DFAU vs. GXLC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFAU (Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF) and GXLC (Global X U.S. 500 ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. DFAU is actively managed, while GXLC is passively managed. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFAU charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.02%/yr for GXLC.

Performance

DFAU vs. GXLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF (DFAU) and Global X U.S. 500 ETF (GXLC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFAU achieves a 8.85% return, which is significantly higher than GXLC's 8.31% return.

DFAU

• 1D: -1.55%
• 1M: -0.82%
• YTD: 8.85%
• 6M: 7.70%
• 1Y: 24.46%
• 3Y*: 20.24%
• 5Y*: 12.38%
• 10Y*: —

GXLC

• 1D: -1.32%
• 1M: -1.12%
• YTD: 8.31%
• 6M: 7.39%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFAU vs. GXLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DFAU Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF	8.85%	2.87%
GXLC Global X U.S. 500 ETF	8.31%	3.22%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAU and GXLC is 0.99 - 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 24, 2025	0.99

Return for Risk

DFAU vs. GXLC — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFAU

DFAU Risk / Return Rank: 62
DFAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
DFAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
DFAU Omega Ratio Rank: 59
DFAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
DFAU Martin Ratio Rank: 70

GXLC

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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. GXLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF (DFAU) and Global X U.S. 500 ETF (GXLC). 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	GXLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.93	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.63	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.83	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.54	—	—

Drawdowns

DFAU vs. GXLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAU drawdown since its inception was -23.61%, which is greater than GXLC's maximum drawdown of -9.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAU and GXLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAU	GXLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.61%	-9.08%	-14.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.67%	—	—
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	-2.87%	-3.05%	+0.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.96%	-1.54%	-3.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.95%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DFAU	GXLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.95%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.98%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.72%	13.85%	-1.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.12%	13.85%	+3.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.78%	13.85%	+2.93%

DFAU vs. GXLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAU has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is higher than GXLC's 0.02% 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. GXLC - Dividend Comparison

DFAU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.92%, more than GXLC's 0.65% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DFAU Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF	0.92%	0.95%	1.10%	1.29%	1.40%	1.00%	0.13%
GXLC Global X U.S. 500 ETF	0.65%	0.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAU and GXLC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, DFAU and GXLC 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 ETF is better, DFAU or GXLC?

On fees, GXLC is cheaper at 0.02% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAU or GXLC?

GXLC is cheaper with a 0.02% expense ratio, compared with 0.12% for DFAU.

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

DFAU has the higher dividend yield at 0.92%, compared with 0.65% for GXLC.

What is the main difference between DFAU and GXLC?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for DFAU and 0.02% for GXLC.