DFAU vs. AFOS

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

DFAU (Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF) and AFOS (ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past year, DFAU returned 22.27% vs 71.54% for AFOS. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFAU charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for AFOS.

Performance

DFAU vs. AFOS - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFAU achieves a 11.58% return, which is significantly lower than AFOS's 30.98% return.

DFAU

• 1D: 0.29%
• 1M: 1.54%
• 6M: 9.17%
• YTD: 11.58%
• 1Y: 22.27%
• 3Y*: 19.64%
• 5Y*: 12.68%
• 10Y*: —

AFOS

• 1D: 1.51%
• 1M: 1.47%
• 6M: 22.53%
• YTD: 30.98%
• 1Y: 71.54%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFAU vs. AFOS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DFAU Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF	11.58%	13.11%
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	30.98%	37.10%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAU and AFOS is 0.84, 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	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 26, 2025	0.83

The correlation between DFAU and AFOS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFAU vs. AFOS — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFAU

DFAU Risk / Return Rank: 69
DFAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
DFAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
DFAU Omega Ratio Rank: 67
DFAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
DFAU Martin Ratio Rank: 76

AFOS

AFOS Risk / Return Rank: 95
AFOS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
AFOS Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
AFOS Omega Ratio Rank: 93
AFOS Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
AFOS Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

DFAU vs. AFOS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF (DFAU) and ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF (AFOS). 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.

	DFAU	AFOS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.76	3.25	-1.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.43	3.94	-1.51
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.52	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.58	6.24	-3.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.26	27.13	-15.87

DFAU vs. AFOS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAU Sharpe Ratio is 1.76, which is lower than the AFOS Sharpe Ratio of 3.25. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAU and AFOS, 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

DFAU vs. AFOS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAU drawdown since its inception was -23.61%, which is greater than AFOS's maximum drawdown of -11.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAU and AFOS.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAU	AFOS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.61%	-11.52%	-12.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.67%	-11.52%	+2.85%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.36%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.61%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.44%	-4.24%	+3.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.92%	-1.54%	-3.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.98%	2.65%	-0.67%

Volatility

DFAU vs. AFOS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF (DFAU) is 3.51%, while ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF (AFOS) has a volatility of 8.31%. This indicates that DFAU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AFOS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFAU	AFOS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.51%	8.31%	-4.80%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.96%	18.40%	-8.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.67%	22.12%	-9.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.12%	21.75%	-4.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.72%	21.75%	-5.03%

DFAU vs. AFOS - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAU has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than AFOS's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFAU vs. AFOS - Dividend Comparison

DFAU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.91%, more than AFOS's 0.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	0.23%	0.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DFAU Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF	0.91%	0.95%	1.10%	1.29%	1.40%	1.00%	0.13%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAU and AFOS in my portfolio?

DFAU and AFOS have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFAU or AFOS?

AFOS has higher volatility (8.31%) compared to DFAU (3.51%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAU dropped -23.61% vs AFOS's -11.52%.

Which ETF is better, DFAU or AFOS?

On 1-year performance, AFOS leads with 71.54% vs 22.27% for DFAU. On fees, DFAU is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, DFAU has been the lower-risk option at 3.51%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFAU or AFOS?

Over the 1-year period, AFOS has performed better with a 71.54% return vs 22.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAU or AFOS?

DFAU is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for AFOS.

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

DFAU has the higher dividend yield at 0.91%, compared with 0.23% for AFOS.

What is the main difference between DFAU and AFOS?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and ARS Investment Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for DFAU and 0.45% for AFOS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AFOS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.25 vs 1.76), 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.