BDVL vs. DFAI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BDVL (iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF) and DFAI (Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF) are both Global Equities funds. BDVL is passively managed, while DFAI is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BDVL charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for DFAI.

Performance

BDVL vs. DFAI - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BDVL achieves a 4.71% return, which is significantly lower than DFAI's 9.16% return.

BDVL

• 1D: -0.44%
• 1M: 0.91%
• YTD: 4.71%
• 6M: 5.43%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFAI

• 1D: -0.84%
• 1M: 2.67%
• YTD: 9.16%
• 6M: 11.79%
• 1Y: 24.65%
• 3Y*: 18.12%
• 5Y*: 9.36%
• 10Y*: —

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

BDVL vs. DFAI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BDVL iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF	4.71%	1.97%
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	9.16%	5.37%

Correlation

The correlation between BDVL and DFAI is 0.83, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 16, 2025	0.83

BDVL vs. DFAI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BDVL	DFAI
Technology	23.0%	9.3%
Industrials	15.4%	19.5%
Financial Services	13.9%	22.5%
Healthcare	11.1%	8.8%
Communication Services	10.7%	3.7%
Consumer Cyclical	8.5%	8.6%
Consumer Defensive	6.3%	6.4%
Utilities	4.8%	4.0%
Energy	2.8%	6.8%
Basic Materials	2.6%	8.8%
Real Estate	1.0%	1.5%

Return for Risk

BDVL 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: 49
DFAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
DFAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
DFAI Omega Ratio Rank: 50
DFAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
DFAI Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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.

BDVL vs. DFAI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF (BDVL) 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

	BDVL	DFAI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.76	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.59	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.01	0.78	+0.23

Drawdowns

BDVL vs. DFAI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BDVL drawdown since its inception was -7.71%, smaller than the maximum DFAI drawdown of -27.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BDVL and DFAI.

Drawdown Indicators

	BDVL	DFAI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.71%	-27.44%	+19.73%
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	-0.95%	-1.61%	+0.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.19%	-5.12%	+3.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.79%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BDVL	DFAI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.45%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	11.68%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.49%	14.08%	-4.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.49%	15.92%	-6.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.49%	15.70%	-6.21%

BDVL vs. DFAI - Expense Ratio Comparison

BDVL has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAI's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

BDVL vs. DFAI - Dividend Comparison

BDVL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.66%, more than DFAI's 2.26% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
BDVL iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF	2.66%	2.79%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	2.26%	2.45%	2.72%	2.64%	2.72%	2.06%	0.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BDVL and DFAI in my portfolio?

BDVL and DFAI have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, BDVL 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, BDVL or DFAI?

DFAI is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for BDVL.

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

BDVL has the higher dividend yield at 2.66%, compared with 2.26% for DFAI.

What is the main difference between BDVL and DFAI?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for BDVL and 0.18% for DFAI.