DFEM vs. VEXC
DFEM (Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF) and VEXC (Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds. DFEM is actively managed, while VEXC is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.91 means they have usually moved in the same direction. DFEM charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VEXC.
Performance
DFEM vs. VEXC - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, DFEM achieves a 14.75% return, which is significantly lower than VEXC's 17.29% return.
DFEM
- 1D
- 0.43%
- 1M
- -4.27%
- 6M
- 6.72%
- YTD
- 14.75%
- 1Y
- 29.34%
- 3Y*
- 17.44%
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
- ALL TIME*
- 12.40%
VEXC
- 1D
- 1.25%
- 1M
- -2.53%
- 6M
- 11.04%
- YTD
- 17.29%
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
- ALL TIME*
- —
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $43.02M | $39.58M | $39.86M | |
| $2.10M | $2.14M | $2.87M |
DFEM vs. VEXC - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
DFEM Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF | 14.75% | 2.99% |
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF | 17.29% | 4.50% |
Correlation
The correlation between DFEM and VEXC is 0.91, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 2, 2025 | 0.91 |
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Return for Risk
DFEM vs. VEXC — Risk / Return Rank
DFEM
VEXC
Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.
DFEM vs. VEXC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF (DFEM) and Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (VEXC). 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 | VEXC | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | — | — | |
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | — | — | |
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.25 | — | — |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.08 | — | — |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 6.85 | — | — |
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Drawdowns
DFEM vs. VEXC - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum DFEM drawdown since its inception was -20.82%, which is greater than VEXC's maximum drawdown of -12.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFEM and VEXC.
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Drawdown Indicators
| DFEM | VEXC | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -20.82% | -12.42% | -8.40% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -13.84% | — | — |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -18.09% | — | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -10.46% | -6.04% | -4.42% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -5.08% | -2.61% | -2.47% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 4.19% | — | — |
Volatility
DFEM vs. VEXC - Volatility Comparison
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Volatility by Period
| DFEM | VEXC | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 8.15% | — | — |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 20.62% | — | — |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 22.46% | 20.44% | +2.02% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 18.17% | 20.44% | -2.27% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 18.17% | 20.44% | -2.27% |
DFEM vs. VEXC - Expense Ratio Comparison
DFEM has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than VEXC's 0.07% expense ratio.
Dividends
DFEM vs. VEXC - Dividend Comparison
DFEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.97%, more than VEXC's 1.47% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DFEM Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF | 1.97% | 2.32% | 2.50% | 2.38% | 1.99% |
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF | 1.47% | 0.43% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.91, DFEM and VEXC 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.
On fees, VEXC is cheaper at 0.07% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
VEXC is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for DFEM.
DFEM has the higher dividend yield at 1.97%, compared with 1.47% for VEXC.
They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for DFEM and 0.07% for VEXC.
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