DFAX vs. EPIN

Last updated Aug 5, 2026

DFAX (Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF) and EPIN (Harbor International Equity ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, DFAX returned 29.57% vs 39.70% for EPIN. Their correlation of 0.92 means they have usually moved in the same direction. DFAX charges 0.28%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for EPIN.

Performance

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFAX achieves a 15.67% return, which is significantly lower than EPIN's 26.09% return.

DFAX

• 1D: 1.88%
• 1M: 1.96%
• 6M: 7.86%
• YTD: 15.67%
• 1Y: 29.57%
• 3Y*: 19.83%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 10.13%

EPIN

• 1D: 1.76%
• 1M: 1.51%
• 6M: 16.61%
• YTD: 26.09%
• 1Y: 39.70%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 36.96%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF	$32.66M	$29.75M	$28.81M
EPIN Harbor International Equity ETF	$42.71K	$23.97K	$19.96K

DFAX vs. EPIN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF	15.67%	16.43%
EPIN Harbor International Equity ETF	26.09%	14.36%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAX and EPIN is 0.91, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 5, 2025	0.92

The correlation between DFAX and EPIN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFAX vs. EPIN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFAX	EPIN
Technology	19.9%	29.6%
Financial Services	18.5%	19.1%
Industrials	17.2%	20.6%
Basic Materials	9.8%	7.1%
Consumer Cyclical	9.2%	7.0%
Healthcare	5.9%	8.2%
Energy	5.6%	3.8%
Consumer Defensive	5.0%	3.6%
Communication Services	4.2%	1.0%
Utilities	2.8%	-
Real Estate	1.8%	-

Return for Risk

DFAX vs. EPIN — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

DFAX

DFAX Risk / Return Rank: 69
DFAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
DFAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
DFAX Omega Ratio Rank: 70
DFAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
DFAX Martin Ratio Rank: 71

EPIN

EPIN Risk / Return Rank: 81
EPIN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
EPIN Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
EPIN Omega Ratio Rank: 80
EPIN Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
EPIN Martin Ratio Rank: 82

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

DFAX vs. EPIN - 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 Harbor International Equity ETF (EPIN). 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	EPIN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	2.08	-0.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.44	2.81	-0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.37	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.67	3.43	-0.75
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.81	12.33	-2.52

DFAX vs. EPIN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.79, which is comparable to the EPIN Sharpe Ratio of 2.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAX and EPIN, 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. EPIN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAX drawdown since its inception was -28.15%, which is greater than EPIN's maximum drawdown of -11.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAX and EPIN.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAX	EPIN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.15%	-11.64%	-16.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.11%	-11.64%	+0.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.89%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.62%	-0.32%	-0.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.53%	-1.92%	-4.61%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.02%	3.23%	-0.21%

Volatility

DFAX vs. EPIN - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX) and Harbor International Equity ETF (EPIN) have volatilities of 5.46% and 5.54%, 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.

Volatility by Period

	DFAX	EPIN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.46%	5.54%	-0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.77%	16.99%	-2.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.59%	19.16%	-2.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.18%	18.37%	-2.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.18%	18.37%	-2.19%

DFAX vs. EPIN - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAX has a 0.28% expense ratio, which is lower than EPIN's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFAX vs. EPIN - Dividend Comparison

DFAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.29%, more than EPIN's 0.63% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF	2.29%	2.58%	2.98%	3.01%	3.30%	1.40%
EPIN Harbor International Equity ETF	0.63%	0.79%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAX and EPIN in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, DFAX and EPIN 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 EPIN?

EPIN has higher volatility (5.54%) compared to DFAX (5.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAX dropped -28.15% vs EPIN's -11.64%.

Which ETF is better, DFAX or EPIN?

On 1-year performance, EPIN leads with 39.70% vs 29.57% for DFAX. On fees, DFAX is cheaper at 0.28% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFAX or EPIN?

Over the 1-year period, EPIN has performed better with a 39.70% return vs 29.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAX or EPIN?

DFAX is cheaper with a 0.28% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for EPIN.

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

DFAX has the higher dividend yield at 2.29%, compared with 0.63% for EPIN.

What is the main difference between DFAX and EPIN?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Harbor. Their fees differ too: 0.28% for DFAX and 0.80% for EPIN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EPIN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.08 vs 1.79), 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.