DFGX vs. NXUS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFGX (Dimensional Global Ex US Core Fixed Income ETF) and NXUS (Nuveen International Aggregate Bond ETF) are both Global Bonds funds. DFGX is actively managed, while NXUS is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFGX charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for NXUS.

Performance

DFGX vs. NXUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional Global Ex US Core Fixed Income ETF (DFGX) and Nuveen International Aggregate Bond ETF (NXUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFGX achieves a 1.67% return, which is significantly higher than NXUS's 1.19% return.

DFGX

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 1.25%
• YTD: 1.67%
• 6M: 1.69%
• 1Y: 3.25%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NXUS

• 1D: 0.15%
• 1M: 1.02%
• YTD: 1.19%
• 6M: 1.23%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFGX vs. NXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DFGX Dimensional Global Ex US Core Fixed Income ETF	1.67%	0.37%
NXUS Nuveen International Aggregate Bond ETF	1.19%	0.45%

Correlation

The correlation between DFGX and NXUS is 0.88, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 24, 2025	0.88

Return for Risk

DFGX vs. NXUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFGX

DFGX Risk / Return Rank: 22
DFGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
DFGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
DFGX Omega Ratio Rank: 22
DFGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
DFGX Martin Ratio Rank: 23

NXUS

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

DFGX vs. NXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Global Ex US Core Fixed Income ETF (DFGX) and Nuveen International Aggregate Bond ETF (NXUS). 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.

	DFGX	NXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.79	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.17	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.98	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.80	—	—

Drawdowns

DFGX vs. NXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFGX drawdown since its inception was -3.32%, which is greater than NXUS's maximum drawdown of -2.81%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFGX and NXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFGX	NXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.32%	-2.81%	-0.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.32%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.49%	-0.63%	+0.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.78%	-0.91%	+0.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.16%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DFGX	NXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.12%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.46%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.11%	3.73%	+0.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.65%	3.73%	+0.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.65%	3.73%	+0.92%

DFGX vs. NXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFGX has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is higher than NXUS's 0.08% 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

DFGX vs. NXUS - Dividend Comparison

DFGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.73%, more than NXUS's 1.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
DFGX Dimensional Global Ex US Core Fixed Income ETF	2.73%	2.84%	4.61%	0.49%
NXUS Nuveen International Aggregate Bond ETF	1.66%	0.39%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFGX and NXUS in my portfolio?

DFGX and NXUS have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DFGX or NXUS?

On fees, NXUS is cheaper at 0.08% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFGX or NXUS?

NXUS is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for DFGX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFGX or NXUS?

DFGX has the higher dividend yield at 2.73%, compared with 1.66% for NXUS.

What is the main difference between DFGX and NXUS?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Nuveen. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for DFGX and 0.08% for NXUS.