DFAI vs. DFAU

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

DFAI (Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF) and DFAU (Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFAI is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while DFAU is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, DFAI returned 9.63%/yr vs 12.36%/yr for DFAU. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFAI charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.12%/yr for DFAU.

Performance

DFAI vs. DFAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI) and Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF (DFAU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with DFAI having a 9.26% return and DFAU slightly lower at 9.19%.

DFAI

• 1D: 0.76%
• 1M: -0.98%
• YTD: 9.26%
• 6M: 8.66%
• 1Y: 24.42%
• 3Y*: 18.32%
• 5Y*: 9.63%
• 10Y*: —

DFAU

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: -1.30%
• YTD: 9.19%
• 6M: 7.72%
• 1Y: 23.51%
• 3Y*: 20.46%
• 5Y*: 12.36%
• 10Y*: —

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

DFAI vs. DFAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	9.26%	34.04%	4.68%	17.60%	-12.95%	13.86%	5.34%
DFAU Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF	9.19%	16.78%	23.17%	24.79%	-16.99%	26.89%	4.87%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAI and DFAU is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 18, 2020	0.78

The correlation between DFAI and DFAU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFAI vs. DFAU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFAI	DFAU
Financial Services	26.9%	12.1%
Industrials	17.2%	10.1%
Healthcare	11.4%	8.3%
Basic Materials	10.8%	2.4%
Technology	7.8%	36.0%
Consumer Cyclical	5.8%	10.6%
Consumer Defensive	5.3%	4.4%
Energy	4.7%	4.1%
Communication Services	4.3%	9.8%
Utilities	4.2%	2.3%
Real Estate	1.5%	0.1%

Return for Risk

DFAI vs. DFAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFAI

DFAI Risk / Return Rank: 56
DFAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
DFAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
DFAI Omega Ratio Rank: 57
DFAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
DFAI Martin Ratio Rank: 57

DFAU

DFAU Risk / Return Rank: 66
DFAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
DFAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
DFAU Omega Ratio Rank: 65
DFAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
DFAU Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

DFAI vs. DFAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI) and Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF (DFAU). 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.

	DFAI	DFAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	1.87	-0.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.37	2.55	-0.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.34	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.24	2.72	-0.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.71	11.98	-3.27

DFAI vs. DFAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAI Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is comparable to the DFAU Sharpe Ratio of 1.87. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAI and DFAU, 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

DFAI vs. DFAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAI drawdown since its inception was -27.44%, which is greater than DFAU's maximum drawdown of -23.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAI and DFAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAI	DFAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.44%	-23.61%	-3.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.95%	-8.67%	-2.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.25%	-19.36%	+6.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.44%	-23.61%	-3.83%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.52%	-2.56%	+1.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.08%	-4.95%	-0.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.81%	1.97%	+0.84%

Volatility

DFAI vs. DFAU - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI) and Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF (DFAU) have volatilities of 4.83% and 4.78%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFAI	DFAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.83%	4.78%	+0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.39%	9.89%	+2.50%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.56%	12.63%	+1.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.99%	17.12%	-1.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.73%	16.76%	-1.03%

DFAI vs. DFAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAI has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAU's 0.12% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

DFAI vs. DFAU - Dividend Comparison

DFAI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.36%, more than DFAU's 0.93% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	2.36%	2.45%	2.72%	2.64%	2.72%	2.06%	0.09%
DFAU Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF	0.93%	0.95%	1.10%	1.29%	1.40%	1.00%	0.13%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAI and DFAU in my portfolio?

DFAI and DFAU have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFAI or DFAU?

DFAI has higher volatility (4.83%) compared to DFAU (4.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAI dropped -27.44% vs DFAU's -23.61%.

Which ETF is better, DFAI or DFAU?

On 5-year performance, DFAU leads with 12.36% vs 9.63% for DFAI. On fees, DFAU is cheaper at 0.12% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFAI or DFAU?

Over the 5-year period, DFAU has performed better with a 12.36% return vs 9.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAI or DFAU?

DFAU is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.18% for DFAI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFAI or DFAU?

DFAI has the higher dividend yield at 2.36%, compared with 0.93% for DFAU.

What is the main difference between DFAI and DFAU?

DFAI is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while DFAU is Large Cap Blend Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.18% for DFAI and 0.12% for DFAU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.87 vs 1.69), 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.