DFAU vs. DFAE

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

DFAU (Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF) and DFAE (Dimensional Emerging Core Equity Market ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFAU is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while DFAE is a Emerging Markets Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, DFAU returned 13.38%/yr vs 9.43%/yr for DFAE. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFAU charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for DFAE.

Performance

DFAU vs. DFAE - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFAU achieves a 12.07% return, which is significantly lower than DFAE's 27.92% return.

DFAU

• 1D: 0.31%
• 1M: 5.21%
• YTD: 12.07%
• 6M: 12.52%
• 1Y: 30.31%
• 3Y*: 21.97%
• 5Y*: 13.38%
• 10Y*: —

DFAE

• 1D: 0.73%
• 1M: 8.96%
• YTD: 27.92%
• 6M: 30.63%
• 1Y: 54.94%
• 3Y*: 24.30%
• 5Y*: 9.43%
• 10Y*: —

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

DFAU vs. DFAE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DFAU Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF	12.07%	16.78%	23.17%	24.79%	-16.99%	26.89%	3.15%
DFAE Dimensional Emerging Core Equity Market ETF	27.92%	31.48%	7.68%	12.63%	-17.52%	3.53%	4.85%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAU and DFAE is 0.74, 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	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 3, 2020	0.67

The correlation between DFAU and DFAE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.67 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFAU vs. DFAE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFAU	DFAE
Technology	32.7%	34.8%
Financial Services	12.8%	17.1%
Consumer Cyclical	10.8%	9.1%
Industrials	10.4%	10.2%
Communication Services	10.4%	6.1%
Healthcare	8.5%	3.5%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	3.3%
Energy	4.6%	4.2%
Utilities	2.5%	2.4%
Basic Materials	2.4%	7.7%
Real Estate	0.2%	1.5%

Return for Risk

DFAU vs. DFAE — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFAU

DFAU Risk / Return Rank: 76
DFAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
DFAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
DFAU Omega Ratio Rank: 76
DFAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
DFAU Martin Ratio Rank: 81

DFAE

DFAE Risk / Return Rank: 84
DFAE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
DFAE Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
DFAE Omega Ratio Rank: 86
DFAE Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
DFAE Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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. DFAE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	DFAU	DFAE	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.53	2.92	-0.38
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.43	3.74	-0.31
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.54	-0.08
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.56	4.40	-0.84
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	16.33	17.09	-0.76
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFAU vs. DFAE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAU Sharpe Ratio is 2.53, which is comparable to the DFAE Sharpe Ratio of 2.92. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAU and DFAE, 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

	DFAU	DFAE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.53	2.92	-0.38
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79	0.53	+0.26
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.95	0.65	+0.30

Drawdowns

DFAU vs. DFAE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAU drawdown since its inception was -23.61%, smaller than the maximum DFAE drawdown of -32.21%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAU and DFAE.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAU	DFAE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.61%	-32.21%	+8.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.67%	-12.80%	+4.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.36%	-18.12%	-1.24%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.61%	-32.19%	+8.58%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.99%	-10.33%	+5.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.89%	3.30%	-1.41%

Volatility

DFAU vs. DFAE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF (DFAU) is 2.88%, while Dimensional Emerging Core Equity Market ETF (DFAE) has a volatility of 7.97%. This indicates that DFAU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFAE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFAU	DFAE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.88%	7.97%	-5.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.02%	16.47%	-7.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.04%	18.95%	-6.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.02%	17.81%	-0.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.74%	17.84%	-1.10%

DFAU vs. DFAE - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAU has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than DFAE's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFAU vs. DFAE - Dividend Comparison

DFAU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.89%, less than DFAE's 1.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DFAE Dimensional Emerging Core Equity Market ETF	1.71%	2.20%	2.35%	2.43%	2.85%	1.63%	0.01%
DFAU Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF	0.89%	0.95%	1.10%	1.29%	1.40%	1.00%	0.13%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAU and DFAE in my portfolio?

DFAU and DFAE have a correlation of 0.74, 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 DFAE?

DFAE has higher volatility (7.97%) compared to DFAU (2.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAU dropped -23.61% vs DFAE's -32.21%.

Which ETF is better, DFAU or DFAE?

On 5-year performance, DFAU leads with 13.38% vs 9.43% for DFAE. On fees, DFAU is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, DFAU has been the lower-risk option at 2.88%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFAU or DFAE?

Over the 5-year period, DFAU has performed better with a 13.38% return vs 9.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAU or DFAE?

DFAU is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for DFAE.

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

DFAE has the higher dividend yield at 1.71%, compared with 0.89% for DFAU.

What is the main difference between DFAU and DFAE?

DFAU is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while DFAE is Emerging Markets Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for DFAU and 0.35% for DFAE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.92 vs 2.53), 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.