DFEV vs. DFAI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFEV (Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF) and DFAI (Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFEV is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund actively managed by Dimensional, while DFAI is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFEV returned 24.39%/yr vs 17.77%/yr for DFAI. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFEV charges 0.43%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for DFAI.

Performance

DFEV vs. DFAI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF (DFEV) and Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI). 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 higher than DFAI's 7.50% return.

DFEV

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

DFAI

• 1D: -2.83%
• 1M: -1.64%
• YTD: 7.50%
• 6M: 6.97%
• 1Y: 23.12%
• 3Y*: 17.77%
• 5Y*: 9.35%
• 10Y*: —

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

DFEV vs. DFAI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFEV Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF	25.45%	32.54%	7.26%	15.52%	-6.08%
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	7.50%	34.04%	4.68%	17.60%	-2.00%

Correlation

The correlation between DFEV and DFAI is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 27, 2022	0.76

The correlation between DFEV and DFAI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.72 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFEV vs. DFAI — 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

DFAI

DFAI Risk / Return Rank: 47
DFAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
DFAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
DFAI Omega Ratio Rank: 46
DFAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
DFAI Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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. DFAI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF (DFEV) and Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI). 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	DFAI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.45	1.57	+0.88
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.09	2.21	+0.88
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.29	+0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.31	2.12	+2.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.41	8.25	+7.16

DFEV vs. DFAI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFEV Sharpe Ratio is 2.45, which is higher than the DFAI Sharpe Ratio of 1.57. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFEV and DFAI, 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. DFAI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFEV drawdown since its inception was -18.49%, smaller than the maximum DFAI drawdown of -27.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFEV and DFAI.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFEV	DFAI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.49%	-27.44%	+8.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.35%	-10.95%	-0.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.94%	-13.25%	-4.69%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.44%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.33%	-3.10%	-2.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.63%	-5.09%	+0.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.17%	2.81%	+0.36%

Volatility

DFEV vs. DFAI - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF (DFEV) has a higher volatility of 11.67% compared to Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI) at 5.38%. This indicates that DFEV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFAI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFEV	DFAI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.67%	5.38%	+6.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.08%	12.60%	+5.48%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.00%	14.77%	+5.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.09%	16.03%	+1.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.09%	15.77%	+1.32%

DFEV vs. DFAI - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFEV has a 0.43% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAI's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFEV vs. DFAI - Dividend Comparison

DFEV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.09%, less than DFAI's 2.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	2.29%	2.45%	2.72%	2.64%	2.72%	2.06%	0.09%
DFEV Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF	2.09%	2.69%	3.17%	3.47%	3.35%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFEV and DFAI in my portfolio?

DFEV and DFAI have a correlation of 0.72, 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 DFAI?

DFEV has higher volatility (11.67%) compared to DFAI (5.38%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFEV dropped -18.49% vs DFAI's -27.44%.

Which ETF is better, DFEV or DFAI?

On 3-year performance, DFEV leads with 24.39% vs 17.77% for DFAI. On fees, DFAI is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, DFAI has been the lower-risk option at 5.38%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFEV or DFAI?

Over the 3-year period, DFEV has performed better with a 24.39% return vs 17.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFEV or DFAI?

DFAI is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.43% for DFEV.

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

DFAI has the higher dividend yield at 2.29%, compared with 2.09% for DFEV.

What is the main difference between DFEV and DFAI?

DFEV is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while DFAI is Foreign Large Cap Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.43% for DFEV and 0.18% for DFAI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFEV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.45 vs 1.57), 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.