VVPLX vs. DFIEX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

VVPLX (Vulcan Value Partners Fund) and DFIEX (DFA International Core Equity 2 Portfolio Institutional Class) are both mutual funds - VVPLX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Vulcan Value Partners, while DFIEX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by Dimensional. Over the past 10 years, VVPLX returned 9.39%/yr vs 10.15%/yr for DFIEX. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VVPLX charges 1.06%/yr vs 0.24%/yr for DFIEX.

Performance

VVPLX vs. DFIEX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vulcan Value Partners Fund (VVPLX) and DFA International Core Equity 2 Portfolio Institutional Class (DFIEX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VVPLX achieves a -2.39% return, which is significantly lower than DFIEX's 10.41% return. Over the past 10 years, VVPLX has underperformed DFIEX with an annualized return of 9.39%, while DFIEX has yielded a comparatively higher 10.15% annualized return.

VVPLX

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 4.03%
• 6M: -4.60%
• YTD: -2.39%
• 1Y: 0.02%
• 3Y*: 11.75%
• 5Y*: 1.53%
• 10Y*: 9.39%

DFIEX

• 1D: 0.32%
• 1M: -0.13%
• 6M: 6.93%
• YTD: 10.41%
• 1Y: 23.51%
• 3Y*: 18.70%
• 5Y*: 9.89%
• 10Y*: 10.15%

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

VVPLX vs. DFIEX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VVPLX Vulcan Value Partners Fund	-2.39%	7.48%	17.50%	41.77%	-38.08%	21.61%	11.60%	44.43%	-7.83%	16.74%
DFIEX DFA International Core Equity 2 Portfolio Institutional Class	10.41%	36.18%	3.99%	17.50%	-13.51%	13.85%	7.73%	21.70%	-17.41%	28.04%

Correlation

The correlation between VVPLX and DFIEX is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.68
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 30, 2009	0.75

Over the past year, the correlation between VVPLX and DFIEX has dropped to 0.48 - well below their long-term average of 0.75, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

VVPLX vs. DFIEX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VVPLX

VVPLX Risk / Return Rank: 3
VVPLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
VVPLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
VVPLX Omega Ratio Rank: 3
VVPLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
VVPLX Martin Ratio Rank: 3

DFIEX

DFIEX Risk / Return Rank: 48
DFIEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
DFIEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
DFIEX Omega Ratio Rank: 48
DFIEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
DFIEX Martin Ratio Rank: 48

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.

VVPLX vs. DFIEX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vulcan Value Partners Fund (VVPLX) and DFA International Core Equity 2 Portfolio Institutional Class (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.

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.

	VVPLX	DFIEX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.06	1.58	-1.64
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.04	2.24	-2.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.00	1.29	-0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.05	2.07	-2.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.12	7.99	-8.11

VVPLX vs. DFIEX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VVPLX Sharpe Ratio is -0.06, which is lower than the DFIEX Sharpe Ratio of 1.58. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VVPLX 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.

Drawdowns

VVPLX vs. DFIEX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VVPLX drawdown since its inception was -47.95%, smaller than the maximum DFIEX drawdown of -62.22%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VVPLX and DFIEX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VVPLX	DFIEX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.95%	-62.22%	+14.27%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.19%	-11.01%	-9.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.19%	-12.81%	-7.38%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-47.95%	-28.66%	-19.29%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.95%	-41.04%	-6.91%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.20%	-0.98%	-5.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.28%	-12.12%	+2.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.58%	2.86%	+5.72%

Volatility

VVPLX vs. DFIEX - Volatility Comparison

Vulcan Value Partners Fund (VVPLX) has a higher volatility of 6.30% compared to DFA International Core Equity 2 Portfolio Institutional Class (DFIEX) at 4.63%. This indicates that VVPLX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFIEX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VVPLX	DFIEX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.30%	4.63%	+1.67%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.01%	12.06%	+1.95%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.56%	14.43%	+3.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.88%	15.81%	+7.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.13%	16.10%	+6.03%

VVPLX vs. DFIEX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VVPLX has a 1.06% expense ratio, which is higher than DFIEX's 0.24% expense ratio.

Dividends

VVPLX vs. DFIEX - Dividend Comparison

VVPLX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.99%, more than DFIEX's 3.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFIEX DFA International Core Equity 2 Portfolio Institutional Class	3.00%	3.22%	3.42%	3.36%	2.88%	2.98%	1.77%	2.90%	2.95%	2.49%	2.76%	4.20%
VVPLX Vulcan Value Partners Fund	5.99%	5.85%	0.19%	0.05%	5.95%	11.33%	3.54%	4.37%	8.90%	1.69%	1.31%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VVPLX and DFIEX in my portfolio?

VVPLX and DFIEX have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VVPLX or DFIEX?

VVPLX has higher volatility (6.30%) compared to DFIEX (4.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VVPLX dropped -47.95% vs DFIEX's -62.22%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFIEX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.58 vs -0.06), 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.