VUG vs. DFISX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) and DFISX (DFA International Small Company Portfolio) are both funds - VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index, while DFISX is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund managed by Dimensional. Over the past 10 years, VUG returned 17.90%/yr vs 8.53%/yr for DFISX. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VUG charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for DFISX.

Performance

VUG vs. DFISX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) and DFA International Small Company Portfolio (DFISX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VUG achieves a 4.99% return, which is significantly lower than DFISX's 7.65% return. Over the past 10 years, VUG has outperformed DFISX with an annualized return of 17.90%, while DFISX has yielded a comparatively lower 8.53% annualized return.

VUG

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: -2.56%
• YTD: 4.99%
• 6M: 5.66%
• 1Y: 21.15%
• 3Y*: 23.38%
• 5Y*: 13.78%
• 10Y*: 17.90%

DFISX

• 1D: 2.27%
• 1M: -0.97%
• YTD: 7.65%
• 6M: 9.88%
• 1Y: 21.49%
• 3Y*: 17.56%
• 5Y*: 6.74%
• 10Y*: 8.53%

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

VUG vs. DFISX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	4.99%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%
DFISX DFA International Small Company Portfolio	7.65%	36.35%	3.76%	14.46%	-17.13%	10.71%	9.27%	24.18%	-19.42%	24.78%

Correlation

The correlation between VUG and DFISX is 0.65, 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	0.65
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.56
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.63
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.67

The correlation between VUG and DFISX shifts across timeframes, from 0.56 (3 years) to 0.67 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VUG vs. DFISX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 36
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 40
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 33

DFISX

DFISX Risk / Return Rank: 44
DFISX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
DFISX Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
DFISX Omega Ratio Rank: 46
DFISX Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
DFISX Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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.

VUG vs. DFISX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) and DFA International Small Company Portfolio (DFISX). 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.

	VUG	DFISX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.29	1.60	-0.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.78	2.28	-0.50
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.29	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.29	1.90	-0.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.43	6.86	-2.43

VUG vs. DFISX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VUG Sharpe Ratio is 1.29, which is comparable to the DFISX Sharpe Ratio of 1.60. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VUG and DFISX, 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

VUG vs. DFISX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VUG drawdown since its inception was -50.68%, smaller than the maximum DFISX drawdown of -60.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VUG and DFISX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VUG	DFISX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.68%	-60.66%	+9.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.53%	-11.96%	-4.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.85%	-13.68%	-9.17%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.61%	-35.06%	-0.55%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.61%	-43.00%	+7.39%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.56%	-3.11%	-2.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.09%	-11.64%	+4.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.79%	3.29%	+1.50%

Volatility

VUG vs. DFISX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a higher volatility of 5.73% compared to DFA International Small Company Portfolio (DFISX) at 4.59%. This indicates that VUG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFISX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VUG	DFISX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.73%	4.59%	+1.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.00%	11.57%	+1.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.46%	14.17%	+2.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.30%	15.96%	+6.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.48%	16.21%	+5.27%

VUG vs. DFISX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VUG has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than DFISX's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

VUG vs. DFISX - Dividend Comparison

VUG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.39%, less than DFISX's 2.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFISX DFA International Small Company Portfolio	2.92%	3.19%	3.39%	3.01%	3.51%	3.06%	1.71%	4.54%	7.74%	1.27%	4.44%	4.47%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.39%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VUG and DFISX in my portfolio?

VUG and DFISX have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VUG or DFISX?

VUG has higher volatility (5.73%) compared to DFISX (4.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VUG dropped -50.68% vs DFISX's -60.66%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFISX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.60 vs 1.29), 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.