DFEM vs. DFAW

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFEM (Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF) and DFAW (Dimensional World Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFEM is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund actively managed by Dimensional, while DFAW is a Global Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, DFEM returned 50.40% vs 30.13% for DFAW. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFEM charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for DFAW.

Performance

DFEM vs. DFAW - 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 World Equity ETF (DFAW). 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 DFAW's 12.61% return.

DFEM

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

DFAW

• 1D: -0.70%
• 1M: 4.36%
• YTD: 12.61%
• 6M: 13.91%
• 1Y: 30.13%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFEM vs. DFAW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
DFEM Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF	25.59%	29.51%	7.53%	8.08%
DFAW Dimensional World Equity ETF	12.61%	20.62%	15.49%	11.57%

Correlation

The correlation between DFEM and DFAW is 0.79, 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	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 28, 2023	0.74

The correlation between DFEM and DFAW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFEM vs. DFAW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFEM	DFAW
Technology	32.9%	24.8%
Financial Services	15.4%	15.5%
Industrials	11.9%	13.6%
Consumer Cyclical	9.8%	10.2%
Basic Materials	8.4%	5.0%
Communication Services	5.5%	7.3%
Energy	4.4%	6.0%
Healthcare	3.8%	7.9%
Consumer Defensive	3.7%	5.0%
Utilities	2.2%	2.3%
Real Estate	2.0%	2.4%

Return for Risk

DFEM vs. DFAW — 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

DFAW

DFAW Risk / Return Rank: 74
DFAW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
DFAW Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
DFAW Omega Ratio Rank: 75
DFAW Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
DFAW Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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. DFAW - 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 World Equity ETF (DFAW). 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	DFAW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.74	2.52	+0.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.54	3.49	+0.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.50	1.46	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.18	3.41	+0.77
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.33	15.09	+1.24
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. DFAW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFEM Sharpe Ratio is 2.74, which is comparable to the DFAW Sharpe Ratio of 2.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFEM and DFAW, 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	DFAW	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.74	2.52	+0.23
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.92	1.62	-0.70

Drawdowns

DFEM vs. DFAW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFEM drawdown since its inception was -20.82%, which is greater than DFAW's maximum drawdown of -16.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFEM and DFAW.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFEM	DFAW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.82%	-16.93%	-3.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.12%	-8.88%	-3.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.09%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.28%	-0.70%	-0.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.03%	-1.70%	-3.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.09%	2.00%	+1.09%

Volatility

DFEM vs. DFAW - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF (DFEM) has a higher volatility of 7.78% compared to Dimensional World Equity ETF (DFAW) at 3.35%. This indicates that DFEM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFAW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFEM	DFAW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.78%	3.35%	+4.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.02%	9.39%	+6.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.45%	12.03%	+6.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.26%	14.46%	+2.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.26%	14.46%	+2.80%

DFEM vs. DFAW - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFEM has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAW's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFEM vs. DFAW - Dividend Comparison

DFEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.82%, more than DFAW's 1.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFAW Dimensional World Equity ETF	1.55%	1.71%	1.47%	0.42%	0.00%
DFEM Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF	1.82%	2.32%	2.50%	2.38%	1.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFEM and DFAW in my portfolio?

DFEM and DFAW have a correlation of 0.79, 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 DFAW?

DFEM has higher volatility (7.78%) compared to DFAW (3.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFEM dropped -20.82% vs DFAW's -16.93%.

Which ETF is better, DFEM or DFAW?

On 1-year performance, DFEM leads with 50.40% vs 30.13% for DFAW. On fees, DFAW is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, DFAW has been the lower-risk option at 3.35%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFEM or DFAW?

Over the 1-year period, DFEM has performed better with a 50.40% return vs 30.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFEM or DFAW?

DFAW is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for DFEM.

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

DFEM has the higher dividend yield at 1.82%, compared with 1.55% for DFAW.

What is the main difference between DFEM and DFAW?

DFEM is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while DFAW is Global Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for DFEM and 0.25% for DFAW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.74 vs 2.52), 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.