DFAS vs. DFIC

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFAS (Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF) and DFIC (DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFAS is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while DFIC is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFAS returned 15.22%/yr vs 19.43%/yr for DFIC. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFAS charges 0.34%/yr vs 0.23%/yr for DFIC.

Performance

DFAS vs. DFIC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS) and DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFAS achieves a 12.81% return, which is significantly higher than DFIC's 10.29% return.

DFAS

• 1D: -0.81%
• 1M: 2.19%
• YTD: 12.81%
• 6M: 12.10%
• 1Y: 27.65%
• 3Y*: 15.22%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFIC

• 1D: -0.71%
• 1M: 2.87%
• YTD: 10.29%
• 6M: 13.30%
• 1Y: 27.29%
• 3Y*: 19.43%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFAS vs. DFIC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFAS Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF	12.81%	8.17%	10.21%	17.83%	-8.74%
DFIC DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF	10.29%	37.09%	4.10%	17.32%	-9.27%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAS and DFIC is 0.69, 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	0.69
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 25, 2022	0.75

The correlation between DFAS and DFIC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.69 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFAS vs. DFIC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFAS	DFIC
Financial Services	19.5%	20.6%
Industrials	18.6%	20.2%
Technology	15.0%	7.8%
Consumer Cyclical	11.9%	9.5%
Healthcare	11.0%	7.0%
Energy	6.7%	8.1%
Basic Materials	5.6%	11.0%
Consumer Defensive	4.3%	6.1%
Utilities	3.8%	3.7%
Communication Services	2.8%	4.3%
Real Estate	0.2%	1.8%

Return for Risk

DFAS vs. DFIC — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFAS

DFAS Risk / Return Rank: 51
DFAS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
DFAS Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
DFAS Omega Ratio Rank: 45
DFAS Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
DFAS Martin Ratio Rank: 57

DFIC

DFIC Risk / Return Rank: 55
DFIC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
DFIC Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
DFIC Omega Ratio Rank: 57
DFIC Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
DFIC Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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.

DFAS vs. DFIC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS) and DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC). 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.

	DFAS	DFIC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.66	1.98	-0.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.46	2.76	-0.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.36	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.97	2.49	+0.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.17	9.90	+0.27
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFAS vs. DFIC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAS Sharpe Ratio is 1.66, which is comparable to the DFIC Sharpe Ratio of 1.98. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAS and DFIC, 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

	DFAS	DFIC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.66	1.98	-0.32
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.36	0.81	-0.45

Drawdowns

DFAS vs. DFIC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAS drawdown since its inception was -26.13%, which is greater than DFIC's maximum drawdown of -24.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAS and DFIC.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAS	DFIC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.13%	-24.40%	-1.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.36%	-11.00%	+1.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.13%	-13.14%	-12.99%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.81%	-1.32%	+0.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.31%	-4.55%	-3.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.73%	2.76%	-0.03%

Volatility

DFAS vs. DFIC - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS) and DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC) have volatilities of 4.31% and 4.34%, 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

	DFAS	DFIC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.31%	4.34%	-0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.58%	11.50%	+0.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.77%	13.85%	+2.92%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.84%	16.21%	+4.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.84%	16.21%	+4.63%

DFAS vs. DFIC - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAS has a 0.34% expense ratio, which is higher than DFIC's 0.23% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFAS vs. DFIC - Dividend Comparison

DFAS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.92%, less than DFIC's 2.27% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFAS Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF	0.92%	0.99%	0.93%	1.00%	1.03%	2.87%
DFIC DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF	2.27%	2.54%	2.87%	2.55%	1.47%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAS and DFIC in my portfolio?

DFAS and DFIC have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFAS or DFIC?

DFIC has higher volatility (4.34%) compared to DFAS (4.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAS dropped -26.13% vs DFIC's -24.40%.

Which ETF is better, DFAS or DFIC?

On 3-year performance, DFIC leads with 19.43% vs 15.22% for DFAS. On fees, DFIC is cheaper at 0.23% 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, DFAS or DFIC?

Over the 3-year period, DFIC has performed better with a 19.43% return vs 15.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAS or DFIC?

DFIC is cheaper with a 0.23% expense ratio, compared with 0.34% for DFAS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFAS or DFIC?

DFIC has the higher dividend yield at 2.27%, compared with 0.92% for DFAS.

What is the main difference between DFAS and DFIC?

DFAS is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while DFIC is Foreign Large Cap Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.34% for DFAS and 0.23% for DFIC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFIC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.98 vs 1.66), 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.