DFEV vs. DBMF

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

DFEV (Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF) and DBMF (iMGP DBi Managed Futures Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFEV is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund actively managed by Dimensional, while DBMF is a Systematic Trend fund actively managed by iM Global Partners. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFEV returned 20.53%/yr vs 9.43%/yr for DBMF. At a 0.11 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. DFEV charges 0.43%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for DBMF.

Performance

DFEV vs. DBMF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF (DFEV) and iMGP DBi Managed Futures Strategy ETF (DBMF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFEV achieves a 18.56% return, which is significantly higher than DBMF's 11.26% return.

DFEV

• 1D: -0.55%
• 1M: -10.15%
• 6M: 13.39%
• YTD: 18.56%
• 1Y: 33.63%
• 3Y*: 20.53%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 15.34%

DBMF

• 1D: 0.23%
• 1M: 0.57%
• 6M: 8.74%
• YTD: 11.26%
• 1Y: 26.79%
• 3Y*: 9.43%
• 5Y*: 8.59%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 9.22%

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

DFEV vs. DBMF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFEV Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF	18.56%	32.54%	7.26%	15.52%	-6.08%
DBMF iMGP DBi Managed Futures Strategy ETF	11.26%	13.85%	7.24%	-8.94%	1.82%

Correlation

The correlation between DFEV and DBMF is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.28
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 27, 2022	0.11

Over the past year, DFEV and DBMF have become more correlated (0.46) than their long-term average of 0.11, meaning their price movements have been converging.

Return for Risk

DFEV vs. DBMF — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFEV

DFEV Risk / Return Rank: 69
DFEV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
DFEV Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
DFEV Omega Ratio Rank: 70
DFEV Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
DFEV Martin Ratio Rank: 69

DBMF

DBMF Risk / Return Rank: 88
DBMF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
DBMF Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
DBMF Omega Ratio Rank: 90
DBMF Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
DBMF Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

DFEV vs. DBMF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF (DFEV) and iMGP DBi Managed Futures Strategy ETF (DBMF). 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.

	DFEV	DBMF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.63	2.13	-0.51
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.17	2.81	-0.64
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.44	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.98	4.41	-1.43
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.19	14.93	-5.73

DFEV vs. DBMF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFEV Sharpe Ratio is 1.63, which is comparable to the DBMF Sharpe Ratio of 2.13. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFEV and DBMF, 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

DFEV vs. DBMF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFEV drawdown since its inception was -18.49%, smaller than the maximum DBMF drawdown of -20.39%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFEV and DBMF.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFEV	DBMF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.49%	-20.39%	+1.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.35%	-6.10%	-5.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.94%	-15.60%	-2.34%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-20.39%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.53%	-1.03%	-9.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.67%	-6.50%	+1.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.67%	1.80%	+1.87%

Volatility

DFEV vs. DBMF - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF (DFEV) has a higher volatility of 8.86% compared to iMGP DBi Managed Futures Strategy ETF (DBMF) at 2.69%. This indicates that DFEV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DBMF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFEV	DBMF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.86%	2.69%	+6.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.04%	10.05%	+8.99%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.78%	12.63%	+8.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.22%	12.45%	+4.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.22%	12.37%	+4.85%

DFEV vs. DBMF - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFEV has a 0.43% expense ratio, which is lower than DBMF's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFEV vs. DBMF - Dividend Comparison

DFEV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.17%, less than DBMF's 5.11% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
DBMF iMGP DBi Managed Futures Strategy ETF	5.11%	5.91%	5.75%	2.91%	7.72%	10.38%	0.86%	9.35%
DFEV Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF	2.17%	2.69%	3.17%	3.47%	3.35%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFEV and DBMF in my portfolio?

DFEV and DBMF have a correlation of 0.46, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFEV or DBMF?

DFEV has higher volatility (8.86%) compared to DBMF (2.69%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFEV dropped -18.49% vs DBMF's -20.39%.

Which ETF is better, DFEV or DBMF?

On 3-year performance, DFEV leads with 20.53% vs 9.43% for DBMF. On fees, DFEV is cheaper at 0.43% per year. On volatility, DBMF has been the lower-risk option at 2.69%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFEV or DBMF?

Over the 3-year period, DFEV has performed better with a 20.53% return vs 9.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFEV or DBMF?

DFEV is cheaper with a 0.43% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for DBMF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFEV or DBMF?

DBMF has the higher dividend yield at 5.11%, compared with 2.17% for DFEV.

What is the main difference between DFEV and DBMF?

DFEV is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while DBMF is Systematic Trend. They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and iM Global Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.43% for DFEV and 0.85% for DBMF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DBMF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.13 vs 1.63), 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.