DFAW vs. DGEIX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFAW (Dimensional World Equity ETF) and DGEIX (DFA Global Equity Portfolio Institutional Class) are both Global Equities funds from Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, DFAW returned 26.81% vs 28.36% for DGEIX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.25% expense ratio.

Performance

DFAW vs. DGEIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional World Equity ETF (DFAW) and DFA Global Equity Portfolio Institutional Class (DGEIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFAW achieves a 10.74% return, which is significantly lower than DGEIX's 12.60% return.

DFAW

• 1D: -1.93%
• 1M: -0.34%
• YTD: 10.74%
• 6M: 9.89%
• 1Y: 26.81%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DGEIX

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 1.57%
• YTD: 12.60%
• 6M: 11.70%
• 1Y: 28.36%
• 3Y*: 20.09%
• 5Y*: 10.93%
• 10Y*: 12.90%

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

DFAW vs. DGEIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
DFAW Dimensional World Equity ETF	10.74%	20.62%	15.49%	11.44%
DGEIX DFA Global Equity Portfolio Institutional Class	12.60%	19.86%	15.71%	11.80%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAW and DGEIX is 0.98 - 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	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 27, 2023	0.98

The correlation between DFAW and DGEIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFAW vs. DGEIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFAW

DFAW Risk / Return Rank: 67
DFAW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
DFAW Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
DFAW Omega Ratio Rank: 67
DFAW Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
DFAW Martin Ratio Rank: 73

DGEIX

DGEIX Risk / Return Rank: 78
DGEIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
DGEIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
DGEIX Omega Ratio Rank: 73
DGEIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
DGEIX 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.

DFAW vs. DGEIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional World Equity ETF (DFAW) and DFA Global Equity Portfolio Institutional Class (DGEIX). 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.

	DFAW	DGEIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.11	2.40	-0.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.88	3.29	-0.41
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.44	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.03	3.33	-0.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.17	14.39	-1.22

DFAW vs. DGEIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAW Sharpe Ratio is 2.11, which is comparable to the DGEIX Sharpe Ratio of 2.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAW and DGEIX, 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

DFAW vs. DGEIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAW drawdown since its inception was -16.93%, smaller than the maximum DGEIX drawdown of -59.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAW and DGEIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAW	DGEIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.93%	-59.77%	+42.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.88%	-8.85%	-0.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-16.97%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.20%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-37.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.47%	-0.54%	-1.93%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.70%	-7.98%	+6.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.04%	2.05%	-0.01%

Volatility

DFAW vs. DGEIX - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional World Equity ETF (DFAW) has a higher volatility of 5.21% compared to DFA Global Equity Portfolio Institutional Class (DGEIX) at 4.46%. This indicates that DFAW's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DGEIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFAW	DGEIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.21%	4.46%	+0.75%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.45%	9.84%	+0.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.82%	12.32%	+0.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.61%	15.73%	-1.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.61%	16.90%	-2.29%

DFAW vs. DGEIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both DFAW and DGEIX have an expense ratio of 0.25%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

DFAW vs. DGEIX - Dividend Comparison

DFAW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.57%, less than DGEIX's 2.70% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFAW Dimensional World Equity ETF	1.57%	1.71%	1.47%	0.42%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DGEIX DFA Global Equity Portfolio Institutional Class	2.70%	2.79%	3.64%	3.82%	4.92%	1.94%	2.37%	2.22%	2.62%	1.50%	1.90%	1.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAW and DGEIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, DFAW and DGEIX 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, DFAW or DGEIX?

DFAW has higher volatility (5.21%) compared to DGEIX (4.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAW dropped -16.93% vs DGEIX's -59.77%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DGEIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.40 vs 2.11), 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.