ACTV vs. DFAI

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

ACTV (LeaderShares Activist Leaders ETF) and DFAI (Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF) are both Global Equities funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ACTV charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for DFAI.

Performance

ACTV vs. DFAI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in LeaderShares Activist Leaders ETF (ACTV) and Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

ACTV

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFAI

• 1D: 0.70%
• 1M: 2.22%
• YTD: 10.08%
• 6M: 13.37%
• 1Y: 24.79%
• 3Y*: 18.45%
• 5Y*: 9.75%
• 10Y*: —

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

ACTV vs. DFAI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
ACTV LeaderShares Activist Leaders ETF	0.00%	3.13%	-1.70%	15.22%	-19.33%	25.52%	11.74%
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	10.08%	34.04%	4.68%	17.60%	-12.95%	13.86%	6.13%

Correlation

The correlation between ACTV and DFAI is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.59
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 19, 2020	0.68

Over the past year, the correlation between ACTV and DFAI has dropped to 0.39 - well below their long-term average of 0.68, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

ACTV vs. DFAI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ACTV	DFAI
Financial Services	98.5%	22.5%
Technology	30.1%	9.3%
Communication Services	12.3%	3.7%
Consumer Cyclical	12.0%	8.6%
Real Estate	9.3%	1.5%
Healthcare	7.1%	8.8%
Consumer Defensive	6.8%	6.4%
Industrials	6.6%	19.5%
Utilities	3.0%	4.0%
Energy	2.1%	6.8%
Basic Materials	1.2%	8.8%

Return for Risk

ACTV vs. DFAI — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFAI

DFAI Risk / Return Rank: 51
DFAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
DFAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
DFAI Omega Ratio Rank: 51
DFAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
DFAI Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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.

ACTV vs. DFAI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for LeaderShares Activist Leaders ETF (ACTV) and Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ACTV	DFAI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.77	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.62	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	—	0.79	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	ACTV	DFAI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	—	-27.44%	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-10.95%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.25%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.44%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	—	-0.78%	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	—	-5.13%	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.78%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ACTV	DFAI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.57%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	11.66%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	14.08%	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	—	15.92%	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	—	15.70%	—

ACTV vs. DFAI - Expense Ratio Comparison

ACTV has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAI's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

ACTV vs. DFAI - Dividend Comparison

ACTV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.28%, less than DFAI's 2.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
ACTV LeaderShares Activist Leaders ETF	1.28%	1.28%	0.80%	1.18%	0.28%	7.63%	0.11%
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	2.24%	2.45%	2.72%	2.64%	2.72%	2.06%	0.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ACTV and DFAI in my portfolio?

ACTV and DFAI have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ACTV or DFAI?

On fees, DFAI is cheaper at 0.18% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ACTV or DFAI?

DFAI is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for ACTV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ACTV or DFAI?

DFAI has the higher dividend yield at 2.24%, compared with 1.28% for ACTV.

What is the main difference between ACTV and DFAI?

They also come from different issuers: Redwood and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for ACTV and 0.18% for DFAI.