DFAU vs. RSBY

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

DFAU (Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF) and RSBY (Return Stacked Bonds & Futures Yield ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFAU is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while RSBY is a Multistrategy fund actively managed by Return Stacked. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, DFAU returned 22.99% vs 17.35% for RSBY. At a correlation of -0.21, they often move in opposite directions. DFAU charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.98%/yr for RSBY.

Performance

DFAU vs. RSBY - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFAU achieves a 12.03% return, which is significantly lower than RSBY's 18.52% return.

DFAU

• 1D: 0.38%
• 1M: 1.95%
• 6M: 9.62%
• YTD: 12.03%
• 1Y: 22.99%
• 3Y*: 20.28%
• 5Y*: 12.61%
• 10Y*: —

RSBY

• 1D: -0.60%
• 1M: -0.71%
• 6M: 17.92%
• YTD: 18.52%
• 1Y: 17.35%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFAU vs. RSBY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
DFAU Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF	12.03%	16.78%	5.78%
RSBY Return Stacked Bonds & Futures Yield ETF	18.52%	-12.98%	-7.79%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAU and RSBY is -0.25, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.25
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 21, 2024	-0.21

Return for Risk

DFAU vs. RSBY — 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: 68
DFAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
DFAU Omega Ratio Rank: 67
DFAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
DFAU Martin Ratio Rank: 76

RSBY

RSBY Risk / Return Rank: 51
RSBY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
RSBY Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
RSBY Omega Ratio Rank: 51
RSBY Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
RSBY Martin Ratio Rank: 40

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. RSBY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF (DFAU) and Return Stacked Bonds & Futures Yield ETF (RSBY). 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	RSBY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.78	1.50	+0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.45	2.18	+0.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.26	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.59	2.15	+0.44
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.32	5.04	+6.29

DFAU vs. RSBY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAU Sharpe Ratio is 1.78, which is comparable to the RSBY Sharpe Ratio of 1.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAU and RSBY, 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. RSBY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAU drawdown since its inception was -23.61%, roughly equal to the maximum RSBY drawdown of -23.32%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAU and RSBY.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAU	RSBY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.61%	-23.32%	-0.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.67%	-7.95%	-0.72%
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	-0.04%	-6.45%	+6.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.93%	-13.35%	+8.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.98%	3.39%	-1.41%

Volatility

DFAU vs. RSBY - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF (DFAU) has a higher volatility of 4.23% compared to Return Stacked Bonds & Futures Yield ETF (RSBY) at 3.15%. This indicates that DFAU's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RSBY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFAU	RSBY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.23%	3.15%	+1.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.95%	8.37%	+1.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.67%	11.41%	+1.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.11%	13.37%	+3.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.72%	13.37%	+3.35%

DFAU vs. RSBY - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAU has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than RSBY's 0.98% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFAU vs. RSBY - Dividend Comparison

DFAU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.90%, less than RSBY's 1.75% 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%
RSBY Return Stacked Bonds & Futures Yield ETF	1.75%	2.07%	2.29%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAU and RSBY in my portfolio?

DFAU and RSBY have a correlation of -0.25, 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 RSBY?

DFAU has higher volatility (4.23%) compared to RSBY (3.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAU dropped -23.61% vs RSBY's -23.32%.

Which ETF is better, DFAU or RSBY?

On 1-year performance, DFAU leads with 22.99% vs 17.35% for RSBY. On fees, DFAU is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, RSBY has been the lower-risk option at 3.15%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFAU or RSBY?

Over the 1-year period, DFAU has performed better with a 22.99% return vs 17.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAU or RSBY?

DFAU is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.98% for RSBY.

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

RSBY has the higher dividend yield at 1.75%, compared with 0.90% for DFAU.

What is the main difference between DFAU and RSBY?

DFAU is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while RSBY is Multistrategy. They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Return Stacked. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for DFAU and 0.98% for RSBY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.78 vs 1.50), 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.