DFEM vs. DFAI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFEM (Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF) and DFAI (Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFEM is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund actively managed by Dimensional, while DFAI is a Global Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFEM returned 23.24%/yr vs 18.12%/yr for DFAI. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFEM charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for DFAI.

Performance

DFEM vs. DFAI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF (DFEM) and Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFEM achieves a 25.59% return, which is significantly higher than DFAI's 9.16% return.

DFEM

• 1D: -1.28%
• 1M: 6.85%
• YTD: 25.59%
• 6M: 27.96%
• 1Y: 50.40%
• 3Y*: 23.24%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFAI

• 1D: -0.84%
• 1M: 2.67%
• YTD: 9.16%
• 6M: 11.79%
• 1Y: 24.65%
• 3Y*: 18.12%
• 5Y*: 9.36%
• 10Y*: —

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

DFEM vs. DFAI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFEM Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF	25.59%	29.51%	7.53%	13.91%	-8.69%
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	9.16%	34.04%	4.68%	17.60%	-2.49%

Correlation

The correlation between DFEM and DFAI is 0.77, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 28, 2022	0.77

The correlation between DFEM and DFAI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.76 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFEM vs. DFAI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFEM	DFAI
Technology	32.9%	9.3%
Financial Services	15.4%	22.5%
Industrials	11.9%	19.5%
Consumer Cyclical	9.8%	8.6%
Basic Materials	8.4%	8.8%
Communication Services	5.5%	3.7%
Energy	4.4%	6.8%
Healthcare	3.8%	8.8%
Consumer Defensive	3.7%	6.4%
Utilities	2.2%	4.0%
Real Estate	2.0%	1.5%

Return for Risk

DFEM vs. DFAI — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFEM

DFEM Risk / Return Rank: 81
DFEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
DFEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
DFEM Omega Ratio Rank: 82
DFEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
DFEM Martin Ratio Rank: 81

DFAI

DFAI Risk / Return Rank: 49
DFAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
DFAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
DFAI Omega Ratio Rank: 50
DFAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
DFAI Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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.

DFEM vs. DFAI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF (DFEM) and Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI). 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.

	DFEM	DFAI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.74	1.76	+0.98
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.54	2.49	+1.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.50	1.32	+0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.18	2.26	+1.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.33	8.87	+7.46
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFEM vs. DFAI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFEM Sharpe Ratio is 2.74, which is higher than the DFAI Sharpe Ratio of 1.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFEM and DFAI, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DFEM	DFAI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.74	1.76	+0.98
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.59	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.92	0.78	+0.13

Drawdowns

DFEM vs. DFAI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFEM drawdown since its inception was -20.82%, smaller than the maximum DFAI drawdown of -27.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFEM and DFAI.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFEM	DFAI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.82%	-27.44%	+6.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.12%	-10.95%	-1.17%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.09%	-13.25%	-4.84%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.44%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.28%	-1.61%	+0.33%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.03%	-5.12%	+0.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.09%	2.79%	+0.30%

Volatility

DFEM vs. DFAI - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF (DFEM) has a higher volatility of 7.78% compared to Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI) at 4.45%. This indicates that DFEM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFAI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFEM	DFAI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.78%	4.45%	+3.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.02%	11.68%	+4.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.45%	14.08%	+4.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.26%	15.92%	+1.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.26%	15.70%	+1.56%

DFEM vs. DFAI - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFEM has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAI's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFEM vs. DFAI - Dividend Comparison

DFEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.82%, less than DFAI's 2.26% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	2.26%	2.45%	2.72%	2.64%	2.72%	2.06%	0.09%
DFEM Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF	1.82%	2.32%	2.50%	2.38%	1.99%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFEM and DFAI in my portfolio?

DFEM and DFAI have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFEM or DFAI?

DFEM has higher volatility (7.78%) compared to DFAI (4.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFEM dropped -20.82% vs DFAI's -27.44%.

Which ETF is better, DFEM or DFAI?

On 3-year performance, DFEM leads with 23.24% vs 18.12% for DFAI. On fees, DFAI is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, DFAI has been the lower-risk option at 4.45%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFEM or DFAI?

Over the 3-year period, DFEM has performed better with a 23.24% return vs 18.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFEM or DFAI?

DFAI is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for DFEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFEM or DFAI?

DFAI has the higher dividend yield at 2.26%, compared with 1.82% for DFEM.

What is the main difference between DFEM and DFAI?

DFEM is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while DFAI is Global Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for DFEM and 0.18% for DFAI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.74 vs 1.76), 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.