AFIX vs. DFCF

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AFIX (Allspring Broad Market Core Bond ETF) and DFCF (Dimensional Core Fixed Income ETF) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, AFIX returned 5.65% vs 5.78% for DFCF. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. AFIX charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.17%/yr for DFCF.

Performance

AFIX vs. DFCF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allspring Broad Market Core Bond ETF (AFIX) and Dimensional Core Fixed Income ETF (DFCF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AFIX achieves a 0.31% return, which is significantly lower than DFCF's 0.37% return.

AFIX

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 0.23%
• YTD: 0.31%
• 6M: 0.22%
• 1Y: 5.65%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFCF

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: 0.32%
• YTD: 0.37%
• 6M: 0.21%
• 1Y: 5.78%
• 3Y*: 4.79%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AFIX vs. DFCF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
AFIX Allspring Broad Market Core Bond ETF	0.31%	7.52%	-1.67%
DFCF Dimensional Core Fixed Income ETF	0.37%	7.89%	-1.94%

Correlation

The correlation between AFIX and DFCF is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 6, 2024	0.96

The correlation between AFIX and DFCF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AFIX vs. DFCF — Risk / Return Rank

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

AFIX

AFIX Risk / Return Rank: 40
AFIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
AFIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
AFIX Omega Ratio Rank: 40
AFIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
AFIX Martin Ratio Rank: 37

DFCF

DFCF Risk / Return Rank: 40
DFCF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
DFCF Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
DFCF Omega Ratio Rank: 38
DFCF Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
DFCF Martin Ratio Rank: 40

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.

AFIX vs. DFCF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allspring Broad Market Core Bond ETF (AFIX) and Dimensional Core Fixed Income ETF (DFCF). 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.

	AFIX	DFCF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.43	1.46	-0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.14	2.14	0.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.25	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.83	2.08	-0.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.67	6.32	-0.65
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

AFIX vs. DFCF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AFIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.43, which is comparable to the DFCF Sharpe Ratio of 1.46. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AFIX and DFCF, 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

	AFIX	DFCF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.43	1.46	-0.03
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.89	0.04	+0.86

Drawdowns

AFIX vs. DFCF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AFIX drawdown since its inception was -3.33%, smaller than the maximum DFCF drawdown of -19.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AFIX and DFCF.

Drawdown Indicators

	AFIX	DFCF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.33%	-19.56%	+16.23%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.10%	-2.79%	-0.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-5.05%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.88%	-1.46%	-0.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.96%	-8.04%	+7.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.00%	0.92%	+0.08%

Volatility

AFIX vs. DFCF - Volatility Comparison

Allspring Broad Market Core Bond ETF (AFIX) and Dimensional Core Fixed Income ETF (DFCF) have volatilities of 1.42% and 1.36%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AFIX	DFCF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.42%	1.36%	+0.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.87%	2.90%	-0.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.97%	3.99%	-0.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.55%	6.46%	-1.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.55%	6.46%	-1.91%

AFIX vs. DFCF - Expense Ratio Comparison

AFIX has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is higher than DFCF's 0.17% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

AFIX vs. DFCF - Dividend Comparison

AFIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.02%, more than DFCF's 4.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
AFIX Allspring Broad Market Core Bond ETF	5.02%	4.94%	0.38%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DFCF Dimensional Core Fixed Income ETF	4.31%	4.48%	4.61%	4.51%	3.27%	0.16%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AFIX and DFCF in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, AFIX and DFCF 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, AFIX or DFCF?

AFIX has higher volatility (1.42%) compared to DFCF (1.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AFIX dropped -3.33% vs DFCF's -19.56%.

Which ETF is better, AFIX or DFCF?

On 1-year performance, DFCF leads with 5.78% vs 5.65% for AFIX. On fees, DFCF is cheaper at 0.17% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AFIX or DFCF?

Over the 1-year period, DFCF has performed better with a 5.78% return vs 5.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AFIX or DFCF?

DFCF is cheaper with a 0.17% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for AFIX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AFIX or DFCF?

AFIX has the higher dividend yield at 5.02%, compared with 4.31% for DFCF.

What is the main difference between AFIX and DFCF?

They also come from different issuers: Allspring and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for AFIX and 0.17% for DFCF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFCF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.46 vs 1.43), 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.