DFAC vs. SPXM

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

DFAC (Dimensional U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF) and SPXM (Azoria 500 Meritocracy ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, DFAC returned 23.19% vs 8.67% for SPXM. A 0.51 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFAC charges 0.17%/yr vs 0.47%/yr for SPXM.

Performance

DFAC vs. SPXM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAC) and Azoria 500 Meritocracy ETF (SPXM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

DFAC

• 1D: -0.54%
• 1M: 1.06%
• 6M: 9.53%
• YTD: 12.63%
• 1Y: 23.19%
• 3Y*: 18.57%
• 5Y*: 11.91%
• 10Y*: —

SPXM

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.00%
• 6M: 0.00%
• YTD: 0.00%
• 1Y: 8.67%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFAC vs. SPXM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DFAC Dimensional U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF	12.63%	9.89%
SPXM Azoria 500 Meritocracy ETF	0.00%	9.27%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAC and SPXM is 0.51, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.51
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 8, 2025	0.51

The correlation between DFAC and SPXM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.51 to 0.51 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFAC vs. SPXM — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFAC

DFAC Risk / Return Rank: 73
DFAC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
DFAC Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
DFAC Omega Ratio Rank: 71
DFAC Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
DFAC Martin Ratio Rank: 79

SPXM

SPXM Risk / Return Rank: 60
SPXM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
SPXM Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
SPXM Omega Ratio Rank: 81
SPXM Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
SPXM Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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. SPXM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAC) and Azoria 500 Meritocracy ETF (SPXM). 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	SPXM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.86	1.39	+0.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.59	1.97	+0.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.38	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.74	2.10	+0.65
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.94	9.84	+2.10

DFAC vs. SPXM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAC Sharpe Ratio is 1.86, which is higher than the SPXM Sharpe Ratio of 1.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAC and SPXM, 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. SPXM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAC drawdown since its inception was -23.12%, which is greater than SPXM's maximum drawdown of -5.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAC and SPXM.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAC	SPXM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.12%	-5.08%	-18.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.49%	-5.08%	-3.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.02%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.12%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.54%	-0.75%	+0.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.36%	-0.78%	-4.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.95%	—	—

Volatility

DFAC vs. SPXM - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAC) has a higher volatility of 3.51% compared to Azoria 500 Meritocracy ETF (SPXM) at 0.00%. This indicates that DFAC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPXM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFAC	SPXM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.51%	0.00%	+3.51%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.66%	3.99%	+5.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.55%	7.68%	+4.87%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.12%	7.64%	+9.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.07%	7.64%	+9.43%

DFAC vs. SPXM - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAC has a 0.17% expense ratio, which is lower than SPXM's 0.47% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFAC vs. SPXM - Dividend Comparison

DFAC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.91%, more than SPXM's 0.24% 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%
SPXM Azoria 500 Meritocracy ETF	0.24%	0.24%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAC and SPXM in my portfolio?

DFAC and SPXM have a correlation of 0.51, 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 SPXM?

DFAC has higher volatility (3.51%) compared to SPXM (0.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAC dropped -23.12% vs SPXM's -5.08%.

Which ETF is better, DFAC or SPXM?

On 1-year performance, DFAC leads with 23.19% vs 8.67% for SPXM. On fees, DFAC is cheaper at 0.17% per year. On volatility, SPXM has been the lower-risk option at 0.00%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFAC or SPXM?

Over the 1-year period, DFAC has performed better with a 23.19% return vs 8.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAC or SPXM?

DFAC is cheaper with a 0.17% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for SPXM.

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

DFAC has the higher dividend yield at 0.91%, compared with 0.24% for SPXM.

What is the main difference between DFAC and SPXM?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Azoria. Their fees differ too: 0.17% for DFAC and 0.47% for SPXM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.86 vs 1.39), 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.