DFAE vs. VXUS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DFAE (Dimensional Emerging Core Equity Market ETF) and VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFAE is a Emerging Markets Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. DFAE is actively managed, while VXUS is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, DFAE returned 9.93%/yr vs 9.22%/yr for VXUS. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFAE charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VXUS.

Performance

DFAE vs. VXUS - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFAE achieves a 29.00% return, which is significantly higher than VXUS's 16.04% return.

DFAE

• 1D: 0.53%
• 1M: 7.40%
• YTD: 29.00%
• 6M: 30.44%
• 1Y: 53.34%
• 3Y*: 24.55%
• 5Y*: 9.93%
• 10Y*: —

VXUS

• 1D: 0.33%
• 1M: 3.54%
• YTD: 16.04%
• 6M: 16.58%
• 1Y: 34.50%
• 3Y*: 20.13%
• 5Y*: 9.22%
• 10Y*: 10.57%

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

DFAE vs. VXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DFAE Dimensional Emerging Core Equity Market ETF	29.00%	31.48%	7.68%	12.63%	-17.52%	3.53%	5.93%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	16.04%	32.35%	5.08%	15.86%	-16.08%	8.98%	3.50%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAE and VXUS 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 (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 2, 2020	0.89

The correlation between DFAE and VXUS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFAE vs. VXUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFAE	VXUS
Technology	41.6%	21.0%
Financial Services	15.8%	21.7%
Industrials	9.1%	15.6%
Consumer Cyclical	8.1%	8.2%
Basic Materials	7.0%	7.6%
Communication Services	5.4%	4.4%
Energy	3.5%	4.7%
Healthcare	3.1%	6.8%
Consumer Defensive	2.9%	4.8%
Utilities	2.1%	3.0%
Real Estate	1.4%	2.4%

Return for Risk

DFAE vs. VXUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFAE

DFAE Risk / Return Rank: 81
DFAE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
DFAE Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
DFAE Omega Ratio Rank: 84
DFAE Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
DFAE Martin Ratio Rank: 81

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 67
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 70
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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. VXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Emerging Core Equity Market ETF (DFAE) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). 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.

	DFAE	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.56	2.16	+0.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.25	2.92	+0.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.40	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.19	3.07	+1.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.52	11.84	+3.69

DFAE vs. VXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAE Sharpe Ratio is 2.56, which is comparable to the VXUS Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAE and VXUS, 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

DFAE vs. VXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAE drawdown since its inception was -32.21%, smaller than the maximum VXUS drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAE and VXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAE	VXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.21%	-35.97%	+3.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.80%	-11.27%	-1.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.12%	-13.58%	-4.54%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.73%	-29.44%	-2.29%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.26%	-8.20%	-2.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.45%	2.92%	+0.53%

Volatility

DFAE vs. VXUS - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional Emerging Core Equity Market ETF (DFAE) has a higher volatility of 10.49% compared to Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) at 6.28%. This indicates that DFAE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VXUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFAE	VXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.49%	6.28%	+4.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.89%	14.10%	+4.79%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.97%	16.08%	+4.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.27%	16.21%	+2.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.20%	17.18%	+1.02%

DFAE vs. VXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAE has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than VXUS's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFAE vs. VXUS - Dividend Comparison

DFAE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.70%, less than VXUS's 2.51% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFAE Dimensional Emerging Core Equity Market ETF	1.70%	2.20%	2.35%	2.43%	2.85%	1.63%	0.01%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.51%	3.18%	3.37%	3.24%	3.09%	3.10%	2.14%	3.06%	3.18%	2.73%	2.93%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAE and VXUS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, DFAE and VXUS 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 VXUS?

DFAE has higher volatility (10.49%) compared to VXUS (6.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAE dropped -32.21% vs VXUS's -35.97%.

Which ETF is better, DFAE or VXUS?

On 5-year performance, DFAE leads with 9.93% vs 9.22% for VXUS. On fees, VXUS is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VXUS has been the lower-risk option at 6.28%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFAE or VXUS?

Over the 5-year period, DFAE has performed better with a 9.93% return vs 9.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAE or VXUS?

VXUS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for DFAE.

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

VXUS has the higher dividend yield at 2.51%, compared with 1.70% for DFAE.

What is the main difference between DFAE and VXUS?

DFAE is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while VXUS is Global Equities. They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for DFAE and 0.05% for VXUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.56 vs 2.16), 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.