DFIC vs. DFAX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFIC (DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF) and DFAX (Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds from Dimensional. DFIC is actively managed, while DFAX is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFIC returned 19.43%/yr vs 20.90%/yr for DFAX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFIC charges 0.23%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for DFAX.

Performance

DFIC vs. DFAX - 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 World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFIC achieves a 10.29% return, which is significantly lower than DFAX's 15.23% return.

DFIC

• 1D: -0.71%
• 1M: 2.87%
• YTD: 10.29%
• 6M: 13.30%
• 1Y: 27.29%
• 3Y*: 19.43%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFAX

• 1D: -1.00%
• 1M: 3.89%
• YTD: 15.23%
• 6M: 18.11%
• 1Y: 34.96%
• 3Y*: 20.90%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFIC vs. DFAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFIC DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF	10.29%	37.09%	4.10%	17.32%	-9.27%
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF	15.23%	35.42%	4.78%	16.66%	-10.92%

Correlation

The correlation between DFIC and DFAX is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 25, 2022	0.97

The correlation between DFIC and DFAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFIC vs. DFAX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFIC	DFAX
Financial Services	20.6%	17.9%
Industrials	20.2%	16.1%
Basic Materials	11.0%	13.2%
Consumer Cyclical	9.5%	10.9%
Energy	8.1%	6.6%
Technology	7.8%	10.9%
Healthcare	7.0%	5.6%
Consumer Defensive	6.1%	3.9%
Communication Services	4.3%	3.5%
Utilities	3.7%	4.2%
Real Estate	1.8%	3.1%

Return for Risk

DFIC vs. DFAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFIC

DFIC Risk / Return Rank: 55
DFIC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
DFIC Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
DFIC Omega Ratio Rank: 57
DFIC Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
DFIC Martin Ratio Rank: 56

DFAX

DFAX Risk / Return Rank: 68
DFAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
DFAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
DFAX Omega Ratio Rank: 71
DFAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
DFAX Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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. DFAX - 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 World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX). 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.

	DFIC	DFAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.98	2.37	-0.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.76	3.17	-0.41
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.43	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.49	3.16	-0.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.90	12.50	-2.60
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFIC vs. DFAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFIC Sharpe Ratio is 1.98, which is comparable to the DFAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFIC and DFAX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DFIC	DFAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.98	2.37	-0.39
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.81	0.65	+0.17

Drawdowns

DFIC vs. DFAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFIC drawdown since its inception was -24.40%, smaller than the maximum DFAX drawdown of -28.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFIC and DFAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFIC	DFAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.40%	-28.15%	+3.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.00%	-11.11%	+0.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.14%	-13.89%	+0.75%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.32%	-1.00%	-0.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.55%	-6.67%	+2.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.76%	2.80%	-0.04%

Volatility

DFIC vs. DFAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC) is 4.34%, while Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX) has a volatility of 5.27%. This indicates that DFIC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFIC	DFAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.34%	5.27%	-0.93%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.50%	12.67%	-1.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.85%	14.83%	-0.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.21%	15.99%	+0.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.21%	15.99%	+0.22%

DFIC vs. DFAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFIC has a 0.23% expense ratio, which is lower than DFAX's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFIC vs. DFAX - Dividend Comparison

DFIC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.27%, more than DFAX's 2.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF	2.22%	2.58%	2.98%	3.01%	3.30%	1.40%
DFIC DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF	2.27%	2.54%	2.87%	2.55%	1.47%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFIC and DFAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, DFIC and DFAX 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 DFAX?

DFAX has higher volatility (5.27%) compared to DFIC (4.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFIC dropped -24.40% vs DFAX's -28.15%.

Which ETF is better, DFIC or DFAX?

On 3-year performance, DFAX leads with 20.90% vs 19.43% for DFIC. On fees, DFIC is cheaper at 0.23% per year. On volatility, DFIC has been the lower-risk option at 4.34%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFIC or DFAX?

Over the 3-year period, DFAX has performed better with a 20.90% return vs 19.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFIC or DFAX?

DFIC is cheaper with a 0.23% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for DFAX.

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

DFIC has the higher dividend yield at 2.27%, compared with 2.22% for DFAX.

What is the main difference between DFIC and DFAX?

Their fees differ too: 0.23% for DFIC and 0.30% for DFAX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.37 vs 1.98), 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.