DFITX vs. DFAI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFITX (DFA International Real Estate Securities) and DFAI (Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF) are both funds - DFITX is a REIT fund managed by Dimensional, while DFAI is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. Over the past 5 years, DFITX returned -0.88%/yr vs 9.35%/yr for DFAI. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFITX charges 0.27%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for DFAI.

Performance

DFITX vs. DFAI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA International Real Estate Securities (DFITX) 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, DFITX achieves a -1.32% return, which is significantly lower than DFAI's 7.50% return.

DFITX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.00%
• YTD: -1.32%
• 6M: -1.58%
• 1Y: 4.38%
• 3Y*: 8.34%
• 5Y*: -0.88%
• 10Y*: 2.20%

DFAI

• 1D: -2.83%
• 1M: -1.64%
• YTD: 7.50%
• 6M: 6.97%
• 1Y: 23.12%
• 3Y*: 17.77%
• 5Y*: 9.35%
• 10Y*: —

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

DFITX vs. DFAI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DFITX DFA International Real Estate Securities	-1.32%	24.65%	-7.70%	5.96%	-21.73%	12.81%	4.85%
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	7.50%	34.04%	4.68%	17.60%	-12.95%	13.86%	5.34%

Correlation

The correlation between DFITX and DFAI is 0.73, 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	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.75
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 18, 2020	0.77

The correlation between DFITX and DFAI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFITX vs. DFAI — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFITX

DFITX Risk / Return Rank: 6
DFITX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
DFITX Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
DFITX Omega Ratio Rank: 6
DFITX Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
DFITX Martin Ratio Rank: 6

DFAI

DFAI Risk / Return Rank: 47
DFAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
DFAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
DFAI Omega Ratio Rank: 46
DFAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
DFAI Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

DFITX vs. DFAI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA International Real Estate Securities (DFITX) 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.

	DFITX	DFAI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.45	1.57	-1.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.74	2.21	-1.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	1.29	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.45	2.12	-1.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.39	8.25	-6.86

DFITX vs. DFAI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFITX Sharpe Ratio is 0.45, which is lower than the DFAI Sharpe Ratio of 1.57. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFITX 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

DFITX vs. DFAI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFITX drawdown since its inception was -73.49%, which is greater than DFAI's maximum drawdown of -27.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFITX and DFAI.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFITX	DFAI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-73.49%	-27.44%	-46.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.31%	-10.95%	-1.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.04%	-13.25%	-4.79%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.84%	-27.44%	-7.40%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.26%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.97%	-3.10%	-4.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.06%	-5.09%	-12.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.96%	2.81%	+1.15%

Volatility

DFITX vs. DFAI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA International Real Estate Securities (DFITX) is 3.73%, while Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI) has a volatility of 5.38%. This indicates that DFITX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFAI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFITX	DFAI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.73%	5.38%	-1.65%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.02%	12.60%	-2.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.22%	14.77%	-2.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.06%	16.03%	-0.97%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.46%	15.77%	+0.69%

DFITX vs. DFAI - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFITX has a 0.27% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAI's 0.18% 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

DFITX vs. DFAI - Dividend Comparison

DFITX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.76%, more than DFAI's 2.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	2.29%	2.45%	2.72%	2.64%	2.72%	2.06%	0.09%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DFITX DFA International Real Estate Securities	6.76%	6.67%	6.24%	5.05%	0.00%	7.86%	0.00%	12.86%	5.99%	4.21%	8.62%	1.79%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFITX and DFAI in my portfolio?

DFITX and DFAI have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFITX or DFAI?

DFAI has higher volatility (5.38%) compared to DFITX (3.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFITX dropped -73.49% vs DFAI's -27.44%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.57 vs 0.45), 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.