DFAX vs. DFIV

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFAX (Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF) and DFIV (Dimensional International Value ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds from Dimensional. DFAX is passively managed, while DFIV is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFAX returned 20.90%/yr vs 23.90%/yr for DFIV. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFAX charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.27%/yr for DFIV.

Performance

DFAX vs. DFIV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX) and Dimensional International Value ETF (DFIV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFAX achieves a 15.23% return, which is significantly higher than DFIV's 11.54% return.

DFAX

• 1D: -1.00%
• 1M: 3.89%
• YTD: 15.23%
• 6M: 18.11%
• 1Y: 34.96%
• 3Y*: 20.90%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFIV

• 1D: -0.70%
• 1M: 2.57%
• YTD: 11.54%
• 6M: 15.41%
• 1Y: 34.88%
• 3Y*: 23.90%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFAX vs. DFIV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF	15.23%	35.42%	4.78%	16.66%	-14.48%	-2.68%
DFIV Dimensional International Value ETF	11.54%	45.36%	7.26%	17.75%	-3.70%	0.08%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAX and DFIV is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 14, 2021	0.93

The correlation between DFAX and DFIV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFAX vs. DFIV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFAX	DFIV
Financial Services	17.9%	32.4%
Industrials	16.1%	9.6%
Basic Materials	13.2%	10.9%
Technology	10.9%	2.8%
Consumer Cyclical	10.9%	9.6%
Energy	6.6%	16.4%
Healthcare	5.6%	4.9%
Utilities	4.2%	2.5%
Consumer Defensive	3.9%	4.9%
Communication Services	3.5%	4.2%
Real Estate	3.1%	1.8%

Return for Risk

DFAX vs. DFIV — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFAX

DFAX Risk / Return Rank: 68
DFAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
DFAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
DFAX Omega Ratio Rank: 71
DFAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
DFAX Martin Ratio Rank: 67

DFIV

DFIV Risk / Return Rank: 75
DFIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
DFIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
DFIV Omega Ratio Rank: 75
DFIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
DFIV Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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.

DFAX vs. DFIV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX) and Dimensional International Value ETF (DFIV). 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.

	DFAX	DFIV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.37	2.56	-0.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.17	3.50	-0.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.46	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.16	3.63	-0.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.50	14.02	-1.53
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFAX vs. DFIV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.37, which is comparable to the DFIV Sharpe Ratio of 2.56. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAX and DFIV, 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

	DFAX	DFIV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.37	2.56	-0.19
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.65	0.94	-0.29

Drawdowns

DFAX vs. DFIV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAX drawdown since its inception was -28.15%, which is greater than DFIV's maximum drawdown of -25.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAX and DFIV.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAX	DFIV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.15%	-25.42%	-2.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.11%	-9.66%	-1.45%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.89%	-14.72%	+0.83%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.00%	-1.02%	+0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.67%	-4.48%	-2.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.80%	2.49%	+0.31%

Volatility

DFAX vs. DFIV - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX) has a higher volatility of 5.27% compared to Dimensional International Value ETF (DFIV) at 3.89%. This indicates that DFAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFIV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFAX	DFIV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.27%	3.89%	+1.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.67%	10.99%	+1.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.83%	13.69%	+1.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.99%	16.63%	-0.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.99%	16.63%	-0.64%

DFAX vs. DFIV - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAX has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than DFIV's 0.27% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFAX vs. DFIV - Dividend Comparison

DFAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.22%, less than DFIV's 2.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF	2.22%	2.58%	2.98%	3.01%	3.30%	1.40%
DFIV Dimensional International Value ETF	2.55%	2.92%	3.88%	3.93%	3.84%	2.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAX and DFIV in my portfolio?

DFAX and DFIV have a correlation of 0.90, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFAX or DFIV?

DFAX has higher volatility (5.27%) compared to DFIV (3.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAX dropped -28.15% vs DFIV's -25.42%.

Which ETF is better, DFAX or DFIV?

On 3-year performance, DFIV leads with 23.90% vs 20.90% for DFAX. On fees, DFIV is cheaper at 0.27% per year. On volatility, DFIV has been the lower-risk option at 3.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFAX or DFIV?

Over the 3-year period, DFIV has performed better with a 23.90% return vs 20.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAX or DFIV?

DFIV is cheaper with a 0.27% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for DFAX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFAX or DFIV?

DFIV has the higher dividend yield at 2.55%, compared with 2.22% for DFAX.

What is the main difference between DFAX and DFIV?

Their fees differ too: 0.30% for DFAX and 0.27% for DFIV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFIV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.56 vs 2.37), 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.