DFAX vs. VXUS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DFAX (Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF) and VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFAX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. DFAX is actively managed, while VXUS is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFAX returned 21.52%/yr vs 20.13%/yr for VXUS. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFAX charges 0.28%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VXUS.

Performance

DFAX vs. VXUS - 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 Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with DFAX having a 16.39% return and VXUS slightly lower at 16.04%.

DFAX

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

VXUS

• 1D: 0.33%
• 1M: 3.54%
• YTD: 16.04%
• 6M: 16.58%
• 1Y: 34.50%
• 3Y*: 20.13%
• 5Y*: 9.22%
• 10Y*: 10.57%

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

DFAX vs. VXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF	16.39%	35.42%	4.78%	16.66%	-14.48%	-2.10%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	16.04%	32.35%	5.08%	15.86%	-16.08%	-1.86%

Correlation

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

DFAX vs. VXUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFAX	VXUS
Technology	19.1%	21.0%
Financial Services	17.7%	21.7%
Industrials	17.4%	15.6%
Basic Materials	10.6%	7.6%
Consumer Cyclical	9.5%	8.2%
Energy	6.1%	4.7%
Healthcare	5.8%	6.8%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	4.8%
Communication Services	4.3%	4.4%
Utilities	2.9%	3.0%
Real Estate	1.9%	2.4%

Return for Risk

DFAX vs. VXUS — 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

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 67
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 70
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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. VXUS - 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 Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). 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	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.33	2.16	+0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.08	2.92	+0.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.40	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.29	3.07	+0.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.79	11.84	+0.95

DFAX vs. VXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.33, which is comparable to the VXUS Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAX and VXUS, 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. VXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAX drawdown since its inception was -28.15%, smaller than the maximum VXUS drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAX and VXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAX	VXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.15%	-35.97%	+7.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.11%	-11.27%	+0.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.89%	-13.58%	-0.31%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.44%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.62%	-8.20%	+1.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.85%	2.92%	-0.07%

Volatility

DFAX vs. VXUS - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) have volatilities of 6.29% and 6.28%, 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	VXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.29%	6.28%	+0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.80%	14.10%	-0.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.72%	16.08%	-0.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.11%	16.21%	-0.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.11%	17.18%	-1.07%

DFAX vs. VXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAX has a 0.28% expense ratio, which is higher than VXUS's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFAX vs. VXUS - Dividend Comparison

DFAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.20%, less than VXUS's 2.51% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF	2.20%	2.58%	2.98%	3.01%	3.30%	1.40%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.51%	3.18%	3.37%	3.24%	3.09%	3.10%	2.14%	3.06%	3.18%	2.73%	2.93%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAX and VXUS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, DFAX and VXUS 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 VXUS?

DFAX has higher volatility (6.29%) compared to VXUS (6.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAX dropped -28.15% vs VXUS's -35.97%.

Which ETF is better, DFAX or VXUS?

On 3-year performance, DFAX leads with 21.52% vs 20.13% for VXUS. On fees, VXUS is cheaper at 0.05% 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 VXUS?

Over the 3-year period, DFAX has performed better with a 21.52% return vs 20.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAX or VXUS?

VXUS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.28% for DFAX.

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

VXUS has the higher dividend yield at 2.51%, compared with 2.20% for DFAX.

What is the main difference between DFAX and VXUS?

DFAX is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while VXUS is Global Equities. They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.28% for DFAX and 0.05% for VXUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.33 vs 2.16), 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.