DFIS vs. DFAU

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

DFIS (Dimensional International Small Cap ETF) and DFAU (Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFIS is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while DFAU is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFIS returned 19.89%/yr vs 22.04%/yr for DFAU. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFIS charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.12%/yr for DFAU.

Performance

DFIS vs. DFAU - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFIS achieves a 11.25% return, which is significantly lower than DFAU's 11.85% return.

DFIS

• 1D: 0.88%
• 1M: 2.95%
• YTD: 11.25%
• 6M: 14.62%
• 1Y: 28.32%
• 3Y*: 19.89%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFAU

• 1D: 0.48%
• 1M: 4.50%
• YTD: 11.85%
• 6M: 11.66%
• 1Y: 29.14%
• 3Y*: 22.04%
• 5Y*: 13.16%
• 10Y*: —

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

DFIS vs. DFAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFIS Dimensional International Small Cap ETF	11.25%	37.49%	3.80%	15.19%	-12.94%
DFAU Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF	11.85%	16.78%	23.17%	24.79%	-13.21%

Correlation

The correlation between DFIS and DFAU is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 25, 2022	0.74

The correlation between DFIS and DFAU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.69 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFIS vs. DFAU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFIS	DFAU
Industrials	23.9%	10.4%
Basic Materials	14.2%	2.4%
Consumer Cyclical	13.5%	10.8%
Financial Services	12.0%	12.8%
Technology	9.6%	32.7%
Energy	6.0%	4.6%
Healthcare	5.2%	8.5%
Consumer Defensive	5.0%	4.8%
Real Estate	3.7%	0.2%
Communication Services	3.6%	10.4%
Utilities	3.3%	2.5%

Return for Risk

DFIS vs. DFAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFIS

DFIS Risk / Return Rank: 55
DFIS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
DFIS Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
DFIS Omega Ratio Rank: 58
DFIS Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
DFIS Martin Ratio Rank: 53

DFAU

DFAU Risk / Return Rank: 75
DFAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
DFAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
DFAU Omega Ratio Rank: 74
DFAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
DFAU Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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. DFAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	DFIS	DFAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.96	2.43	-0.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.73	3.31	-0.57
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.44	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.29	3.38	-1.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.82	15.44	-6.62
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFIS vs. DFAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFIS Sharpe Ratio is 1.96, which is comparable to the DFAU Sharpe Ratio of 2.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFIS and DFAU, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DFIS	DFAU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.96	2.43	-0.47
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.78	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.68	0.95	-0.27

Drawdowns

DFIS vs. DFAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFIS drawdown since its inception was -27.23%, which is greater than DFAU's maximum drawdown of -23.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFIS and DFAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFIS	DFAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.23%	-23.61%	-3.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.44%	-8.67%	-3.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.55%	-19.36%	+5.81%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-23.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.04%	-0.19%	-0.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.17%	-4.98%	-1.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.22%	1.89%	+1.33%

Volatility

DFIS vs. DFAU - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional International Small Cap ETF (DFIS) has a higher volatility of 4.72% compared to Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF (DFAU) at 2.88%. This indicates that DFIS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFAU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFIS	DFAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.72%	2.88%	+1.84%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.06%	9.05%	+3.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.53%	12.05%	+2.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.32%	17.02%	+0.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.32%	16.73%	+0.59%

DFIS vs. DFAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFIS has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAU's 0.12% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFIS vs. DFAU - Dividend Comparison

DFIS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.00%, more than DFAU's 0.89% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DFAU Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF	0.89%	0.95%	1.10%	1.29%	1.40%	1.00%	0.13%
DFIS Dimensional International Small Cap ETF	2.00%	2.23%	2.19%	2.36%	1.13%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFIS and DFAU in my portfolio?

DFIS and DFAU have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFIS or DFAU?

DFIS has higher volatility (4.72%) compared to DFAU (2.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFIS dropped -27.23% vs DFAU's -23.61%.

Which ETF is better, DFIS or DFAU?

On 3-year performance, DFAU leads with 22.04% vs 19.89% for DFIS. On fees, DFAU is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, DFAU has been the lower-risk option at 2.88%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFIS or DFAU?

Over the 3-year period, DFAU has performed better with a 22.04% return vs 19.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFIS or DFAU?

DFAU is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for DFIS.

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

DFIS has the higher dividend yield at 2.00%, compared with 0.89% for DFAU.

What is the main difference between DFIS and DFAU?

DFIS is categorized as Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities, while DFAU is Large Cap Blend Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for DFIS and 0.12% for DFAU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.43 vs 1.96), 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.