DFSB vs. SPSK

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFSB (Dimensional Global Sustainability Fixed Income ETF) and SPSK (SP Funds Dow Jones Global Sukuk ETF) are both Global Bonds funds. DFSB is actively managed, while SPSK is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFSB returned 4.79%/yr vs 3.95%/yr for SPSK. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. DFSB charges 0.24%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SPSK.

Performance

DFSB vs. SPSK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional Global Sustainability Fixed Income ETF (DFSB) and SP Funds Dow Jones Global Sukuk ETF (SPSK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFSB achieves a 0.84% return, which is significantly higher than SPSK's 0.03% return.

DFSB

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 0.75%
• YTD: 0.84%
• 6M: 0.49%
• 1Y: 4.36%
• 3Y*: 4.79%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SPSK

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 0.40%
• YTD: 0.03%
• 6M: -0.08%
• 1Y: 3.74%
• 3Y*: 3.95%
• 5Y*: 0.83%
• 10Y*: —

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

DFSB vs. SPSK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFSB Dimensional Global Sustainability Fixed Income ETF	0.84%	5.22%	2.45%	9.37%	-0.77%
SPSK SP Funds Dow Jones Global Sukuk ETF	0.03%	6.16%	2.95%	3.95%	2.20%

Correlation

The correlation between DFSB and SPSK is 0.54, 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	0.54
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.45
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 17, 2022	0.47

The correlation between DFSB and SPSK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.45 to 0.54 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFSB vs. SPSK — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFSB

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

SPSK

SPSK Risk / Return Rank: 27
SPSK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
SPSK Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
SPSK Omega Ratio Rank: 24
SPSK Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
SPSK Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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. SPSK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Global Sustainability Fixed Income ETF (DFSB) and SP Funds Dow Jones Global Sukuk ETF (SPSK). 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	SPSK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.14	0.98	+0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.66	1.43	+0.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.17	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.44	1.32	+0.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.49	4.43	+0.05
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. SPSK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFSB Sharpe Ratio is 1.14, which is comparable to the SPSK Sharpe Ratio of 0.98. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFSB and SPSK, 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	SPSK	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.14	0.98	+0.16
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.16	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.88	0.20	+0.68

Drawdowns

DFSB vs. SPSK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFSB drawdown since its inception was -5.16%, smaller than the maximum SPSK drawdown of -12.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFSB and SPSK.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFSB	SPSK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.16%	-12.83%	+7.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.04%	-2.85%	-0.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.37%	-3.17%	-1.20%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-12.45%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.12%	-1.03%	-0.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.26%	-3.83%	+2.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.97%	0.84%	+0.13%

Volatility

DFSB vs. SPSK - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional Global Sustainability Fixed Income ETF (DFSB) has a higher volatility of 1.62% compared to SP Funds Dow Jones Global Sukuk ETF (SPSK) at 0.96%. This indicates that DFSB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPSK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFSB	SPSK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.62%	0.96%	+0.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.10%	2.46%	+0.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.85%	3.84%	+0.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.46%	5.29%	+0.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.46%	5.46%	0.00%

DFSB vs. SPSK - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFSB has a 0.24% expense ratio, which is lower than SPSK's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFSB vs. SPSK - Dividend Comparison

DFSB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.61%, less than SPSK's 4.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DFSB Dimensional Global Sustainability Fixed Income ETF	3.61%	3.46%	4.35%	5.27%	0.41%	0.00%	0.00%
SPSK SP Funds Dow Jones Global Sukuk ETF	4.24%	3.63%	3.53%	2.95%	2.22%	2.56%	1.78%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFSB and SPSK in my portfolio?

DFSB and SPSK have a correlation of 0.54, 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 SPSK?

DFSB has higher volatility (1.62%) compared to SPSK (0.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFSB dropped -5.16% vs SPSK's -12.83%.

Which ETF is better, DFSB or SPSK?

On 3-year performance, DFSB leads with 4.79% vs 3.95% for SPSK. On fees, DFSB is cheaper at 0.24% per year. On volatility, SPSK has been the lower-risk option at 0.96%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFSB or SPSK?

Over the 3-year period, DFSB has performed better with a 4.79% return vs 3.95%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFSB or SPSK?

DFSB is cheaper with a 0.24% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for SPSK.

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

SPSK has the higher dividend yield at 4.24%, compared with 3.61% for DFSB.

What is the main difference between DFSB and SPSK?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and SP Funds. Their fees differ too: 0.24% for DFSB and 0.50% for SPSK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFSB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.14 vs 0.98), 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.