DFAW vs. GABF

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

DFAW (Dimensional World Equity ETF) and GABF (Gabelli Financial Services Opportunities ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFAW is a Global Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while GABF is a Financials Equities fund actively managed by Gabelli. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, DFAW returned 24.86% vs -2.77% for GABF. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFAW charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for GABF.

Performance

DFAW vs. GABF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional World Equity ETF (DFAW) and Gabelli Financial Services Opportunities ETF (GABF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFAW achieves a 12.94% return, which is significantly higher than GABF's -0.55% return.

DFAW

• 1D: -0.30%
• 1M: -0.11%
• 6M: 9.44%
• YTD: 12.94%
• 1Y: 24.86%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GABF

• 1D: 0.60%
• 1M: 1.78%
• 6M: -4.09%
• YTD: -0.55%
• 1Y: -2.77%
• 3Y*: 20.28%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFAW vs. GABF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
DFAW Dimensional World Equity ETF	12.94%	20.62%	15.49%	11.44%
GABF Gabelli Financial Services Opportunities ETF	-0.55%	3.60%	44.38%	18.87%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAW and GABF is 0.67, 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	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 27, 2023	0.74

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

DFAW vs. GABF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFAW	GABF
Technology	27.0%	5.2%
Financial Services	14.8%	85.6%
Industrials	13.4%	4.9%
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	-
Healthcare	8.0%	-
Communication Services	7.0%	-
Energy	5.5%	-
Basic Materials	5.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	-
Real Estate	2.3%	4.3%
Utilities	2.2%	-

Return for Risk

DFAW vs. GABF — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFAW

DFAW Risk / Return Rank: 76
DFAW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
DFAW Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
DFAW Omega Ratio Rank: 77
DFAW Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
DFAW Martin Ratio Rank: 80

GABF

GABF Risk / Return Rank: 8
GABF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
GABF Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
GABF Omega Ratio Rank: 7
GABF Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
GABF Martin Ratio Rank: 8

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. GABF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional World Equity ETF (DFAW) and Gabelli Financial Services Opportunities ETF (GABF). 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	GABF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.96	-0.16	+2.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.72	-0.10	+2.82
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	0.99	+0.37
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.81	-0.16	+2.97
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.14	-0.36	+12.49

DFAW vs. GABF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAW Sharpe Ratio is 1.96, which is higher than the GABF Sharpe Ratio of -0.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAW and GABF, 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. GABF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAW drawdown since its inception was -16.93%, smaller than the maximum GABF drawdown of -20.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAW and GABF.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAW	GABF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.93%	-20.86%	+3.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.88%	-17.16%	+8.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-20.86%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.66%	-5.44%	+4.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.68%	-4.95%	+3.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.05%	7.80%	-5.75%

Volatility

DFAW vs. GABF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional World Equity ETF (DFAW) is 3.15%, while Gabelli Financial Services Opportunities ETF (GABF) has a volatility of 4.48%. This indicates that DFAW experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GABF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFAW	GABF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.15%	4.48%	-1.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.41%	13.33%	-2.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.71%	17.49%	-4.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.49%	20.42%	-5.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.49%	20.42%	-5.93%

DFAW vs. GABF - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAW has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than GABF's 0.10% 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

DFAW vs. GABF - Dividend Comparison

DFAW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.57%, less than GABF's 1.97% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFAW Dimensional World Equity ETF	1.57%	1.71%	1.47%	0.42%	0.00%
GABF Gabelli Financial Services Opportunities ETF	1.97%	1.96%	4.19%	4.95%	1.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAW and GABF in my portfolio?

DFAW and GABF have a correlation of 0.67, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFAW or GABF?

GABF has higher volatility (4.48%) compared to DFAW (3.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAW dropped -16.93% vs GABF's -20.86%.

Which ETF is better, DFAW or GABF?

On 1-year performance, DFAW leads with 24.86% vs -2.77% for GABF. On fees, GABF is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, DFAW 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, DFAW or GABF?

Over the 1-year period, DFAW has performed better with a 24.86% return vs -2.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAW or GABF?

GABF is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for DFAW.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFAW or GABF?

GABF has the higher dividend yield at 1.97%, compared with 1.57% for DFAW.

What is the main difference between DFAW and GABF?

DFAW is categorized as Global Equities, while GABF is Financials Equities. They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Gabelli. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for DFAW and 0.10% for GABF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.96 vs -0.16), 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.