DFIC vs. DFAI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFIC (DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF) and DFAI (Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds from Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFIC returned 18.77%/yr vs 17.77%/yr for DFAI. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFIC charges 0.22%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for DFAI.

Performance

DFIC vs. DFAI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC) and Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with DFIC having a 7.68% return and DFAI slightly lower at 7.50%.

DFIC

• 1D: -2.96%
• 1M: -2.35%
• YTD: 7.68%
• 6M: 7.21%
• 1Y: 24.23%
• 3Y*: 18.77%
• 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)

DFIC vs. DFAI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFIC DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF	7.68%	37.09%	4.10%	17.32%	-8.86%
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	7.50%	34.04%	4.68%	17.60%	-8.37%

Correlation

The correlation between DFIC and DFAI is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 24, 2022	0.99

The correlation between DFIC and DFAI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFIC vs. DFAI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFIC	DFAI
Financial Services	20.3%	26.9%
Industrials	20.0%	17.2%
Basic Materials	11.4%	10.8%
Consumer Cyclical	9.8%	5.8%
Technology	8.8%	7.8%
Energy	7.4%	4.7%
Healthcare	6.9%	11.4%
Consumer Defensive	6.0%	5.3%
Communication Services	4.3%	4.3%
Utilities	3.4%	4.2%
Real Estate	1.7%	1.5%

Return for Risk

DFIC vs. DFAI — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFIC

DFIC Risk / Return Rank: 50
DFIC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
DFIC Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
DFIC Omega Ratio Rank: 50
DFIC Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
DFIC Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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.

DFIC vs. DFAI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC) 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.

	DFIC	DFAI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.67	1.57	+0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.31	2.21	+0.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.29	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.21	2.12	+0.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.69	8.25	+0.44

DFIC vs. DFAI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFIC Sharpe Ratio is 1.67, which is comparable to the DFAI Sharpe Ratio of 1.57. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFIC 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

DFIC vs. DFAI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFIC drawdown since its inception was -24.40%, smaller than the maximum DFAI drawdown of -27.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFIC and DFAI.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFIC	DFAI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.40%	-27.44%	+3.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.00%	-10.95%	-0.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.14%	-13.25%	+0.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.44%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.66%	-3.10%	-0.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.51%	-5.09%	+0.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.79%	2.81%	-0.02%

Volatility

DFIC vs. DFAI - Volatility Comparison

DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC) and Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI) have volatilities of 5.44% and 5.38%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFIC	DFAI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.44%	5.38%	+0.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.46%	12.60%	-0.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.60%	14.77%	-0.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.29%	16.03%	+0.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.29%	15.77%	+0.52%

DFIC vs. DFAI - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFIC has a 0.22% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAI's 0.18% 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

DFIC vs. DFAI - Dividend Comparison

DFIC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.33%, more 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%
DFIC DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF	2.33%	2.54%	2.87%	2.55%	1.47%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFIC and DFAI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, DFIC and DFAI 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, DFIC or DFAI?

DFIC has higher volatility (5.44%) compared to DFAI (5.38%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFIC dropped -24.40% vs DFAI's -27.44%.

Which ETF is better, DFIC or DFAI?

On 3-year performance, DFIC leads with 18.77% vs 17.77% for DFAI. On fees, DFAI is cheaper at 0.18% 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, DFIC or DFAI?

Over the 3-year period, DFIC has performed better with a 18.77% return vs 17.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFIC or DFAI?

DFAI is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.22% for DFIC.

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

DFIC has the higher dividend yield at 2.33%, compared with 2.29% for DFAI.

What is the main difference between DFIC and DFAI?

Their fees differ too: 0.22% for DFIC and 0.18% for DFAI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFIC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.67 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.