DFEM vs. DFAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFEM (Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF) and DFAX (Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFEM is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund actively managed by Dimensional, while DFAX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFEM returned 21.68%/yr vs 19.90%/yr for DFAX. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFEM charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for DFAX.

Performance

DFEM vs. DFAX - 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 ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFEM achieves a 20.81% return, which is significantly higher than DFAX's 11.80% return.

DFEM

• 1D: -5.74%
• 1M: 0.43%
• YTD: 20.81%
• 6M: 21.36%
• 1Y: 41.37%
• 3Y*: 21.68%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFAX

• 1D: -3.94%
• 1M: -1.59%
• YTD: 11.80%
• 6M: 11.66%
• 1Y: 30.04%
• 3Y*: 19.90%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFEM vs. DFAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFEM Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF	20.81%	29.51%	7.53%	13.91%	-9.60%
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF	11.80%	35.42%	4.78%	16.66%	-3.65%

Correlation

The correlation between DFEM and DFAX is 0.90, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 27, 2022	0.89

The correlation between DFEM and DFAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFEM vs. DFAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFEM

DFEM Risk / Return Rank: 66
DFEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
DFEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
DFEM Omega Ratio Rank: 67
DFEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
DFEM Martin Ratio Rank: 72

DFAX

DFAX Risk / Return Rank: 58
DFAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
DFAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
DFAX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
DFAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
DFAX Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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. DFAX - 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 ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX). 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.

	DFEM	DFAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.97	1.86	+0.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.52	2.47	+0.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.35	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.43	2.72	+0.71
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.74	10.52	+2.22

DFEM vs. DFAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFEM Sharpe Ratio is 1.97, which is comparable to the DFAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFEM and DFAX, 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

DFEM vs. DFAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFEM drawdown since its inception was -20.82%, smaller than the maximum DFAX drawdown of -28.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFEM and DFAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFEM	DFAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.82%	-28.15%	+7.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.12%	-11.11%	-1.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.09%	-13.89%	-4.20%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.74%	-3.94%	-1.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.01%	-6.62%	+1.61%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.26%	2.86%	+0.40%

Volatility

DFEM vs. DFAX - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF (DFEM) has a higher volatility of 12.01% compared to Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX) at 7.53%. This indicates that DFEM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFEM	DFAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.01%	7.53%	+4.48%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.31%	14.40%	+4.91%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.16%	16.21%	+4.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.94%	16.21%	+1.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.94%	16.21%	+1.73%

DFEM vs. DFAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFEM has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAX's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFEM vs. DFAX - Dividend Comparison

DFEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.89%, less than DFAX's 2.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF	2.29%	2.58%	2.98%	3.01%	3.30%	1.40%
DFEM Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF	1.89%	2.32%	2.50%	2.38%	1.99%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFEM and DFAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, DFEM and DFAX 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, DFEM or DFAX?

DFEM has higher volatility (12.01%) compared to DFAX (7.53%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFEM dropped -20.82% vs DFAX's -28.15%.

Which ETF is better, DFEM or DFAX?

On 3-year performance, DFEM leads with 21.68% vs 19.90% for DFAX. On fees, DFAX is cheaper at 0.28% per year. On volatility, DFAX has been the lower-risk option at 7.53%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFEM or DFAX?

Over the 3-year period, DFEM has performed better with a 21.68% return vs 19.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFEM or DFAX?

DFAX is cheaper with a 0.28% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for DFEM.

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

DFAX has the higher dividend yield at 2.29%, compared with 1.89% for DFEM.

What is the main difference between DFEM and DFAX?

DFEM is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while DFAX is Foreign Large Cap Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for DFEM and 0.28% for DFAX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.97 vs 1.86), 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.