DFIC vs. DFSI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFIC (DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF) and DFSI (Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds from Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFIC returned 19.43%/yr vs 16.80%/yr for DFSI. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFIC charges 0.23%/yr vs 0.24%/yr for DFSI.

Performance

DFIC vs. DFSI - 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 Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSI). 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 higher than DFSI's 5.54% return.

DFIC

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

DFSI

• 1D: -0.92%
• 1M: 2.26%
• YTD: 5.54%
• 6M: 8.46%
• 1Y: 19.10%
• 3Y*: 16.80%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFIC vs. DFSI - 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%	11.38%
DFSI Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 ETF	5.54%	33.62%	4.98%	17.86%	11.99%

Correlation

The correlation between DFIC and DFSI 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 Nov 3, 2022	0.97

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

DFIC vs. DFSI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFIC	DFSI
Financial Services	20.6%	27.7%
Industrials	20.2%	27.9%
Basic Materials	11.0%	7.4%
Consumer Cyclical	9.5%	14.2%
Energy	8.1%	1.3%
Technology	7.8%	3.0%
Healthcare	7.0%	3.7%
Consumer Defensive	6.1%	8.1%
Communication Services	4.3%	1.8%
Utilities	3.7%	1.7%
Real Estate	1.8%	3.4%

Return for Risk

DFIC vs. DFSI — 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

DFSI

DFSI Risk / Return Rank: 35
DFSI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
DFSI Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
DFSI Omega Ratio Rank: 36
DFSI Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
DFSI Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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. DFSI - 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 Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSI). 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	DFSI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.98	1.28	+0.70
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.76	1.88	+0.88
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.24	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.49	1.57	+0.93
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.90	5.94	+3.96
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. DFSI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFIC Sharpe Ratio is 1.98, which is higher than the DFSI Sharpe Ratio of 1.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFIC and DFSI, 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	DFSI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.98	1.28	+0.70
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.81	1.36	-0.55

Drawdowns

DFIC vs. DFSI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFIC drawdown since its inception was -24.40%, which is greater than DFSI's maximum drawdown of -12.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFIC and DFSI.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFIC	DFSI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.40%	-12.82%	-11.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.00%	-12.26%	+1.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.14%	-12.82%	-0.32%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.32%	-3.15%	+1.83%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.55%	-2.62%	-1.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.76%	3.22%	-0.46%

Volatility

DFIC vs. DFSI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC) is 4.34%, while Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSI) has a volatility of 4.63%. This indicates that DFIC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFSI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFIC	DFSI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.34%	4.63%	-0.29%
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%	14.97%	-1.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.21%	15.24%	+0.97%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.21%	15.24%	+0.97%

DFIC vs. DFSI - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFIC has a 0.23% expense ratio, which is lower than DFSI's 0.24% expense ratio. Despite the difference, 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. DFSI - Dividend Comparison

DFIC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.27%, more than DFSI's 2.14% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFIC DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF	2.27%	2.54%	2.87%	2.55%	1.47%
DFSI Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 ETF	2.14%	2.23%	2.39%	2.10%	0.18%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFIC and DFSI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, DFIC and DFSI 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 DFSI?

DFSI has higher volatility (4.63%) compared to DFIC (4.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFIC dropped -24.40% vs DFSI's -12.82%.

Which ETF is better, DFIC or DFSI?

On 3-year performance, DFIC leads with 19.43% vs 16.80% for DFSI. 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 DFSI?

Over the 3-year period, DFIC has performed better with a 19.43% return vs 16.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFIC or DFSI?

DFIC is cheaper with a 0.23% expense ratio, compared with 0.24% for DFSI.

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

DFIC has the higher dividend yield at 2.27%, compared with 2.14% for DFSI.

What is the main difference between DFIC and DFSI?

Their fees differ too: 0.23% for DFIC and 0.24% for DFSI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFIC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.98 vs 1.28), 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.