DFIS vs. DFAI

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

DFIS (Dimensional International Small Cap ETF) and DFAI (Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFIS is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while DFAI is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFIS returned 18.85%/yr vs 18.11%/yr for DFAI. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFIS charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for DFAI.

Performance

DFIS vs. DFAI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional International Small Cap ETF (DFIS) and Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFIS achieves a 7.39% return, which is significantly lower than DFAI's 8.43% return.

DFIS

• 1D: -0.40%
• 1M: -2.61%
• YTD: 7.39%
• 6M: 7.04%
• 1Y: 22.90%
• 3Y*: 18.85%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFAI

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: -0.79%
• YTD: 8.43%
• 6M: 7.84%
• 1Y: 22.83%
• 3Y*: 18.11%
• 5Y*: 9.47%
• 10Y*: —

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

DFIS vs. DFAI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFIS Dimensional International Small Cap ETF	7.39%	37.49%	3.80%	15.19%	-12.50%
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	8.43%	34.04%	4.68%	17.60%	-8.37%

Correlation

The correlation between DFIS and DFAI 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	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 24, 2022	0.96

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

DFIS vs. DFAI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFIS	DFAI
Industrials	24.1%	17.2%
Basic Materials	14.6%	10.8%
Consumer Cyclical	13.5%	5.8%
Financial Services	11.7%	26.9%
Technology	9.8%	7.8%
Energy	5.6%	4.7%
Healthcare	5.3%	11.4%
Consumer Defensive	5.0%	5.3%
Communication Services	3.7%	4.3%
Real Estate	3.5%	1.5%
Utilities	3.2%	4.2%

Return for Risk

DFIS vs. DFAI — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFIS

DFIS Risk / Return Rank: 46
DFIS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
DFIS Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
DFIS Omega Ratio Rank: 48
DFIS Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
DFIS Martin Ratio Rank: 46

DFAI

DFAI Risk / Return Rank: 50
DFAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
DFAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
DFAI Omega Ratio Rank: 50
DFAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
DFAI Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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.

DFIS vs. DFAI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional International Small Cap ETF (DFIS) and Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI). 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.

	DFIS	DFAI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.53	1.58	-0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.16	2.24	-0.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.29	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.85	2.09	-0.24
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.98	8.15	-1.17

DFIS vs. DFAI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFIS Sharpe Ratio is 1.53, which is comparable to the DFAI Sharpe Ratio of 1.58. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFIS and DFAI, 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

DFIS vs. DFAI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFIS drawdown since its inception was -27.23%, roughly equal to the maximum DFAI drawdown of -27.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFIS and DFAI.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFIS	DFAI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.23%	-27.44%	+0.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.44%	-10.95%	-1.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.55%	-13.25%	-0.30%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.44%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.47%	-2.26%	-2.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.12%	-5.08%	-1.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.29%	2.81%	+0.48%

Volatility

DFIS vs. DFAI - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional International Small Cap ETF (DFIS) has a higher volatility of 5.20% compared to Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI) at 4.87%. This indicates that DFIS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFAI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFIS	DFAI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.20%	4.87%	+0.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.82%	12.37%	+0.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.09%	14.58%	+0.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.35%	15.99%	+1.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.35%	15.73%	+1.62%

DFIS vs. DFAI - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFIS has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAI's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFIS vs. DFAI - Dividend Comparison

DFIS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.05%, less than DFAI's 2.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	2.38%	2.45%	2.72%	2.64%	2.72%	2.06%	0.09%
DFIS Dimensional International Small Cap ETF	2.05%	2.23%	2.19%	2.36%	1.13%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFIS and DFAI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, DFIS and DFAI 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, DFIS or DFAI?

DFIS has higher volatility (5.20%) compared to DFAI (4.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFIS dropped -27.23% vs DFAI's -27.44%.

Which ETF is better, DFIS or DFAI?

On 3-year performance, DFIS leads with 18.85% vs 18.11% for DFAI. On fees, DFAI is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, DFAI has been the lower-risk option at 4.87%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFIS or DFAI?

Over the 3-year period, DFIS has performed better with a 18.85% return vs 18.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFIS or DFAI?

DFAI is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for DFIS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFIS or DFAI?

DFAI has the higher dividend yield at 2.38%, compared with 2.05% for DFIS.

What is the main difference between DFIS and DFAI?

DFIS is categorized as Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities, while DFAI is Foreign Large Cap Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for DFIS and 0.18% for DFAI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.58 vs 1.53), 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.