DFIP vs. SCHP

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DFIP (Dimensional Inflation-Protected Securities ETF) and SCHP (Schwab U.S. TIPS ETF) are both Inflation-Protected Bonds funds. DFIP is actively managed, while SCHP is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFIP returned 3.87%/yr vs 3.67%/yr for SCHP. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFIP charges 0.11%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for SCHP.

Performance

DFIP vs. SCHP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional Inflation-Protected Securities ETF (DFIP) and Schwab U.S. TIPS ETF (SCHP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFIP achieves a 0.72% return, which is significantly lower than SCHP's 0.81% return.

DFIP

• 1D: -0.44%
• 1M: -0.20%
• YTD: 0.72%
• 6M: 0.83%
• 1Y: 3.57%
• 3Y*: 3.87%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SCHP

• 1D: -0.42%
• 1M: -0.18%
• YTD: 0.81%
• 6M: 0.92%
• 1Y: 3.57%
• 3Y*: 3.67%
• 5Y*: 0.94%
• 10Y*: 2.52%

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

DFIP vs. SCHP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFIP Dimensional Inflation-Protected Securities ETF	0.72%	7.54%	1.72%	4.07%	-12.39%	-0.37%
SCHP Schwab U.S. TIPS ETF	0.81%	6.76%	1.95%	3.91%	-12.02%	-0.22%

Correlation

The correlation between DFIP and SCHP 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	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 16, 2021	0.97

The correlation between DFIP and SCHP has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFIP vs. SCHP — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFIP

DFIP Risk / Return Rank: 31
DFIP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
DFIP Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
DFIP Omega Ratio Rank: 27
DFIP Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
DFIP Martin Ratio Rank: 35

SCHP

SCHP Risk / Return Rank: 33
SCHP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
SCHP Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
SCHP Omega Ratio Rank: 28
SCHP Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
SCHP Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

DFIP vs. SCHP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Inflation-Protected Securities ETF (DFIP) and Schwab U.S. TIPS ETF (SCHP). 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.

	DFIP	SCHP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.03	1.07	-0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.54	1.58	-0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.19	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.74	1.86	-0.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.15	5.54	-0.39

DFIP vs. SCHP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFIP Sharpe Ratio is 1.03, which is comparable to the SCHP Sharpe Ratio of 1.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFIP and SCHP, 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

DFIP vs. SCHP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFIP drawdown since its inception was -14.96%, roughly equal to the maximum SCHP drawdown of -14.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFIP and SCHP.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFIP	SCHP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.96%	-14.26%	-0.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.06%	-1.93%	-0.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.82%	-4.48%	-0.34%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-14.26%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-14.26%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.22%	-1.04%	-0.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.88%	-3.93%	-2.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.69%	0.65%	+0.04%

Volatility

DFIP vs. SCHP - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional Inflation-Protected Securities ETF (DFIP) has a higher volatility of 1.31% compared to Schwab U.S. TIPS ETF (SCHP) at 1.20%. This indicates that DFIP's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SCHP based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFIP	SCHP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.31%	1.20%	+0.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.52%	2.39%	+0.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.50%	3.35%	+0.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.79%	6.11%	+0.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.79%	5.60%	+1.19%

DFIP vs. SCHP - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFIP has a 0.11% expense ratio, which is higher than SCHP'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

DFIP vs. SCHP - Dividend Comparison

DFIP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.91%, less than SCHP's 4.02% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFIP Dimensional Inflation-Protected Securities ETF	3.91%	4.70%	3.69%	3.68%	5.97%	0.56%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SCHP Schwab U.S. TIPS ETF	4.02%	4.06%	2.99%	3.02%	7.19%	4.39%	1.11%	2.02%	2.26%	1.90%	1.38%	0.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFIP and SCHP in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, DFIP and SCHP 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, DFIP or SCHP?

DFIP has higher volatility (1.31%) compared to SCHP (1.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFIP dropped -14.96% vs SCHP's -14.26%.

Which ETF is better, DFIP or SCHP?

On 3-year performance, DFIP leads with 3.87% vs 3.67% for SCHP. On fees, SCHP is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, SCHP has been the lower-risk option at 1.20%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFIP or SCHP?

Over the 3-year period, DFIP has performed better with a 3.87% return vs 3.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFIP or SCHP?

SCHP is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.11% for DFIP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFIP or SCHP?

SCHP has the higher dividend yield at 4.02%, compared with 3.91% for DFIP.

What is the main difference between DFIP and SCHP?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.11% for DFIP and 0.03% for SCHP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.07 vs 1.03), 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.