DFIC vs. QQQ

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFIC (DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF) and QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFIC is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while QQQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. DFIC is actively managed, while QQQ is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFIC returned 19.43%/yr vs 28.78%/yr for QQQ. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFIC charges 0.23%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for QQQ.

Performance

DFIC vs. QQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ). 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 QQQ's 21.30% return.

DFIC

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

QQQ

• 1D: -0.26%
• 1M: 10.60%
• YTD: 21.30%
• 6M: 19.66%
• 1Y: 41.82%
• 3Y*: 28.78%
• 5Y*: 17.97%
• 10Y*: 21.94%

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

DFIC vs. QQQ - 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%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	21.30%	20.77%	25.58%	54.86%	-25.51%

Correlation

The correlation between DFIC and QQQ is 0.62, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 25, 2022	0.64

The correlation between DFIC and QQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.58 to 0.64 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFIC vs. QQQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFIC	QQQ
Financial Services	20.6%	0.2%
Industrials	20.2%	2.8%
Basic Materials	11.0%	1.1%
Consumer Cyclical	9.5%	12.3%
Energy	8.1%	0.6%
Technology	7.8%	53.8%
Healthcare	7.0%	4.2%
Consumer Defensive	6.1%	7.7%
Communication Services	4.3%	15.8%
Utilities	3.7%	1.4%
Real Estate	1.8%	0.1%

Return for Risk

DFIC vs. QQQ — 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

QQQ

QQQ Risk / Return Rank: 73
QQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
QQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
QQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 74
QQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
QQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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. QQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ). 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	QQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.98	2.64	-0.66
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.76	3.45	-0.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.45	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.49	3.51	-1.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.90	13.49	-3.59
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. QQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFIC Sharpe Ratio is 1.98, which is comparable to the QQQ Sharpe Ratio of 2.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFIC and QQQ, 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	QQQ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.98	2.64	-0.66
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.81	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.99	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.81	0.41	+0.40

Drawdowns

DFIC vs. QQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFIC drawdown since its inception was -24.40%, smaller than the maximum QQQ drawdown of -82.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFIC and QQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFIC	QQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.40%	-82.97%	+58.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.00%	-11.96%	+0.96%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.14%	-22.77%	+9.63%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.12%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.12%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.32%	-0.26%	-1.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.55%	-32.79%	+28.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.76%	3.11%	-0.35%

Volatility

DFIC vs. QQQ - Volatility Comparison

DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) have volatilities of 4.34% and 4.49%, 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	QQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.34%	4.49%	-0.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.50%	12.10%	-0.60%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.85%	15.94%	-2.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.21%	22.38%	-6.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.21%	22.29%	-6.08%

DFIC vs. QQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFIC has a 0.23% expense ratio, which is higher than QQQ'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. QQQ - Dividend Comparison

DFIC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.27%, more than QQQ's 0.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFIC DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF	2.27%	2.54%	2.87%	2.55%	1.47%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	0.38%	0.45%	0.56%	0.62%	0.80%	0.43%	0.55%	0.74%	0.91%	0.84%	1.06%	0.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFIC and QQQ in my portfolio?

DFIC and QQQ have a correlation of 0.62, 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 QQQ?

QQQ has higher volatility (4.49%) compared to DFIC (4.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFIC dropped -24.40% vs QQQ's -82.97%.

Which ETF is better, DFIC or QQQ?

On 3-year performance, QQQ leads with 28.78% vs 19.43% for DFIC. On fees, QQQ is cheaper at 0.18% 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 QQQ?

Over the 3-year period, QQQ has performed better with a 28.78% 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 QQQ?

QQQ is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.23% for DFIC.

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

DFIC has the higher dividend yield at 2.27%, compared with 0.38% for QQQ.

What is the main difference between DFIC and QQQ?

DFIC is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while QQQ is Nasdaq-100. They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.23% for DFIC and 0.18% for QQQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.64 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.