DFIC vs. VXUS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFIC (DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF) and VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFIC is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. DFIC is actively managed, while VXUS is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFIC returned 18.77%/yr vs 18.90%/yr for VXUS. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFIC charges 0.22%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VXUS.

Performance

DFIC vs. VXUS - 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 Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFIC achieves a 7.68% return, which is significantly lower than VXUS's 12.51% return.

DFIC

• 1D: -2.96%
• 1M: -2.35%
• YTD: 7.68%
• 6M: 7.21%
• 1Y: 24.23%
• 3Y*: 18.77%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VXUS

• 1D: -3.04%
• 1M: 0.39%
• YTD: 12.51%
• 6M: 12.35%
• 1Y: 29.41%
• 3Y*: 18.90%
• 5Y*: 8.35%
• 10Y*: 10.23%

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

DFIC vs. VXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFIC DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF	7.68%	37.09%	4.10%	17.32%	-8.86%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	12.51%	32.35%	5.08%	15.86%	-10.47%

Correlation

The correlation between DFIC and VXUS is 0.94, 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	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 24, 2022	0.96

The correlation between DFIC and VXUS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFIC vs. VXUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFIC	VXUS
Financial Services	20.3%	21.7%
Industrials	20.0%	15.6%
Basic Materials	11.4%	7.6%
Consumer Cyclical	9.8%	8.2%
Technology	8.8%	21.0%
Energy	7.4%	4.7%
Healthcare	6.9%	6.8%
Consumer Defensive	6.0%	4.8%
Communication Services	4.3%	4.4%
Utilities	3.4%	3.0%
Real Estate	1.7%	2.4%

Return for Risk

DFIC vs. VXUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFIC

DFIC Risk / Return Rank: 50
DFIC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
DFIC Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
DFIC Omega Ratio Rank: 50
DFIC Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
DFIC Martin Ratio Rank: 52

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 55
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 56
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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. VXUS - 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 Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). 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	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.67	1.81	-0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.31	2.46	-0.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.34	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.21	2.62	-0.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.69	10.07	-1.38

DFIC vs. VXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFIC Sharpe Ratio is 1.67, which is comparable to the VXUS Sharpe Ratio of 1.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFIC and VXUS, 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. VXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFIC drawdown since its inception was -24.40%, smaller than the maximum VXUS drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFIC and VXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFIC	VXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.40%	-35.97%	+11.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.00%	-11.27%	+0.27%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.14%	-13.58%	+0.44%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.44%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.66%	-3.04%	-0.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.51%	-8.20%	+3.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.79%	2.93%	-0.14%

Volatility

DFIC vs. VXUS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC) is 5.44%, while Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) has a volatility of 7.07%. This indicates that DFIC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VXUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFIC	VXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.44%	7.07%	-1.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.46%	14.44%	-1.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.60%	16.36%	-1.76%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.29%	16.27%	+0.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.29%	17.03%	-0.74%

DFIC vs. VXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFIC has a 0.22% expense ratio, which is higher than VXUS's 0.05% 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. VXUS - Dividend Comparison

DFIC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.33%, less than VXUS's 2.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFIC DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF	2.33%	2.54%	2.87%	2.55%	1.47%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.59%	3.18%	3.37%	3.24%	3.09%	3.10%	2.14%	3.06%	3.18%	2.73%	2.93%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFIC and VXUS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, DFIC and VXUS 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 VXUS?

VXUS has higher volatility (7.07%) compared to DFIC (5.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFIC dropped -24.40% vs VXUS's -35.97%.

Which ETF is better, DFIC or VXUS?

On 3-year performance, VXUS leads with 18.90% vs 18.77% for DFIC. On fees, VXUS is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, DFIC has been the lower-risk option at 5.44%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFIC or VXUS?

Over the 3-year period, VXUS has performed better with a 18.90% return vs 18.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFIC or VXUS?

VXUS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.22% for DFIC.

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

VXUS has the higher dividend yield at 2.59%, compared with 2.33% for DFIC.

What is the main difference between DFIC and VXUS?

DFIC is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while VXUS is Global Equities. They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.22% for DFIC and 0.05% for VXUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VXUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 vs 1.67), 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.