DFIC vs. PATN

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFIC (DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF) and PATN (Pacer Nasdaq International Patent Leaders ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. DFIC is actively managed, while PATN is passively managed. Over the past year, DFIC returned 27.29% vs 73.16% for PATN. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFIC charges 0.23%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for PATN.

Performance

DFIC vs. PATN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC) and Pacer Nasdaq International Patent Leaders ETF (PATN). 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 PATN's 40.52% return.

DFIC

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

PATN

• 1D: -0.39%
• 1M: 16.77%
• YTD: 40.52%
• 6M: 44.04%
• 1Y: 73.16%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFIC vs. PATN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
DFIC DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF	10.29%	37.09%	-5.30%
PATN Pacer Nasdaq International Patent Leaders ETF	40.52%	40.01%	-1.73%

Correlation

The correlation between DFIC and PATN is 0.81, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 18, 2024	0.81

The correlation between DFIC and PATN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFIC vs. PATN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFIC	PATN
Financial Services	20.6%	0.8%
Industrials	20.2%	16.4%
Basic Materials	11.0%	2.9%
Consumer Cyclical	9.5%	9.0%
Energy	8.1%	2.1%
Technology	7.8%	41.1%
Healthcare	7.0%	12.5%
Consumer Defensive	6.1%	6.3%
Communication Services	4.3%	8.4%
Utilities	3.7%	-
Real Estate	1.8%	-

Return for Risk

DFIC vs. PATN — 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

PATN

PATN Risk / Return Rank: 91
PATN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
PATN Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
PATN Omega Ratio Rank: 91
PATN Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
PATN Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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. PATN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC) and Pacer Nasdaq International Patent Leaders ETF (PATN). 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	PATN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.98	3.47	-1.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.76	4.35	-1.59
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.60	-0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.49	5.11	-2.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.90	20.70	-10.80
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. PATN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFIC Sharpe Ratio is 1.98, which is lower than the PATN Sharpe Ratio of 3.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFIC and PATN, 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	PATN	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.98	3.47	-1.49
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.81	2.28	-1.46

Drawdowns

DFIC vs. PATN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFIC drawdown since its inception was -24.40%, which is greater than PATN's maximum drawdown of -16.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFIC and PATN.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFIC	PATN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.40%	-16.77%	-7.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.00%	-14.40%	+3.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.14%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.32%	-0.39%	-0.93%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.55%	-3.15%	-1.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.76%	3.55%	-0.79%

Volatility

DFIC vs. PATN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC) is 4.34%, while Pacer Nasdaq International Patent Leaders ETF (PATN) has a volatility of 8.84%. This indicates that DFIC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PATN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFIC	PATN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.34%	8.84%	-4.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.50%	18.16%	-6.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.85%	21.18%	-7.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.21%	20.85%	-4.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.21%	20.85%	-4.64%

DFIC vs. PATN - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFIC has a 0.23% expense ratio, which is lower than PATN's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFIC vs. PATN - Dividend Comparison

DFIC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.27%, more than PATN's 1.60% 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%
PATN Pacer Nasdaq International Patent Leaders ETF	1.60%	2.25%	0.30%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFIC and PATN in my portfolio?

DFIC and PATN have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFIC or PATN?

PATN has higher volatility (8.84%) compared to DFIC (4.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFIC dropped -24.40% vs PATN's -16.77%.

Which ETF is better, DFIC or PATN?

On 1-year performance, PATN leads with 73.16% vs 27.29% 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 PATN?

Over the 1-year period, PATN has performed better with a 73.16% return vs 27.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFIC or PATN?

DFIC is cheaper with a 0.23% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for PATN.

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

DFIC has the higher dividend yield at 2.27%, compared with 1.60% for PATN.

What is the main difference between DFIC and PATN?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.23% for DFIC and 0.65% for PATN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PATN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.47 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.