DFAX vs. IBIC

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DFAX (Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF) and IBIC (iShares iBonds Oct 2026 Term TIPS ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFAX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while IBIC is a Inflation-Protected Bonds fund tracking the ICE 2026 Maturity US Inflation-Linked Treasury Index. DFAX is actively managed, while IBIC is passively managed. Over the past year, DFAX returned 36.37% vs 4.38% for IBIC. At a 0.04 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. DFAX charges 0.28%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for IBIC.

Performance

DFAX vs. IBIC - 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 iShares iBonds Oct 2026 Term TIPS ETF (IBIC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFAX achieves a 16.39% return, which is significantly higher than IBIC's 2.39% return.

DFAX

• 1D: 0.24%
• 1M: 2.45%
• YTD: 16.39%
• 6M: 16.89%
• 1Y: 36.37%
• 3Y*: 21.52%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IBIC

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 0.08%
• YTD: 2.39%
• 6M: 2.49%
• 1Y: 4.38%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFAX vs. IBIC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF	16.39%	35.42%	4.78%	5.75%
IBIC iShares iBonds Oct 2026 Term TIPS ETF	2.39%	4.96%	5.25%	2.17%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAX and IBIC is -0.17, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.17
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 15, 2023	0.04

The correlation between DFAX and IBIC shifts across timeframes, from -0.17 (1 year) to 0.04 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DFAX vs. IBIC — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFAX

DFAX Risk / Return Rank: 72
DFAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
DFAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
DFAX Omega Ratio Rank: 76
DFAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
DFAX Martin Ratio Rank: 71

IBIC

IBIC Risk / Return Rank: 98
IBIC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
IBIC Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
IBIC Omega Ratio Rank: 98
IBIC Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
IBIC Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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. IBIC - 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 iShares iBonds Oct 2026 Term TIPS ETF (IBIC). 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	IBIC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.33	4.94	-2.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.08	8.90	-5.81
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	2.21	-0.78
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.29	16.41	-13.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.79	58.11	-45.32

DFAX vs. IBIC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.33, which is lower than the IBIC Sharpe Ratio of 4.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAX and IBIC, 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. IBIC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAX drawdown since its inception was -28.15%, which is greater than IBIC's maximum drawdown of -0.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAX and IBIC.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAX	IBIC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.15%	-0.90%	-27.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.11%	-0.27%	-10.84%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.89%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.00%	-0.11%	+0.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.62%	-0.10%	-6.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.85%	0.08%	+2.77%

Volatility

DFAX vs. IBIC - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX) has a higher volatility of 6.29% compared to iShares iBonds Oct 2026 Term TIPS ETF (IBIC) at 0.16%. This indicates that DFAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IBIC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFAX	IBIC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.29%	0.16%	+6.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.80%	0.67%	+13.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.72%	0.89%	+14.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.11%	1.57%	+14.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.11%	1.57%	+14.54%

DFAX vs. IBIC - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAX has a 0.28% expense ratio, which is higher than IBIC's 0.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFAX vs. IBIC - Dividend Comparison

DFAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.20%, less than IBIC's 3.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF	2.20%	2.58%	2.98%	3.01%	3.30%	1.40%
IBIC iShares iBonds Oct 2026 Term TIPS ETF	3.59%	4.43%	4.65%	0.83%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAX and IBIC in my portfolio?

DFAX and IBIC have a correlation of -0.17, 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 IBIC?

DFAX has higher volatility (6.29%) compared to IBIC (0.16%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAX dropped -28.15% vs IBIC's -0.90%.

Which ETF is better, DFAX or IBIC?

On 1-year performance, DFAX leads with 36.37% vs 4.38% for IBIC. On fees, IBIC is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, IBIC has been the lower-risk option at 0.16%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFAX or IBIC?

Over the 1-year period, DFAX has performed better with a 36.37% return vs 4.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAX or IBIC?

IBIC is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.28% for DFAX.

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

IBIC has the higher dividend yield at 3.59%, compared with 2.20% for DFAX.

What is the main difference between DFAX and IBIC?

DFAX is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while IBIC is Inflation-Protected Bonds. They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.28% for DFAX and 0.10% for IBIC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IBIC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.94 vs 2.33), 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.