DFAE vs. FRDM

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

DFAE (Dimensional Emerging Core Equity Market ETF) and FRDM (Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFAE is a Emerging Markets Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while FRDM is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the Life + Liberty Freedom 100 Emerging Markets Index. DFAE is actively managed, while FRDM is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, DFAE returned 9.43%/yr vs 19.81%/yr for FRDM. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFAE charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for FRDM.

Performance

DFAE vs. FRDM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional Emerging Core Equity Market ETF (DFAE) and Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF (FRDM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFAE achieves a 27.92% return, which is significantly lower than FRDM's 46.51% return.

DFAE

• 1D: 0.73%
• 1M: 8.96%
• YTD: 27.92%
• 6M: 30.63%
• 1Y: 54.94%
• 3Y*: 24.30%
• 5Y*: 9.43%
• 10Y*: —

FRDM

• 1D: 0.85%
• 1M: 18.47%
• YTD: 46.51%
• 6M: 55.81%
• 1Y: 100.10%
• 3Y*: 37.68%
• 5Y*: 19.81%
• 10Y*: —

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

DFAE vs. FRDM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DFAE Dimensional Emerging Core Equity Market ETF	27.92%	31.48%	7.68%	12.63%	-17.52%	3.53%	4.85%
FRDM Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF	46.51%	61.27%	1.70%	22.77%	-14.45%	6.13%	6.11%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAE and FRDM is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 3, 2020	0.85

The correlation between DFAE and FRDM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFAE vs. FRDM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFAE	FRDM
Technology	34.8%	41.1%
Financial Services	17.1%	22.1%
Industrials	10.2%	8.6%
Consumer Cyclical	9.1%	7.8%
Basic Materials	7.7%	7.4%
Communication Services	6.1%	3.9%
Energy	4.2%	0.1%
Healthcare	3.5%	1.8%
Consumer Defensive	3.3%	2.2%
Utilities	2.4%	2.6%
Real Estate	1.5%	2.5%

Return for Risk

DFAE vs. FRDM — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFAE

DFAE Risk / Return Rank: 84
DFAE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
DFAE Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
DFAE Omega Ratio Rank: 86
DFAE Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
DFAE Martin Ratio Rank: 83

FRDM

FRDM Risk / Return Rank: 94
FRDM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
FRDM Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
FRDM Omega Ratio Rank: 94
FRDM Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
FRDM Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

DFAE vs. FRDM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Emerging Core Equity Market ETF (DFAE) and Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF (FRDM). 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.

	DFAE	FRDM	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.92	4.12	-1.20
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.74	4.76	-1.02
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.54	1.69	-0.15
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.40	6.08	-1.68
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	17.09	24.53	-7.44
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFAE vs. FRDM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAE Sharpe Ratio is 2.92, which is comparable to the FRDM Sharpe Ratio of 4.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAE and FRDM, 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

	DFAE	FRDM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.92	4.12	-1.20
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.53	0.96	-0.43
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.65	0.86	-0.21

Drawdowns

DFAE vs. FRDM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAE drawdown since its inception was -32.21%, smaller than the maximum FRDM drawdown of -40.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAE and FRDM.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAE	FRDM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.21%	-40.49%	+8.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.80%	-16.87%	+4.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.12%	-16.87%	-1.25%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.19%	-29.25%	-2.94%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.33%	-7.10%	-3.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.30%	4.18%	-0.88%

Volatility

DFAE vs. FRDM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional Emerging Core Equity Market ETF (DFAE) is 7.97%, while Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF (FRDM) has a volatility of 10.86%. This indicates that DFAE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FRDM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFAE	FRDM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.97%	10.86%	-2.89%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.47%	21.59%	-5.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.95%	24.47%	-5.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.81%	20.79%	-2.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.84%	22.77%	-4.93%

DFAE vs. FRDM - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAE has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than FRDM's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFAE vs. FRDM - Dividend Comparison

DFAE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.71%, more than FRDM's 1.49% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
DFAE Dimensional Emerging Core Equity Market ETF	1.71%	2.20%	2.35%	2.43%	2.85%	1.63%	0.01%	0.00%
FRDM Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF	1.49%	2.26%	2.53%	2.66%	2.72%	2.17%	1.11%	1.07%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAE and FRDM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, DFAE and FRDM 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, DFAE or FRDM?

FRDM has higher volatility (10.86%) compared to DFAE (7.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAE dropped -32.21% vs FRDM's -40.49%.

Which ETF is better, DFAE or FRDM?

On 5-year performance, FRDM leads with 19.81% vs 9.43% for DFAE. On fees, DFAE is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, DFAE has been the lower-risk option at 7.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFAE or FRDM?

Over the 5-year period, FRDM has performed better with a 19.81% return vs 9.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAE or FRDM?

DFAE is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for FRDM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFAE or FRDM?

DFAE has the higher dividend yield at 1.71%, compared with 1.49% for FRDM.

What is the main difference between DFAE and FRDM?

DFAE is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while FRDM is Emerging Markets Diversified. They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Freedom Funds. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for DFAE and 0.49% for FRDM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FRDM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.12 vs 2.92), 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.