DFAX vs. DXIV

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

DFAX (Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF) and DXIV (Dimensional International Vector Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFAX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while DXIV is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional Fund Advisors. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, DFAX returned 29.76% vs 25.44% for DXIV. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFAX charges 0.28%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for DXIV.

Performance

DFAX vs. DXIV - 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 Vector Equity ETF (DXIV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFAX achieves a 12.82% return, which is significantly higher than DXIV's 8.17% return.

DFAX

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: -0.69%
• YTD: 12.82%
• 6M: 12.55%
• 1Y: 29.76%
• 3Y*: 20.27%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DXIV

• 1D: -0.60%
• 1M: -2.35%
• YTD: 8.17%
• 6M: 7.97%
• 1Y: 25.44%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFAX vs. DXIV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF	12.82%	35.42%	-2.20%
DXIV Dimensional International Vector Equity ETF	8.17%	39.12%	-3.78%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAX and DXIV is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 12, 2024	0.91

The correlation between DFAX and DXIV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFAX vs. DXIV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFAX	DXIV
Technology	19.1%	8.1%
Financial Services	17.7%	17.4%
Industrials	17.4%	19.1%
Basic Materials	10.6%	13.1%
Consumer Cyclical	9.5%	11.6%
Energy	6.1%	8.8%
Healthcare	5.8%	6.4%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	6.1%
Communication Services	4.3%	5.5%
Utilities	2.9%	2.4%
Real Estate	1.9%	1.4%

Return for Risk

DFAX vs. DXIV — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFAX

DFAX Risk / Return Rank: 63
DFAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
DFAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
DFAX Omega Ratio Rank: 65
DFAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
DFAX Martin Ratio Rank: 64

DXIV

DXIV Risk / Return Rank: 60
DXIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
DXIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
DXIV Omega Ratio Rank: 62
DXIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
DXIV Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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. DXIV - 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 Vector Equity ETF (DXIV). 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	DXIV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.87	1.84	+0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.51	2.54	-0.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.33	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.69	2.36	+0.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.42	9.18	+1.24

DFAX vs. DXIV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.87, which is comparable to the DXIV Sharpe Ratio of 1.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAX and DXIV, 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

DFAX vs. DXIV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAX drawdown since its inception was -28.15%, which is greater than DXIV's maximum drawdown of -13.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAX and DXIV.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAX	DXIV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.15%	-13.71%	-14.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.11%	-10.84%	-0.27%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.89%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.07%	-3.71%	+0.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.62%	-2.45%	-4.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.86%	2.78%	+0.08%

Volatility

DFAX vs. DXIV - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX) has a higher volatility of 7.02% compared to Dimensional International Vector Equity ETF (DXIV) at 4.50%. This indicates that DFAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DXIV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFAX	DXIV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.02%	4.50%	+2.52%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.13%	11.73%	+2.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.98%	13.95%	+2.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.16%	15.46%	+0.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.16%	15.46%	+0.70%

DFAX vs. DXIV - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAX has a 0.28% expense ratio, which is lower than DXIV's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFAX vs. DXIV - Dividend Comparison

DFAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.35%, less than DXIV's 2.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF	2.35%	2.58%	2.98%	3.01%	3.30%	1.40%
DXIV Dimensional International Vector Equity ETF	2.45%	2.50%	0.64%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAX and DXIV in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, DFAX and DXIV 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, DFAX or DXIV?

DFAX has higher volatility (7.02%) compared to DXIV (4.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAX dropped -28.15% vs DXIV's -13.71%.

Which ETF is better, DFAX or DXIV?

On 1-year performance, DFAX leads with 29.76% vs 25.44% for DXIV. On fees, DFAX is cheaper at 0.28% per year. On volatility, DXIV has been the lower-risk option at 4.50%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFAX or DXIV?

Over the 1-year period, DFAX has performed better with a 29.76% return vs 25.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAX or DXIV?

DFAX is cheaper with a 0.28% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for DXIV.

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

DXIV has the higher dividend yield at 2.45%, compared with 2.35% for DFAX.

What is the main difference between DFAX and DXIV?

DFAX is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while DXIV is Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities. They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Dimensional Fund Advisors. Their fees differ too: 0.28% for DFAX and 0.30% for DXIV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.87 vs 1.84), 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.