DFGP vs. DFCF

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

DFGP (Dimensional Global Core Plus Fixed Income ETF) and DFCF (Dimensional Core Fixed Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFGP is a Global Bonds fund actively managed by Dimensional, while DFCF is a Intermediate Core Bond fund actively managed by Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, DFGP returned 2.54% vs 2.24% for DFCF. Their correlation of 0.90 means they have usually moved in the same direction. DFGP charges 0.22%/yr vs 0.17%/yr for DFCF.

Performance

DFGP vs. DFCF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional Global Core Plus Fixed Income ETF (DFGP) and Dimensional Core Fixed Income ETF (DFCF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFGP achieves a 0.58% return, which is significantly higher than DFCF's -0.42% return.

DFGP

• 1D: -0.36%
• 1M: -1.11%
• 6M: -0.20%
• YTD: 0.58%
• 1Y: 2.54%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 6.04%

DFCF

• 1D: -0.29%
• 1M: -1.24%
• 6M: -0.68%
• YTD: -0.42%
• 1Y: 2.24%
• 3Y*: 4.66%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 0.03%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
DFCF Dimensional Core Fixed Income ETF	$59.72M	$50.71M	$53.37M
DFGP Dimensional Global Core Plus Fixed Income ETF	$20.82M	$48.51M	$23.48M

DFGP vs. DFCF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
DFGP Dimensional Global Core Plus Fixed Income ETF	0.58%	5.89%	3.71%	6.23%
DFCF Dimensional Core Fixed Income ETF	-0.42%	7.89%	1.86%	5.97%

Correlation

The correlation between DFGP and DFCF is 0.92, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 8, 2023	0.90

The correlation between DFGP and DFCF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFGP vs. DFCF — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

DFGP

DFGP Risk / Return Rank: 30
DFGP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
DFGP Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
DFGP Omega Ratio Rank: 28
DFGP Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
DFGP Martin Ratio Rank: 33

DFCF

DFCF Risk / Return Rank: 30
DFCF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
DFCF Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
DFCF Omega Ratio Rank: 27
DFCF Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
DFCF Martin Ratio Rank: 31

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

DFGP vs. DFCF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Global Core Plus Fixed Income ETF (DFGP) and Dimensional Core Fixed Income ETF (DFCF). 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.

	DFGP	DFCF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.76	0.76	0.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.11	1.11	+0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.13	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.96	1.08	-0.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.11	2.76	+0.35

DFGP vs. DFCF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFGP Sharpe Ratio is 0.76, which is comparable to the DFCF Sharpe Ratio of 0.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFGP and DFCF, 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

DFGP vs. DFCF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFGP drawdown since its inception was -3.24%, smaller than the maximum DFCF drawdown of -19.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFGP and DFCF.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFGP	DFCF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.24%	-19.56%	+16.32%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.24%	-2.79%	-0.45%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-4.53%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.53%	-2.24%	+0.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.78%	-7.81%	+7.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.00%	1.09%	-0.09%

Volatility

DFGP vs. DFCF - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional Global Core Plus Fixed Income ETF (DFGP) has a higher volatility of 1.18% compared to Dimensional Core Fixed Income ETF (DFCF) at 1.08%. This indicates that DFGP's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFCF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFGP	DFCF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.18%	1.08%	+0.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.50%	3.15%	+0.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.08%	3.95%	+0.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.63%	6.40%	-1.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.63%	6.40%	-1.77%

DFGP vs. DFCF - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFGP has a 0.22% expense ratio, which is higher than DFCF's 0.17% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

DFGP vs. DFCF - Dividend Comparison

DFGP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.47%, more than DFCF's 4.41% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFCF Dimensional Core Fixed Income ETF	4.41%	4.48%	4.61%	4.51%	3.27%	0.16%
DFGP Dimensional Global Core Plus Fixed Income ETF	5.47%	3.45%	4.51%	0.62%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFGP and DFCF in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, DFGP and DFCF 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, DFGP or DFCF?

DFGP has higher volatility (1.18%) compared to DFCF (1.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFGP dropped -3.24% vs DFCF's -19.56%.

Which ETF is better, DFGP or DFCF?

On 1-year performance, DFGP leads with 2.54% vs 2.24% for DFCF. On fees, DFCF is cheaper at 0.17% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFGP or DFCF?

Over the 1-year period, DFGP has performed better with a 2.54% return vs 2.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFGP or DFCF?

DFCF is cheaper with a 0.17% expense ratio, compared with 0.22% for DFGP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFGP or DFCF?

DFGP has the higher dividend yield at 5.47%, compared with 4.41% for DFCF.

What is the main difference between DFGP and DFCF?

DFGP is categorized as Global Bonds, while DFCF is Intermediate Core Bond. Their fees differ too: 0.22% for DFGP and 0.17% for DFCF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFGP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.76 vs 0.76), 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.