DCOR vs. RAFE

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

DCOR (Dimensional US Core Equity 1 ETF) and RAFE (PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. DCOR is actively managed, while RAFE is passively managed. Over the past year, DCOR returned 24.08% vs 28.30% for RAFE. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DCOR charges 0.14%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for RAFE.

Performance

DCOR vs. RAFE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional US Core Equity 1 ETF (DCOR) and PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF (RAFE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DCOR achieves a 10.33% return, which is significantly lower than RAFE's 13.50% return.

DCOR

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 0.17%
• YTD: 10.33%
• 6M: 8.85%
• 1Y: 24.08%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

RAFE

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 2.27%
• YTD: 13.50%
• 6M: 12.30%
• 1Y: 28.30%
• 3Y*: 19.09%
• 5Y*: 11.13%
• 10Y*: —

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

DCOR vs. RAFE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
DCOR Dimensional US Core Equity 1 ETF	10.33%	15.96%	21.19%	7.96%
RAFE PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF	13.50%	17.60%	13.81%	9.23%

Correlation

The correlation between DCOR and RAFE is 0.90, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2023	0.91

The correlation between DCOR and RAFE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DCOR vs. RAFE — Risk / Return Rank

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

DCOR

DCOR Risk / Return Rank: 68
DCOR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
DCOR Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
DCOR Omega Ratio Rank: 66
DCOR Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
DCOR Martin Ratio Rank: 76

RAFE

RAFE Risk / Return Rank: 84
RAFE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
RAFE Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
RAFE Omega Ratio Rank: 83
RAFE Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
RAFE Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

DCOR vs. RAFE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional US Core Equity 1 ETF (DCOR) and PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF (RAFE). 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.

	DCOR	RAFE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.97	2.48	-0.52
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.71	3.46	-0.75
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.44	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.93	3.81	-0.88
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.78	14.74	-1.95

DCOR vs. RAFE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DCOR Sharpe Ratio is 1.97, which is comparable to the RAFE Sharpe Ratio of 2.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DCOR and RAFE, 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

DCOR vs. RAFE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DCOR drawdown since its inception was -19.10%, smaller than the maximum RAFE drawdown of -35.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DCOR and RAFE.

Drawdown Indicators

	DCOR	RAFE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.10%	-35.74%	+16.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.26%	-7.46%	-0.80%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-16.36%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.28%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.78%	-1.21%	-0.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.18%	-6.17%	+3.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.89%	1.93%	-0.04%

Volatility

DCOR vs. RAFE - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional US Core Equity 1 ETF (DCOR) has a higher volatility of 4.49% compared to PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF (RAFE) at 3.71%. This indicates that DCOR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RAFE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DCOR	RAFE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.49%	3.71%	+0.78%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.54%	8.70%	+0.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.34%	11.51%	+0.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.20%	15.10%	+0.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.20%	19.39%	-4.19%

DCOR vs. RAFE - Expense Ratio Comparison

DCOR has a 0.14% expense ratio, which is lower than RAFE's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

DCOR vs. RAFE - Dividend Comparison

DCOR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.95%, less than RAFE's 1.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DCOR Dimensional US Core Equity 1 ETF	0.95%	0.97%	0.98%	0.40%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
RAFE PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF	1.50%	1.67%	1.79%	1.81%	2.22%	1.42%	2.36%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DCOR and RAFE in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, DCOR and RAFE 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, DCOR or RAFE?

DCOR has higher volatility (4.49%) compared to RAFE (3.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DCOR dropped -19.10% vs RAFE's -35.74%.

Which ETF is better, DCOR or RAFE?

On 1-year performance, RAFE leads with 28.30% vs 24.08% for DCOR. On fees, DCOR is cheaper at 0.14% per year. On volatility, RAFE has been the lower-risk option at 3.71%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DCOR or RAFE?

Over the 1-year period, RAFE has performed better with a 28.30% return vs 24.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DCOR or RAFE?

DCOR is cheaper with a 0.14% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for RAFE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DCOR or RAFE?

RAFE has the higher dividend yield at 1.50%, compared with 0.95% for DCOR.

What is the main difference between DCOR and RAFE?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and PIMCO. Their fees differ too: 0.14% for DCOR and 0.30% for RAFE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RAFE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.48 vs 1.97), 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.