DFAU vs. DFUS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DFAU (Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF) and DFUS (Dimensional U.S. Equity Market ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds from Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, DFAU returned 12.88%/yr vs 13.25%/yr for DFUS. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFAU charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for DFUS.

Performance

DFAU vs. DFUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF (DFAU) and Dimensional U.S. Equity Market ETF (DFUS). 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 DFAU having a 10.57% return and DFUS slightly lower at 10.45%.

DFAU

• 1D: -0.25%
• 1M: 0.74%
• YTD: 10.57%
• 6M: 9.77%
• 1Y: 27.53%
• 3Y*: 20.87%
• 5Y*: 12.88%
• 10Y*: —

DFUS

• 1D: -0.30%
• 1M: 0.75%
• YTD: 10.45%
• 6M: 9.76%
• 1Y: 27.69%
• 3Y*: 21.49%
• 5Y*: 13.25%
• 10Y*: —

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

DFAU vs. DFUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFAU Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF	10.57%	16.78%	23.17%	24.79%	-16.99%	10.77%
DFUS Dimensional U.S. Equity Market ETF	10.45%	17.46%	24.34%	26.36%	-18.34%	12.07%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAU and DFUS is 1.00 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.00
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 14, 2021	0.99

The correlation between DFAU and DFUS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFAU vs. DFUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFAU	DFUS
Technology	36.0%	37.7%
Financial Services	12.1%	11.7%
Consumer Cyclical	10.6%	10.2%
Industrials	10.1%	9.4%
Communication Services	9.8%	10.1%
Healthcare	8.3%	8.6%
Consumer Defensive	4.4%	4.4%
Energy	4.1%	3.5%
Basic Materials	2.4%	2.0%
Utilities	2.3%	2.2%
Real Estate	0.1%	0.1%

Return for Risk

DFAU vs. DFUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFAU

DFAU Risk / Return Rank: 70
DFAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
DFAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
DFAU Omega Ratio Rank: 69
DFAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
DFAU Martin Ratio Rank: 76

DFUS

DFUS Risk / Return Rank: 69
DFUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
DFUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
DFUS Omega Ratio Rank: 68
DFUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
DFUS Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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. DFUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF (DFAU) and Dimensional U.S. Equity Market ETF (DFUS). 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	DFUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.19	2.16	+0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.96	2.93	+0.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.39	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.19	3.10	+0.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.18	13.79	+0.39

DFAU vs. DFUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAU Sharpe Ratio is 2.19, which is comparable to the DFUS Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAU and DFUS, 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. DFUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAU drawdown since its inception was -23.61%, roughly equal to the maximum DFUS drawdown of -24.62%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAU and DFUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAU	DFUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.61%	-24.62%	+1.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.67%	-8.96%	+0.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.36%	-19.44%	+0.08%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.61%	-24.62%	+1.01%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.34%	-1.38%	+0.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.96%	-5.78%	+0.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.95%	2.01%	-0.06%

Volatility

DFAU vs. DFUS - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF (DFAU) and Dimensional U.S. Equity Market ETF (DFUS) have volatilities of 4.68% and 4.87%, 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

	DFAU	DFUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.68%	4.87%	-0.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.86%	10.07%	-0.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.64%	12.88%	-0.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.11%	17.27%	-0.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.77%	17.24%	-0.47%

DFAU vs. DFUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAU has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is higher than DFUS's 0.09% 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

DFAU vs. DFUS - Dividend Comparison

DFAU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.90%, more than DFUS's 0.84% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DFAU Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF	0.90%	0.95%	1.10%	1.29%	1.40%	1.00%	0.13%
DFUS Dimensional U.S. Equity Market ETF	0.84%	0.88%	1.04%	1.33%	1.48%	0.85%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAU and DFUS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, DFAU and DFUS 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, DFAU or DFUS?

DFUS has higher volatility (4.87%) compared to DFAU (4.68%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAU dropped -23.61% vs DFUS's -24.62%.

Which ETF is better, DFAU or DFUS?

On 5-year performance, DFUS leads with 13.25% vs 12.88% for DFAU. On fees, DFUS is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, DFAU has been the lower-risk option at 4.68%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFAU or DFUS?

Over the 5-year period, DFUS has performed better with a 13.25% return vs 12.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAU or DFUS?

DFUS is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.12% for DFAU.

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

DFAU has the higher dividend yield at 0.90%, compared with 0.84% for DFUS.

What is the main difference between DFAU and DFUS?

Their fees differ too: 0.12% for DFAU and 0.09% for DFUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.19 vs 2.16), 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.