DFAX vs. VEU

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

DFAX (Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF) and VEU (Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. DFAX is actively managed, while VEU is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFAX returned 20.27%/yr vs 19.21%/yr for VEU. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFAX charges 0.28%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VEU.

Performance

DFAX vs. VEU - 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 Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF (VEU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with DFAX having a 12.82% return and VEU slightly higher at 12.88%.

DFAX

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

VEU

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: 0.57%
• YTD: 12.88%
• 6M: 12.60%
• 1Y: 27.99%
• 3Y*: 19.21%
• 5Y*: 8.49%
• 10Y*: 10.38%

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

DFAX vs. VEU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF	12.82%	35.42%	4.78%	16.66%	-14.48%	-2.10%
VEU Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF	12.88%	32.35%	5.56%	15.84%	-15.58%	-1.94%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAX and VEU is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2021	0.99

The correlation between DFAX and VEU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFAX vs. VEU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFAX	VEU
Technology	19.1%	21.6%
Financial Services	17.7%	22.6%
Industrials	17.4%	15.0%
Basic Materials	10.6%	7.1%
Consumer Cyclical	9.5%	8.0%
Energy	6.1%	4.7%
Healthcare	5.8%	6.7%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	4.9%
Communication Services	4.3%	4.5%
Utilities	2.9%	3.0%
Real Estate	1.9%	1.9%

Return for Risk

DFAX vs. VEU — 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

VEU

VEU Risk / Return Rank: 56
VEU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
VEU Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
VEU Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VEU Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VEU 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. VEU - 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 Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF (VEU). 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	VEU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.87	1.72	+0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.51	2.37	+0.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.32	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.69	2.46	+0.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.42	9.40	+1.02

DFAX vs. VEU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.87, which is comparable to the VEU Sharpe Ratio of 1.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAX and VEU, 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. VEU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAX drawdown since its inception was -28.15%, smaller than the maximum VEU drawdown of -61.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAX and VEU.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAX	VEU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.15%	-61.52%	+33.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.11%	-11.43%	+0.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.89%	-13.69%	-0.20%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.14%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.98%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.07%	-3.18%	+0.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.62%	-13.10%	+6.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.86%	2.99%	-0.13%

Volatility

DFAX vs. VEU - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX) and Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF (VEU) have volatilities of 7.02% and 7.10%, 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	VEU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.02%	7.10%	-0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.13%	14.46%	-0.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.98%	16.43%	-0.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.16%	16.29%	-0.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.16%	17.08%	-0.92%

DFAX vs. VEU - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAX has a 0.28% expense ratio, which is higher than VEU's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFAX vs. VEU - Dividend Comparison

DFAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.35%, less than VEU's 2.57% 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%
VEU Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF	2.57%	3.09%	3.24%	3.32%	3.12%	3.08%	2.00%	3.10%	3.27%	2.66%	2.96%	2.95%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAX and VEU in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, DFAX and VEU 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 VEU?

VEU has higher volatility (7.10%) compared to DFAX (7.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAX dropped -28.15% vs VEU's -61.52%.

Which ETF is better, DFAX or VEU?

On 3-year performance, DFAX leads with 20.27% vs 19.21% for VEU. On fees, VEU is cheaper at 0.04% 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 VEU?

Over the 3-year period, DFAX has performed better with a 20.27% return vs 19.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAX or VEU?

VEU is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.28% for DFAX.

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

VEU has the higher dividend yield at 2.57%, compared with 2.35% for DFAX.

What is the main difference between DFAX and VEU?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.28% for DFAX and 0.04% for VEU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.87 vs 1.72), 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.