DFSE vs. DFAE

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFSE (Dimensional Emerging Markets Sustainability Core 1 ETF) and DFAE (Dimensional Emerging Core Equity Market ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFSE is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund actively managed by Dimensional, while DFAE is a Emerging Markets Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFSE returned 19.53%/yr vs 22.11%/yr for DFAE. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFSE charges 0.41%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for DFAE.

Performance

DFSE vs. DFAE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional Emerging Markets Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSE) and Dimensional Emerging Core Equity Market ETF (DFAE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFSE achieves a 16.52% return, which is significantly lower than DFAE's 21.56% return.

DFSE

• 1D: -5.29%
• 1M: -0.02%
• YTD: 16.52%
• 6M: 16.76%
• 1Y: 32.75%
• 3Y*: 19.53%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFAE

• 1D: -5.77%
• 1M: 1.20%
• YTD: 21.56%
• 6M: 22.20%
• 1Y: 43.42%
• 3Y*: 22.11%
• 5Y*: 8.44%
• 10Y*: —

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

DFSE vs. DFAE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFSE Dimensional Emerging Markets Sustainability Core 1 ETF	16.52%	28.22%	6.90%	14.66%	10.68%
DFAE Dimensional Emerging Core Equity Market ETF	21.56%	31.48%	7.68%	12.63%	9.95%

Correlation

The correlation between DFSE and DFAE is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 2, 2022	0.96

The correlation between DFSE and DFAE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFSE vs. DFAE — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFSE

DFSE Risk / Return Rank: 52
DFSE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
DFSE Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
DFSE Omega Ratio Rank: 52
DFSE Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
DFSE Martin Ratio Rank: 56

DFAE

DFAE Risk / Return Rank: 66
DFAE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
DFAE Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
DFAE Omega Ratio Rank: 68
DFAE Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
DFAE Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

DFSE vs. DFAE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Emerging Markets Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSE) and Dimensional Emerging Core Equity Market ETF (DFAE). 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.

	DFSE	DFAE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.58	2.01	-0.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.11	2.56	-0.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.39	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.56	3.41	-0.85
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.16	12.56	-3.40

DFSE vs. DFAE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFSE Sharpe Ratio is 1.58, which is comparable to the DFAE Sharpe Ratio of 2.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFSE and DFAE, 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

DFSE vs. DFAE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFSE drawdown since its inception was -19.77%, smaller than the maximum DFAE drawdown of -32.21%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFSE and DFAE.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFSE	DFAE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.77%	-32.21%	+12.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.88%	-12.80%	-0.08%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.77%	-18.12%	-1.65%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-31.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.31%	-5.77%	+0.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.99%	-10.25%	+6.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.58%	3.47%	+0.11%

Volatility

DFSE vs. DFAE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional Emerging Markets Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSE) is 11.07%, while Dimensional Emerging Core Equity Market ETF (DFAE) has a volatility of 12.23%. This indicates that DFSE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFAE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFSE	DFAE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.07%	12.23%	-1.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.87%	19.85%	-0.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.92%	21.76%	-0.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.24%	18.45%	-0.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.24%	18.36%	-0.12%

DFSE vs. DFAE - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFSE has a 0.41% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAE's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFSE vs. DFAE - Dividend Comparison

DFSE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.91%, more than DFAE's 1.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DFAE Dimensional Emerging Core Equity Market ETF	1.80%	2.20%	2.35%	2.43%	2.85%	1.63%	0.01%
DFSE Dimensional Emerging Markets Sustainability Core 1 ETF	1.91%	2.26%	2.06%	2.06%	0.36%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFSE and DFAE in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, DFSE and DFAE 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, DFSE or DFAE?

DFAE has higher volatility (12.23%) compared to DFSE (11.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFSE dropped -19.77% vs DFAE's -32.21%.

Which ETF is better, DFSE or DFAE?

On 3-year performance, DFAE leads with 22.11% vs 19.53% for DFSE. On fees, DFAE is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, DFSE has been the lower-risk option at 11.07%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFSE or DFAE?

Over the 3-year period, DFAE has performed better with a 22.11% return vs 19.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFSE or DFAE?

DFAE is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.41% for DFSE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFSE or DFAE?

DFSE has the higher dividend yield at 1.91%, compared with 1.80% for DFAE.

What is the main difference between DFSE and DFAE?

DFSE is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while DFAE is Emerging Markets Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.41% for DFSE and 0.35% for DFAE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.01 vs 1.58), 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.