DFAW vs. VEGA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFAW (Dimensional World Equity ETF) and VEGA (AdvisorShares STAR Global Buy-Write ETF) are both Global Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, DFAW returned 30.13% vs 18.86% for VEGA. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFAW charges 0.25%/yr vs 2.02%/yr for VEGA.

Performance

DFAW vs. VEGA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional World Equity ETF (DFAW) and AdvisorShares STAR Global Buy-Write ETF (VEGA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFAW achieves a 12.61% return, which is significantly higher than VEGA's 7.10% return.

DFAW

• 1D: -0.70%
• 1M: 4.36%
• YTD: 12.61%
• 6M: 13.91%
• 1Y: 30.13%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VEGA

• 1D: -0.52%
• 1M: 3.04%
• YTD: 7.10%
• 6M: 6.87%
• 1Y: 18.86%
• 3Y*: 13.94%
• 5Y*: 7.25%
• 10Y*: 7.95%

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

DFAW vs. VEGA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
DFAW Dimensional World Equity ETF	12.61%	20.62%	15.49%	11.57%
VEGA AdvisorShares STAR Global Buy-Write ETF	7.10%	15.83%	11.20%	9.40%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAW and VEGA is 0.88, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 28, 2023	0.84

The correlation between DFAW and VEGA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFAW vs. VEGA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFAW	VEGA
Technology	24.8%	31.7%
Financial Services	15.5%	14.6%
Industrials	13.6%	10.8%
Consumer Cyclical	10.2%	10.1%
Healthcare	7.9%	8.4%
Communication Services	7.3%	9.3%
Energy	6.0%	3.5%
Basic Materials	5.0%	2.6%
Consumer Defensive	5.0%	4.6%
Real Estate	2.4%	1.8%
Utilities	2.3%	2.6%

Return for Risk

DFAW vs. VEGA — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFAW

DFAW Risk / Return Rank: 74
DFAW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
DFAW Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
DFAW Omega Ratio Rank: 75
DFAW Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
DFAW Martin Ratio Rank: 77

VEGA

VEGA Risk / Return Rank: 63
VEGA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VEGA Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
VEGA Omega Ratio Rank: 64
VEGA Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VEGA Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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. VEGA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional World Equity ETF (DFAW) and AdvisorShares STAR Global Buy-Write ETF (VEGA). 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.

	DFAW	VEGA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.52	2.09	+0.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.49	2.96	+0.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.39	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.41	2.76	+0.65
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.09	12.41	+2.69
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFAW vs. VEGA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAW Sharpe Ratio is 2.52, which is comparable to the VEGA Sharpe Ratio of 2.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAW and VEGA, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DFAW	VEGA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.52	2.09	+0.43
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.59	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.63	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.62	0.53	+1.09

Drawdowns

DFAW vs. VEGA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAW drawdown since its inception was -16.93%, smaller than the maximum VEGA drawdown of -28.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAW and VEGA.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAW	VEGA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.93%	-28.37%	+11.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.88%	-6.86%	-2.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-11.62%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-22.78%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-28.37%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.70%	-0.52%	-0.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.70%	-3.79%	+2.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.00%	1.52%	+0.48%

Volatility

DFAW vs. VEGA - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional World Equity ETF (DFAW) has a higher volatility of 3.35% compared to AdvisorShares STAR Global Buy-Write ETF (VEGA) at 2.71%. This indicates that DFAW's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VEGA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFAW	VEGA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.35%	2.71%	+0.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.39%	7.45%	+1.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.03%	9.06%	+2.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.46%	12.29%	+2.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.46%	12.70%	+1.76%

DFAW vs. VEGA - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAW has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than VEGA's 2.02% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFAW vs. VEGA - Dividend Comparison

DFAW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.55%, more than VEGA's 1.25% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
DFAW Dimensional World Equity ETF	1.55%	1.71%	1.47%	0.42%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VEGA AdvisorShares STAR Global Buy-Write ETF	1.25%	1.34%	1.05%	1.12%	1.89%	0.55%	0.28%	0.44%	0.45%	0.00%	0.81%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAW and VEGA in my portfolio?

DFAW and VEGA have a correlation of 0.88, 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 VEGA?

DFAW has higher volatility (3.35%) compared to VEGA (2.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAW dropped -16.93% vs VEGA's -28.37%.

Which ETF is better, DFAW or VEGA?

On 1-year performance, DFAW leads with 30.13% vs 18.86% for VEGA. On fees, DFAW is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, VEGA has been the lower-risk option at 2.71%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFAW or VEGA?

Over the 1-year period, DFAW has performed better with a 30.13% return vs 18.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAW or VEGA?

DFAW is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 2.02% for VEGA.

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

DFAW has the higher dividend yield at 1.55%, compared with 1.25% for VEGA.

What is the main difference between DFAW and VEGA?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and AdvisorShares. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for DFAW and 2.02% for VEGA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.52 vs 2.09), 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.