DFSB vs. DFGX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

DFSB (Dimensional Global Sustainability Fixed Income ETF) and DFGX (Dimensional Global Ex US Core Fixed Income ETF) are both Global Bonds funds from Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, DFSB returned 4.82% vs 3.35% for DFGX. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFSB charges 0.24%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for DFGX.

Performance

DFSB vs. DFGX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional Global Sustainability Fixed Income ETF (DFSB) and Dimensional Global Ex US Core Fixed Income ETF (DFGX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with DFSB having a 1.12% return and DFGX slightly higher at 1.14%.

DFSB

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: 0.77%
• YTD: 1.12%
• 6M: 0.91%
• 1Y: 4.82%
• 3Y*: 4.89%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFGX

• 1D: 0.13%
• 1M: 0.95%
• YTD: 1.14%
• 6M: 0.85%
• 1Y: 3.35%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFSB vs. DFGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
DFSB Dimensional Global Sustainability Fixed Income ETF	1.12%	5.22%	2.45%	6.35%
DFGX Dimensional Global Ex US Core Fixed Income ETF	1.14%	3.46%	3.75%	4.95%

Correlation

The correlation between DFSB and DFGX is 0.86, 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	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 9, 2023	0.82

The correlation between DFSB and DFGX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFSB vs. DFGX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFSB

DFSB Risk / Return Rank: 33
DFSB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
DFSB Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
DFSB Omega Ratio Rank: 33
DFSB Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
DFSB Martin Ratio Rank: 31

DFGX

DFGX Risk / Return Rank: 22
DFGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
DFGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
DFGX Omega Ratio Rank: 22
DFGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
DFGX Martin Ratio Rank: 22

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.

DFSB vs. DFGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Global Sustainability Fixed Income ETF (DFSB) and Dimensional Global Ex US Core Fixed Income ETF (DFGX). 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.

	DFSB	DFGX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.26	0.82	+0.44
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.84	1.18	+0.65
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.15	+0.07
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.51	0.96	+0.55
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	4.73	2.80	+1.93
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFSB vs. DFGX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFSB Sharpe Ratio is 1.26, which is higher than the DFGX Sharpe Ratio of 0.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFSB and DFGX, 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

	DFSB	DFGX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.26	0.82	+0.44
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.90	1.13	-0.23

Drawdowns

DFSB vs. DFGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFSB drawdown since its inception was -5.16%, which is greater than DFGX's maximum drawdown of -3.32%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFSB and DFGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFSB	DFGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.16%	-3.32%	-1.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.04%	-3.32%	+0.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.37%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.84%	-1.01%	+0.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.26%	-0.78%	-0.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.97%	1.14%	-0.17%

Volatility

DFSB vs. DFGX - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional Global Sustainability Fixed Income ETF (DFSB) and Dimensional Global Ex US Core Fixed Income ETF (DFGX) have volatilities of 1.61% and 1.67%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFSB	DFGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.61%	1.67%	-0.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.11%	3.36%	-0.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.84%	4.09%	-0.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.46%	4.66%	+0.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.46%	4.66%	+0.80%

DFSB vs. DFGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFSB has a 0.24% expense ratio, which is higher than DFGX's 0.20% 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

DFSB vs. DFGX - Dividend Comparison

DFSB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.60%, more than DFGX's 2.74% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFGX Dimensional Global Ex US Core Fixed Income ETF	2.74%	2.84%	4.61%	0.49%	0.00%
DFSB Dimensional Global Sustainability Fixed Income ETF	3.60%	3.46%	4.35%	5.27%	0.41%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFSB and DFGX in my portfolio?

DFSB and DFGX have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFSB or DFGX?

DFGX has higher volatility (1.67%) compared to DFSB (1.61%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFSB dropped -5.16% vs DFGX's -3.32%.

Which ETF is better, DFSB or DFGX?

On 1-year performance, DFSB leads with 4.82% vs 3.35% for DFGX. On fees, DFGX is cheaper at 0.20% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFSB or DFGX?

Over the 1-year period, DFSB has performed better with a 4.82% return vs 3.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFSB or DFGX?

DFGX is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.24% for DFSB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFSB or DFGX?

DFSB has the higher dividend yield at 3.60%, compared with 2.74% for DFGX.

What is the main difference between DFSB and DFGX?

Their fees differ too: 0.24% for DFSB and 0.20% for DFGX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFSB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.26 vs 0.82), 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.