VTES vs. DFNM

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

VTES (Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF Shares) and DFNM (Dimensional National Municipal Bond ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds. VTES is passively managed, while DFNM is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, VTES returned 3.22%/yr vs 3.39%/yr for DFNM. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VTES charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.17%/yr for DFNM.

Performance

VTES vs. DFNM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF Shares (VTES) and Dimensional National Municipal Bond ETF (DFNM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTES achieves a 0.65% return, which is significantly lower than DFNM's 1.27% return.

VTES

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 0.28%
• YTD: 0.65%
• 6M: 1.08%
• 1Y: 3.72%
• 3Y*: 3.22%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFNM

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: 0.38%
• YTD: 1.27%
• 6M: 1.66%
• 1Y: 5.31%
• 3Y*: 3.39%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VTES vs. DFNM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
VTES Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF Shares	0.65%	4.19%	1.85%	3.32%
DFNM Dimensional National Municipal Bond ETF	1.27%	3.87%	1.19%	4.10%

Correlation

The correlation between VTES and DFNM is 0.55, 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	0.55
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 10, 2023	0.72

The correlation between VTES and DFNM shifts across timeframes, from 0.55 (1 year) to 0.72 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VTES vs. DFNM — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTES

VTES Risk / Return Rank: 74
VTES Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
VTES Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
VTES Omega Ratio Rank: 95
VTES Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
VTES Martin Ratio Rank: 46

DFNM

DFNM Risk / Return Rank: 77
DFNM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
DFNM Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
DFNM Omega Ratio Rank: 94
DFNM Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
DFNM Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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.

VTES vs. DFNM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF Shares (VTES) and Dimensional National Municipal Bond ETF (DFNM). 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.

	VTES	DFNM	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	3.01	3.04	-0.03
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	4.36	4.41	-0.05
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.71	1.69	+0.02
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.54	2.77	-0.22
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	7.58	10.07	-2.49
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VTES vs. DFNM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTES Sharpe Ratio is 3.01, which is comparable to the DFNM Sharpe Ratio of 3.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTES and DFNM, 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

	VTES	DFNM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.01	3.04	-0.03
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.81	0.57	+1.24

Drawdowns

VTES vs. DFNM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTES drawdown since its inception was -2.42%, smaller than the maximum DFNM drawdown of -6.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTES and DFNM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTES	DFNM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.42%	-6.99%	+4.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.47%	-1.84%	+0.37%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.80%	-2.82%	+1.02%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.63%	-0.38%	-0.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.50%	-1.96%	+1.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.49%	0.50%	-0.01%

Volatility

VTES vs. DFNM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF Shares (VTES) is 0.35%, while Dimensional National Municipal Bond ETF (DFNM) has a volatility of 0.59%. This indicates that VTES experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFNM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VTES	DFNM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.35%	0.59%	-0.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.97%	1.29%	-0.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.24%	1.77%	-0.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.72%	2.54%	-0.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.72%	2.54%	-0.82%

VTES vs. DFNM - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTES has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than DFNM's 0.17% 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

VTES vs. DFNM - Dividend Comparison

VTES's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.75%, less than DFNM's 2.89% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFNM Dimensional National Municipal Bond ETF	2.89%	2.94%	2.74%	2.39%	1.16%	0.05%
VTES Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF Shares	2.75%	2.77%	2.99%	2.03%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTES and DFNM in my portfolio?

VTES and DFNM have a correlation of 0.55, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VTES or DFNM?

DFNM has higher volatility (0.59%) compared to VTES (0.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTES dropped -2.42% vs DFNM's -6.99%.

Which ETF is better, VTES or DFNM?

On 3-year performance, DFNM leads with 3.39% vs 3.22% for VTES. On fees, VTES is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, VTES has been the lower-risk option at 0.35%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VTES or DFNM?

Over the 3-year period, DFNM has performed better with a 3.39% return vs 3.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VTES or DFNM?

VTES is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.17% for DFNM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VTES or DFNM?

DFNM has the higher dividend yield at 2.89%, compared with 2.75% for VTES.

What is the main difference between VTES and DFNM?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for VTES and 0.17% for DFNM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFNM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.04 vs 3.01), 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.