DFIVX vs. SPDW

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFIVX (DFA International Value Portfolio Institutional Class) and SPDW (SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. DFIVX is actively managed, while SPDW is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DFIVX returned 12.43%/yr vs 10.63%/yr for SPDW. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFIVX charges 0.28%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for SPDW.

Performance

DFIVX vs. SPDW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA International Value Portfolio Institutional Class (DFIVX) and SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF (SPDW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFIVX achieves a 12.21% return, which is significantly lower than SPDW's 13.29% return. Over the past 10 years, DFIVX has outperformed SPDW with an annualized return of 12.43%, while SPDW has yielded a comparatively lower 10.63% annualized return.

DFIVX

• 1D: 0.34%
• 1M: 0.09%
• YTD: 12.21%
• 6M: 11.62%
• 1Y: 35.91%
• 3Y*: 24.00%
• 5Y*: 14.86%
• 10Y*: 12.43%

SPDW

• 1D: -2.99%
• 1M: 0.20%
• YTD: 13.29%
• 6M: 13.11%
• 1Y: 30.23%
• 3Y*: 19.45%
• 5Y*: 9.30%
• 10Y*: 10.63%

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

DFIVX vs. SPDW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFIVX DFA International Value Portfolio Institutional Class	12.21%	45.24%	6.87%	17.83%	-3.51%	18.57%	-2.13%	15.68%	-17.49%	26.08%
SPDW SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF	13.29%	34.75%	3.55%	17.81%	-15.98%	11.45%	9.90%	22.41%	-14.22%	25.81%

Correlation

The correlation between DFIVX and SPDW is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 26, 2007	0.91

The correlation between DFIVX and SPDW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFIVX vs. SPDW — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFIVX

DFIVX Risk / Return Rank: 83
DFIVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
DFIVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
DFIVX Omega Ratio Rank: 78
DFIVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
DFIVX Martin Ratio Rank: 85

SPDW

SPDW Risk / Return Rank: 56
SPDW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
SPDW Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
SPDW Omega Ratio Rank: 56
SPDW Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
SPDW Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

DFIVX vs. SPDW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA International Value Portfolio Institutional Class (DFIVX) and SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF (SPDW). 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.

	DFIVX	SPDW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.58	1.82	+0.76
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.45	2.50	+0.95
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.33	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.81	2.63	+1.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.86	10.15	+4.71

DFIVX vs. SPDW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFIVX Sharpe Ratio is 2.58, which is higher than the SPDW Sharpe Ratio of 1.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFIVX and SPDW, 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

DFIVX vs. SPDW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFIVX drawdown since its inception was -66.61%, which is greater than SPDW's maximum drawdown of -60.02%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFIVX and SPDW.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFIVX	SPDW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-66.61%	-60.02%	-6.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.58%	-11.55%	+1.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.39%	-13.53%	-0.86%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.29%	-30.21%	+4.92%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-48.11%	-34.98%	-13.13%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.99%	-2.99%	+2.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.22%	-12.88%	+0.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.45%	2.99%	-0.54%

Volatility

DFIVX vs. SPDW - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA International Value Portfolio Institutional Class (DFIVX) is 4.21%, while SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF (SPDW) has a volatility of 7.05%. This indicates that DFIVX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPDW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFIVX	SPDW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.21%	7.05%	-2.84%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.38%	14.59%	-3.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.21%	16.72%	-2.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.30%	16.70%	-0.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.96%	17.13%	+0.83%

DFIVX vs. SPDW - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFIVX has a 0.28% expense ratio, which is higher than SPDW's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFIVX vs. SPDW - Dividend Comparison

DFIVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.75%, more than SPDW's 3.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFIVX DFA International Value Portfolio Institutional Class	3.75%	4.21%	3.94%	4.40%	3.78%	4.37%	2.42%	3.70%	6.60%	2.85%	3.36%	3.45%
SPDW SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF	3.06%	3.30%	3.19%	2.75%	3.12%	3.04%	1.87%	3.13%	3.08%	1.86%	3.11%	2.78%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFIVX and SPDW in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, DFIVX and SPDW 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, DFIVX or SPDW?

SPDW has higher volatility (7.05%) compared to DFIVX (4.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFIVX dropped -66.61% vs SPDW's -60.02%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFIVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.58 vs 1.82), 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.