DFIC vs. VEA

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DFIC (DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. DFIC is actively managed, while VEA is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFIC returned 19.97%/yr vs 20.72%/yr for VEA. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFIC charges 0.22%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

DFIC vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFIC achieves a 10.96% return, which is significantly lower than VEA's 16.69% return.

DFIC

• 1D: 0.28%
• 1M: 0.63%
• YTD: 10.96%
• 6M: 11.16%
• 1Y: 28.82%
• 3Y*: 19.97%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VEA

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 3.28%
• YTD: 16.69%
• 6M: 17.33%
• 1Y: 35.42%
• 3Y*: 20.72%
• 5Y*: 10.37%
• 10Y*: 11.06%

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

DFIC vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFIC DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF	10.96%	37.09%	4.10%	17.32%	-8.86%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	16.69%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-9.57%

Correlation

The correlation between DFIC and VEA 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	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 24, 2022	0.98

The correlation between DFIC and VEA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFIC vs. VEA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFIC	VEA
Financial Services	20.3%	22.3%
Industrials	20.0%	17.5%
Basic Materials	11.4%	7.5%
Consumer Cyclical	9.8%	7.4%
Technology	8.8%	16.6%
Energy	7.4%	4.7%
Healthcare	6.9%	7.6%
Consumer Defensive	6.0%	5.5%
Communication Services	4.3%	3.2%
Utilities	3.4%	3.0%
Real Estate	1.7%	2.5%

Return for Risk

DFIC vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFIC

DFIC Risk / Return Rank: 61
DFIC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
DFIC Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
DFIC Omega Ratio Rank: 63
DFIC Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
DFIC Martin Ratio Rank: 60

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 67
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 69
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). 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	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.03	2.16	-0.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.81	2.93	-0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.39	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.63	3.06	-0.43
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.38	11.80	-1.42

DFIC vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFIC Sharpe Ratio is 2.03, which is comparable to the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFIC and VEA, 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. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFIC drawdown since its inception was -24.40%, smaller than the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFIC and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFIC	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.40%	-60.68%	+36.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.00%	-11.63%	+0.63%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.14%	-13.45%	+0.31%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.71%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.72%	0.00%	-0.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.51%	-13.26%	+8.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.78%	3.01%	-0.23%

Volatility

DFIC vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC) is 4.52%, while Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) has a volatility of 6.32%. This indicates that DFIC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VEA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFIC	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.52%	6.32%	-1.80%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.07%	14.39%	-2.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.30%	16.52%	-2.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.23%	16.71%	-0.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.23%	17.38%	-1.15%

DFIC vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFIC has a 0.22% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% 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. VEA - Dividend Comparison

DFIC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.26%, less than VEA's 2.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFIC DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF	2.26%	2.54%	2.87%	2.55%	1.47%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.50%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFIC and VEA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, DFIC and VEA 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 VEA?

VEA has higher volatility (6.32%) compared to DFIC (4.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFIC dropped -24.40% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which ETF is better, DFIC or VEA?

On 3-year performance, VEA leads with 20.72% vs 19.97% for DFIC. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, DFIC has been the lower-risk option at 4.52%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFIC or VEA?

Over the 3-year period, VEA has performed better with a 20.72% return vs 19.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFIC or VEA?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.22% for DFIC.

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

VEA has the higher dividend yield at 2.50%, compared with 2.26% for DFIC.

What is the main difference between DFIC and VEA?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.22% for DFIC and 0.03% for VEA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 2.03), 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.