DFGX vs. SPSK

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFGX (Dimensional Global Ex US Core Fixed Income ETF) and SPSK (SP Funds Dow Jones Global Sukuk ETF) are both Global Bonds funds. DFGX is actively managed, while SPSK is passively managed. Over the past year, DFGX returned 3.25% vs 3.45% for SPSK. At a 0.37 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. DFGX charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SPSK.

Performance

DFGX vs. SPSK - 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 SP Funds Dow Jones Global Sukuk ETF (SPSK). 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 SPSK's 0.14% return.

DFGX

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

SPSK

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 0.48%
• YTD: 0.14%
• 6M: 0.23%
• 1Y: 3.45%
• 3Y*: 4.06%
• 5Y*: 0.89%
• 10Y*: —

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

DFGX vs. SPSK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
DFGX Dimensional Global Ex US Core Fixed Income ETF	1.67%	3.46%	3.75%	4.95%
SPSK SP Funds Dow Jones Global Sukuk ETF	0.14%	6.16%	2.95%	4.23%

Correlation

The correlation between DFGX and SPSK is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 8, 2023	0.37

The correlation between DFGX and SPSK shifts across timeframes, from 0.37 (all time) to 0.49 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DFGX vs. SPSK — 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

SPSK

SPSK Risk / Return Rank: 26
SPSK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
SPSK Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
SPSK Omega Ratio Rank: 23
SPSK Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
SPSK Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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. SPSK - 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 SP Funds Dow Jones Global Sukuk ETF (SPSK). 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	SPSK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.79	0.91	-0.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.17	1.33	-0.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.16	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.98	1.22	-0.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.80	3.96	-1.16

DFGX vs. SPSK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFGX Sharpe Ratio is 0.79, which is comparable to the SPSK Sharpe Ratio of 0.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFGX and SPSK, 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

DFGX vs. SPSK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFGX drawdown since its inception was -3.32%, smaller than the maximum SPSK drawdown of -12.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFGX and SPSK.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFGX	SPSK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.32%	-12.83%	+9.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.32%	-2.85%	-0.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-3.17%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-12.45%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.49%	-0.92%	+0.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.78%	-3.80%	+3.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.16%	0.87%	+0.29%

Volatility

DFGX vs. SPSK - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional Global Ex US Core Fixed Income ETF (DFGX) has a higher volatility of 1.12% compared to SP Funds Dow Jones Global Sukuk ETF (SPSK) at 0.91%. This indicates that DFGX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPSK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFGX	SPSK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.12%	0.91%	+0.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.46%	2.50%	+0.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.11%	3.84%	+0.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.65%	5.28%	-0.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.65%	5.45%	-0.80%

DFGX vs. SPSK - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFGX has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than SPSK's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFGX vs. SPSK - Dividend Comparison

DFGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.73%, less than SPSK's 4.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DFGX Dimensional Global Ex US Core Fixed Income ETF	2.73%	2.84%	4.61%	0.49%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SPSK SP Funds Dow Jones Global Sukuk ETF	4.23%	3.63%	3.53%	2.95%	2.22%	2.56%	1.78%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFGX and SPSK in my portfolio?

DFGX and SPSK have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFGX or SPSK?

DFGX has higher volatility (1.12%) compared to SPSK (0.91%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFGX dropped -3.32% vs SPSK's -12.83%.

Which ETF is better, DFGX or SPSK?

On 1-year performance, SPSK leads with 3.45% vs 3.25% for DFGX. On fees, DFGX is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, SPSK has been the lower-risk option at 0.91%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFGX or SPSK?

Over the 1-year period, SPSK has performed better with a 3.45% return vs 3.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFGX or SPSK?

DFGX is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for SPSK.

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

SPSK has the higher dividend yield at 4.23%, compared with 2.73% for DFGX.

What is the main difference between DFGX and SPSK?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and SP Funds. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for DFGX and 0.50% for SPSK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPSK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.91 vs 0.79), 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.