DFIEX vs. DFEM

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

DFIEX (DFA International Core Equity Portfolio I) and DFEM (Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF) are both funds - DFIEX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by Dimensional, while DFEM is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund actively managed by Dimensional. Over the past 3 years, DFIEX returned 18.82%/yr vs 21.31%/yr for DFEM. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFIEX charges 0.24%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for DFEM.

Performance

DFIEX vs. DFEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA International Core Equity Portfolio I (DFIEX) and Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF (DFEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFIEX achieves a 9.96% return, which is significantly lower than DFEM's 22.86% return.

DFIEX

• 1D: 2.63%
• 1M: -0.13%
• YTD: 9.96%
• 6M: 11.78%
• 1Y: 26.11%
• 3Y*: 18.82%
• 5Y*: 9.36%
• 10Y*: 10.30%

DFEM

• 1D: 0.37%
• 1M: 0.25%
• YTD: 22.86%
• 6M: 25.68%
• 1Y: 43.48%
• 3Y*: 21.31%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFIEX vs. DFEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFIEX DFA International Core Equity Portfolio I	9.96%	36.18%	3.99%	17.50%	-2.29%
DFEM Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF	22.86%	29.51%	7.53%	13.91%	-9.60%

Correlation

The correlation between DFIEX and DFEM is 0.79, 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	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 27, 2022	0.78

The correlation between DFIEX and DFEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.76 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFIEX vs. DFEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFIEX

DFIEX Risk / Return Rank: 59
DFIEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
DFIEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
DFIEX Omega Ratio Rank: 58
DFIEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
DFIEX Martin Ratio Rank: 56

DFEM

DFEM Risk / Return Rank: 75
DFEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
DFEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
DFEM Omega Ratio Rank: 77
DFEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
DFEM Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

DFIEX vs. DFEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA International Core Equity Portfolio I (DFIEX) and Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF (DFEM). 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.

	DFIEX	DFEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.81	2.07	-0.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.53	2.69	-0.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.39	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.35	3.42	-1.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.10	12.78	-3.68

DFIEX vs. DFEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFIEX Sharpe Ratio is 1.81, which is comparable to the DFEM Sharpe Ratio of 2.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFIEX and DFEM, 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

DFIEX vs. DFEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFIEX drawdown since its inception was -62.22%, which is greater than DFEM's maximum drawdown of -20.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFIEX and DFEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFIEX	DFEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.22%	-20.82%	-41.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.01%	-12.12%	+1.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.81%	-18.09%	+5.28%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.66%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.04%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.32%	-3.43%	+2.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.16%	-5.03%	-7.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.84%	3.24%	-0.40%

Volatility

DFIEX vs. DFEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA International Core Equity Portfolio I (DFIEX) is 4.87%, while Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF (DFEM) has a volatility of 10.14%. This indicates that DFIEX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFIEX	DFEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.87%	10.14%	-5.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.80%	17.91%	-6.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.33%	20.02%	-5.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.83%	17.63%	-1.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.40%	17.63%	-1.23%

DFIEX vs. DFEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFIEX has a 0.24% expense ratio, which is lower than DFEM's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFIEX vs. DFEM - Dividend Comparison

DFIEX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.94%, more than DFEM's 1.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFEM Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF	1.86%	2.32%	2.50%	2.38%	1.99%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DFIEX DFA International Core Equity Portfolio I	2.94%	3.22%	3.42%	3.36%	2.88%	2.98%	1.77%	2.90%	2.95%	2.49%	2.76%	4.20%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFIEX and DFEM in my portfolio?

DFIEX and DFEM have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFIEX or DFEM?

DFEM has higher volatility (10.14%) compared to DFIEX (4.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFIEX dropped -62.22% vs DFEM's -20.82%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.07 vs 1.81), 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.