DFEV vs. DEXC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFEV (Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF) and DEXC (Dimensional Emerging Markets ex China Core Equity ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, DFEV returned 48.75% vs 55.75% for DEXC. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.43% expense ratio.

Performance

DFEV vs. DEXC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF (DFEV) and Dimensional Emerging Markets ex China Core Equity ETF (DEXC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFEV achieves a 25.45% return, which is significantly lower than DEXC's 33.63% return.

DFEV

• 1D: -5.33%
• 1M: 2.00%
• YTD: 25.45%
• 6M: 26.35%
• 1Y: 48.75%
• 3Y*: 24.39%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DEXC

• 1D: -6.22%
• 1M: 3.82%
• YTD: 33.63%
• 6M: 34.97%
• 1Y: 55.75%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFEV vs. DEXC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
DFEV Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF	25.45%	32.54%	-1.35%
DEXC Dimensional Emerging Markets ex China Core Equity ETF	33.63%	27.13%	-1.63%

Correlation

The correlation between DFEV and DEXC is 0.94, 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	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 14, 2024	0.91

The correlation between DFEV and DEXC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFEV vs. DEXC — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFEV

DFEV Risk / Return Rank: 80
DFEV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
DFEV Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
DFEV Omega Ratio Rank: 83
DFEV Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
DFEV Martin Ratio Rank: 81

DEXC

DEXC Risk / Return Rank: 82
DEXC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
DEXC Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
DEXC Omega Ratio Rank: 83
DEXC Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
DEXC Martin Ratio Rank: 86

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. DEXC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF (DFEV) and Dimensional Emerging Markets ex China Core Equity ETF (DEXC). 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	DEXC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.45	2.36	+0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.09	2.96	+0.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.45	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.31	4.36	-0.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.41	16.49	-1.07

DFEV vs. DEXC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFEV Sharpe Ratio is 2.45, which is comparable to the DEXC Sharpe Ratio of 2.36. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFEV and DEXC, 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. DEXC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFEV drawdown since its inception was -18.49%, which is greater than DEXC's maximum drawdown of -15.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFEV and DEXC.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFEV	DEXC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.49%	-15.07%	-3.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.35%	-12.86%	+1.51%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.94%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.33%	-6.22%	+0.89%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.63%	-2.45%	-2.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.17%	3.39%	-0.22%

Volatility

DFEV vs. DEXC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF (DFEV) is 11.67%, while Dimensional Emerging Markets ex China Core Equity ETF (DEXC) has a volatility of 13.89%. This indicates that DFEV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DEXC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFEV	DEXC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.67%	13.89%	-2.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.08%	22.10%	-4.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.00%	23.74%	-3.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.09%	21.74%	-4.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.09%	21.74%	-4.65%

DFEV vs. DEXC - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both DFEV and DEXC have an expense ratio of 0.43%.

Dividends

DFEV vs. DEXC - Dividend Comparison

DFEV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.09%, more than DEXC's 1.97% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
DEXC Dimensional Emerging Markets ex China Core Equity ETF	1.97%	1.97%	0.19%	0.00%	0.00%
DFEV Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF	2.09%	2.69%	3.17%	3.47%	3.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFEV and DEXC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, DFEV and DEXC 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, DFEV or DEXC?

DEXC has higher volatility (13.89%) compared to DFEV (11.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFEV dropped -18.49% vs DEXC's -15.07%.

Which ETF is better, DFEV or DEXC?

On 1-year performance, DEXC leads with 55.75% vs 48.75% for DFEV. Both ETFs have the same 0.43% expense ratio. On volatility, DFEV has been the lower-risk option at 11.67%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFEV or DEXC?

Over the 1-year period, DEXC has performed better with a 55.75% return vs 48.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFEV or DEXC?

DFEV and DEXC have the same expense ratio: 0.43% per year.

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

DFEV has the higher dividend yield at 2.09%, compared with 1.97% for DEXC.

What is the main difference between DFEV and DEXC?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Dimensional Fund Advisors.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFEV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.45 vs 2.36), 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.