DFAI vs. GMOI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFAI (Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF) and GMOI (GMO International Value ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. DFAI is actively managed, while GMOI is passively managed. Over the past year, DFAI returned 23.12% vs 35.21% for GMOI. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFAI charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for GMOI.

Performance

DFAI vs. GMOI - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFAI achieves a 7.50% return, which is significantly lower than GMOI's 11.52% return.

DFAI

• 1D: -2.83%
• 1M: -1.64%
• YTD: 7.50%
• 6M: 6.97%
• 1Y: 23.12%
• 3Y*: 17.77%
• 5Y*: 9.35%
• 10Y*: —

GMOI

• 1D: -1.03%
• 1M: -1.76%
• YTD: 11.52%
• 6M: 11.19%
• 1Y: 35.21%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFAI vs. GMOI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	7.50%	34.04%	-4.00%
GMOI GMO International Value ETF	11.52%	45.64%	-4.48%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAI and GMOI 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 29, 2024	0.92

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

Return for Risk

DFAI vs. GMOI — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFAI

DFAI Risk / Return Rank: 47
DFAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
DFAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
DFAI Omega Ratio Rank: 46
DFAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
DFAI Martin Ratio Rank: 50

GMOI

GMOI Risk / Return Rank: 85
GMOI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
GMOI Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
GMOI Omega Ratio Rank: 83
GMOI Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
GMOI Martin Ratio Rank: 85

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. GMOI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI) and GMO International Value ETF (GMOI). 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	GMOI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.57	2.64	-1.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.21	3.65	-1.44
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.47	-0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.12	4.23	-2.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.25	16.65	-8.40

DFAI vs. GMOI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAI Sharpe Ratio is 1.57, which is lower than the GMOI Sharpe Ratio of 2.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAI and GMOI, 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. GMOI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAI drawdown since its inception was -27.44%, which is greater than GMOI's maximum drawdown of -14.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAI and GMOI.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAI	GMOI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.44%	-14.67%	-12.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.95%	-8.36%	-2.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.25%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.44%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.10%	-2.63%	-0.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.09%	-1.69%	-3.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.81%	2.12%	+0.69%

Volatility

DFAI vs. GMOI - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI) has a higher volatility of 5.38% compared to GMO International Value ETF (GMOI) at 3.99%. This indicates that DFAI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GMOI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFAI	GMOI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.38%	3.99%	+1.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.60%	10.67%	+1.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.77%	13.40%	+1.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.03%	15.57%	+0.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.77%	15.57%	+0.20%

DFAI vs. GMOI - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAI has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is lower than GMOI's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFAI vs. GMOI - Dividend Comparison

DFAI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.29%, less than GMOI's 2.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	2.29%	2.45%	2.72%	2.64%	2.72%	2.06%	0.09%
GMOI GMO International Value ETF	2.45%	2.74%	0.54%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAI and GMOI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, DFAI and GMOI 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, DFAI or GMOI?

DFAI has higher volatility (5.38%) compared to GMOI (3.99%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAI dropped -27.44% vs GMOI's -14.67%.

Which ETF is better, DFAI or GMOI?

On 1-year performance, GMOI leads with 35.21% vs 23.12% for DFAI. On fees, DFAI is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, GMOI has been the lower-risk option at 3.99%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFAI or GMOI?

Over the 1-year period, GMOI has performed better with a 35.21% return vs 23.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAI or GMOI?

DFAI is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for GMOI.

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

GMOI has the higher dividend yield at 2.45%, compared with 2.29% for DFAI.

What is the main difference between DFAI and GMOI?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and GMO. Their fees differ too: 0.18% for DFAI and 0.60% for GMOI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GMOI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.64 vs 1.57), 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.