VRTTX vs. DFSIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VRTTX Vanguard Russell 3000 Index Fund Institutional Shares	10.07%	16.70%	23.72%	25.92%	-19.27%	25.48%	20.81%	31.03%	-5.29%	21.02%
DFSIX DFA U.S. Sustainability Core 1 Portfolio	6.55%	15.92%	23.19%	25.70%	-17.85%	27.38%	21.25%	32.52%	-6.72%	20.80%

Correlation

The correlation between VRTTX and DFSIX is 0.95 - 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2010	0.98

The correlation between VRTTX and DFSIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VRTTX vs. DFSIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VRTTX

VRTTX Risk / Return Rank: 63
VRTTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
VRTTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
VRTTX Omega Ratio Rank: 55
VRTTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VRTTX Martin Ratio Rank: 77

DFSIX

DFSIX Risk / Return Rank: 44
DFSIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
DFSIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
DFSIX Omega Ratio Rank: 41
DFSIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
DFSIX Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

VRTTX vs. DFSIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Russell 3000 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTTX) and DFA U.S. Sustainability Core 1 Portfolio (DFSIX). 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.

	VRTTX	DFSIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.10	1.80	+0.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.85	2.54	+0.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.32	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.02	2.27	+0.75
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.51	9.74	+3.76

VRTTX vs. DFSIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VRTTX Sharpe Ratio is 2.10, which is comparable to the DFSIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VRTTX and DFSIX, 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

VRTTX vs. DFSIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VRTTX drawdown since its inception was -34.96%, smaller than the maximum DFSIX drawdown of -53.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VRTTX and DFSIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VRTTX	DFSIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.96%	-53.77%	+18.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.87%	-10.36%	+1.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.56%	-20.13%	+0.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.13%	-25.16%	+0.03%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.96%	-35.68%	+0.72%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.45%	-1.24%	-0.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.03%	-6.88%	+2.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.98%	2.40%	-0.42%

Volatility

VRTTX vs. DFSIX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Russell 3000 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTTX) has a higher volatility of 4.73% compared to DFA U.S. Sustainability Core 1 Portfolio (DFSIX) at 4.32%. This indicates that VRTTX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFSIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VRTTX	DFSIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.73%	4.32%	+0.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.00%	10.35%	-0.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.79%	13.11%	-0.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.45%	17.64%	-0.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.46%	18.31%	+0.15%

VRTTX vs. DFSIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VRTTX has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than DFSIX's 0.18% 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

VRTTX vs. DFSIX - Dividend Comparison

VRTTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.04%, more than DFSIX's 0.84% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFSIX DFA U.S. Sustainability Core 1 Portfolio	0.84%	0.88%	0.99%	1.21%	1.35%	2.13%	1.19%	2.02%	2.31%	1.92%	1.85%	2.13%
VRTTX Vanguard Russell 3000 Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.04%	0.82%	1.20%	1.49%	1.54%	1.12%	1.38%	1.72%	1.96%	1.69%	1.89%	1.91%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VRTTX and DFSIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, VRTTX and DFSIX 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.

Which is riskier, VRTTX or DFSIX?

VRTTX has higher volatility (4.73%) compared to DFSIX (4.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VRTTX dropped -34.96% vs DFSIX's -53.77%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VRTTX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.10 vs 1.80), 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.