DFAX vs. DFWIX
DFAX (Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF) and DFWIX (DFA World ex U.S. Core Equity Portfolio) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds from Dimensional. Over the past 3 years, DFAX returned 18.25%/yr vs 17.03%/yr for DFWIX. Their 0.98 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. DFAX charges 0.28%/yr vs 0.31%/yr for DFWIX.
Performance
DFAX vs. DFWIX - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with DFAX having a 12.88% return and DFWIX slightly lower at 12.39%.
DFAX
- 1D
- -0.22%
- 1M
- -0.49%
- 6M
- 6.47%
- YTD
- 12.88%
- 1Y
- 27.88%
- 3Y*
- 18.25%
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
- ALL TIME*
- 9.61%
DFWIX
- 1D
- 2.63%
- 1M
- 0.05%
- 6M
- 6.03%
- YTD
- 12.39%
- 1Y
- 26.90%
- 3Y*
- 17.03%
- 5Y*
- 11.46%
- 10Y*
- 10.70%
- ALL TIME*
- 8.18%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $32.23M | $29.87M | $28.82M | |
| $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
DFAX vs. DFWIX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF | 12.88% | 35.42% | 4.78% | 16.66% | -14.48% | -2.10% |
DFWIX DFA World ex U.S. Core Equity Portfolio | 12.39% | 33.45% | 4.34% | 16.74% | -14.04% | 7.20% |
Correlation
The correlation between DFAX and DFWIX is 0.95 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most. | 0.95 |
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history. | 0.97 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2021 | 0.98 |
The correlation between DFAX and DFWIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
DFAX vs. DFWIX — Risk / Return Rank
DFAX
DFWIX
DFAX vs. DFWIX - 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 DFA World ex U.S. Core Equity Portfolio (DFWIX). 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.
| DFAX | DFWIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.05 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.11 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.31 | 1.32 | -0.01 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.51 | 2.40 | +0.11 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 9.24 | 8.84 | +0.40 |
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Drawdowns
DFAX vs. DFWIX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum DFAX drawdown since its inception was -28.15%, smaller than the maximum DFWIX drawdown of -41.80%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAX and DFWIX.
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Drawdown Indicators
| DFAX | DFWIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -28.15% | -41.80% | +13.65% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -11.11% | -10.82% | -0.29% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -13.89% | -13.11% | -0.78% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | — | -27.31% | — |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -41.80% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -3.02% | -2.63% | -0.39% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -6.54% | -8.07% | +1.53% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.02% | 2.93% | +0.09% |
Volatility
DFAX vs. DFWIX - Volatility Comparison
Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX) and DFA World ex U.S. Core Equity Portfolio (DFWIX) have volatilities of 5.32% and 5.20%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| DFAX | DFWIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 5.32% | 5.20% | +0.12% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 14.77% | 13.25% | +1.52% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 16.51% | 14.95% | +1.56% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 16.17% | 15.42% | +0.75% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 16.17% | 15.49% | +0.68% |
DFAX vs. DFWIX - Expense Ratio Comparison
DFAX has a 0.28% expense ratio, which is lower than DFWIX's 0.31% expense ratio.
Dividends
DFAX vs. DFWIX - Dividend Comparison
DFAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.35%, less than DFWIX's 2.93% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF | 2.35% | 2.58% | 2.98% | 3.01% | 3.30% | 1.40% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
DFWIX DFA World ex U.S. Core Equity Portfolio | 2.93% | 3.00% | 3.32% | 3.36% | 3.11% | 10.71% | 1.81% | 2.36% | 3.50% | 2.36% | 2.59% | 2.31% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.95, DFAX and DFWIX 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.
DFAX has higher volatility (5.32%) compared to DFWIX (5.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAX dropped -28.15% vs DFWIX's -41.80%.
DFWIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.74 vs 1.69), 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.
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