DFAC vs. PIT

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DFAC (Dimensional U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF) and PIT (VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFAC is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while PIT is a Commodities fund actively managed by VanEck. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFAC returned 20.04%/yr vs 19.51%/yr for PIT. At a 0.11 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. DFAC charges 0.17%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for PIT.

Performance

DFAC vs. PIT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAC) and VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF (PIT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFAC achieves a 11.90% return, which is significantly lower than PIT's 27.31% return.

DFAC

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 1.38%
• YTD: 11.90%
• 6M: 10.98%
• 1Y: 28.74%
• 3Y*: 20.04%
• 5Y*: 12.14%
• 10Y*: —

PIT

• 1D: -0.75%
• 1M: -10.60%
• YTD: 27.31%
• 6M: 26.74%
• 1Y: 38.33%
• 3Y*: 19.51%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFAC vs. PIT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFAC Dimensional U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF	11.90%	15.66%	19.61%	21.96%	-0.74%
PIT VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF	27.31%	21.63%	6.77%	-4.54%	1.67%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAC and PIT is -0.09, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.09
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.06
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 22, 2022	0.11

The correlation between DFAC and PIT shifts across timeframes, from -0.09 (1 year) to 0.11 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DFAC vs. PIT — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFAC

DFAC Risk / Return Rank: 74
DFAC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
DFAC Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
DFAC Omega Ratio Rank: 72
DFAC Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
DFAC Martin Ratio Rank: 79

PIT

PIT Risk / Return Rank: 55
PIT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
PIT Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
PIT Omega Ratio Rank: 52
PIT Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
PIT Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

DFAC vs. PIT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAC) and VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF (PIT). 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.

	DFAC	PIT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.30	1.78	+0.52
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.14	2.32	+0.82
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.32	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.40	2.74	+0.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.87	10.88	+3.99

DFAC vs. PIT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAC Sharpe Ratio is 2.30, which is comparable to the PIT Sharpe Ratio of 1.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAC and PIT, 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

DFAC vs. PIT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAC drawdown since its inception was -23.12%, which is greater than PIT's maximum drawdown of -14.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAC and PIT.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAC	PIT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.12%	-14.05%	-9.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.49%	-14.05%	+5.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.02%	-14.05%	-5.97%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.12%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.79%	-14.05%	+13.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.41%	-4.07%	-1.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.94%	3.59%	-1.65%

Volatility

DFAC vs. PIT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAC) is 4.35%, while VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF (PIT) has a volatility of 4.67%. This indicates that DFAC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PIT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFAC	PIT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.35%	4.67%	-0.32%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.65%	19.36%	-9.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.59%	21.66%	-9.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.14%	17.50%	-0.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.14%	17.50%	-0.36%

DFAC vs. PIT - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAC has a 0.17% expense ratio, which is lower than PIT's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFAC vs. PIT - Dividend Comparison

DFAC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.91%, less than PIT's 7.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFAC Dimensional U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF	0.91%	0.97%	1.03%	1.20%	1.50%	0.88%
PIT VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF	7.00%	8.92%	3.59%	6.44%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAC and PIT in my portfolio?

DFAC and PIT have a correlation of -0.09, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFAC or PIT?

PIT has higher volatility (4.67%) compared to DFAC (4.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAC dropped -23.12% vs PIT's -14.05%.

Which ETF is better, DFAC or PIT?

On 3-year performance, DFAC leads with 20.04% vs 19.51% for PIT. On fees, DFAC is cheaper at 0.17% per year. On volatility, DFAC has been the lower-risk option at 4.35%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFAC or PIT?

Over the 3-year period, DFAC has performed better with a 20.04% return vs 19.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAC or PIT?

DFAC is cheaper with a 0.17% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for PIT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFAC or PIT?

PIT has the higher dividend yield at 7.00%, compared with 0.91% for DFAC.

What is the main difference between DFAC and PIT?

DFAC is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while PIT is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.17% for DFAC and 0.55% for PIT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.30 vs 1.78), 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.