DFSB vs. FAAR
DFSB (Dimensional Global Sustainability Fixed Income ETF) and FAAR (First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFSB is a Global Bonds fund actively managed by Dimensional, while FAAR is a Commodities fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFSB returned 4.71%/yr vs 10.57%/yr for FAAR. At a correlation of -0.14, they often move in opposite directions. DFSB charges 0.24%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for FAAR.
Performance
DFSB vs. FAAR - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, DFSB achieves a 0.68% return, which is significantly lower than FAAR's 19.14% return.
DFSB
- 1D
- -0.55%
- 1M
- 0.33%
- YTD
- 0.68%
- 6M
- 0.68%
- 1Y
- 3.35%
- 3Y*
- 4.71%
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
FAAR
- 1D
- -0.91%
- 1M
- -5.21%
- YTD
- 19.14%
- 6M
- 18.06%
- 1Y
- 28.33%
- 3Y*
- 10.57%
- 5Y*
- 7.72%
- 10Y*
- 4.69%
DFSB vs. FAAR - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DFSB Dimensional Global Sustainability Fixed Income ETF | 0.68% | 5.22% | 2.45% | 9.37% | -0.62% |
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF | 19.14% | 8.07% | 5.97% | -5.63% | 0.13% |
Correlation
The correlation between DFSB and FAAR is -0.29, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | -0.29 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | -0.14 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 16, 2022 | -0.14 |
The correlation between DFSB and FAAR shifts across timeframes, from -0.29 (1 year) to -0.14 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
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Return for Risk
DFSB vs. FAAR — Risk / Return Rank
DFSB
FAAR
DFSB vs. FAAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Global Sustainability Fixed Income ETF (DFSB) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). 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.
| DFSB | FAAR | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -1.30 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -1.83 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.15 | 1.37 | -0.22 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.11 | 4.52 | -3.42 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 3.37 | 15.18 | -11.81 |
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Drawdowns
DFSB vs. FAAR - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum DFSB drawdown since its inception was -5.16%, smaller than the maximum FAAR drawdown of -18.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFSB and FAAR.
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Drawdown Indicators
| DFSB | FAAR | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -5.16% | -18.03% | +12.87% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -3.04% | -6.29% | +3.25% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -4.37% | -11.54% | +7.17% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | — | -18.03% | — |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -18.03% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.27% | -6.29% | +5.02% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -1.25% | -7.82% | +6.57% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.00% | 1.87% | -0.87% |
Volatility
DFSB vs. FAAR - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Dimensional Global Sustainability Fixed Income ETF (DFSB) is 1.31%, while First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR) has a volatility of 2.55%. This indicates that DFSB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FAAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| DFSB | FAAR | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 1.31% | 2.55% | -1.24% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 3.26% | 9.68% | -6.42% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 3.94% | 13.38% | -9.44% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 5.46% | 12.96% | -7.50% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 5.46% | 11.54% | -6.08% |
DFSB vs. FAAR - Expense Ratio Comparison
DFSB has a 0.24% expense ratio, which is lower than FAAR's 0.95% expense ratio.
Dividends
DFSB vs. FAAR - Dividend Comparison
DFSB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.62%, less than FAAR's 9.66% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DFSB Dimensional Global Sustainability Fixed Income ETF | 3.62% | 3.46% | 4.35% | 5.27% | 0.41% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF | 9.66% | 11.63% | 3.45% | 3.20% | 5.82% | 6.49% | 3.05% | 1.02% | 0.58% | 2.83% |
Frequently Asked Questions
DFSB and FAAR have a correlation of -0.29, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
FAAR has higher volatility (2.55%) compared to DFSB (1.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFSB dropped -5.16% vs FAAR's -18.03%.
On 3-year performance, FAAR leads with 10.57% vs 4.71% for DFSB. On fees, DFSB is cheaper at 0.24% per year. On volatility, DFSB has been the lower-risk option at 1.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 3-year period, FAAR has performed better with a 10.57% return vs 4.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
DFSB is cheaper with a 0.24% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for FAAR.
FAAR has the higher dividend yield at 9.66%, compared with 3.62% for DFSB.
DFSB is categorized as Global Bonds, while FAAR is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.24% for DFSB and 0.95% for FAAR.
FAAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 0.85), 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.
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