DFSE vs. DFEV

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

DFSE (Dimensional Emerging Markets Sustainability Core 1 ETF) and DFEV (Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds from Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFSE returned 19.69%/yr vs 24.62%/yr for DFEV. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFSE charges 0.41%/yr vs 0.43%/yr for DFEV.

Performance

DFSE vs. DFEV - 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 Markets Value ETF (DFEV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFSE achieves a 16.99% return, which is significantly lower than DFEV's 26.17% return.

DFSE

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: 0.38%
• YTD: 16.99%
• 6M: 17.18%
• 1Y: 30.83%
• 3Y*: 19.69%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFEV

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 2.58%
• YTD: 26.17%
• 6M: 26.85%
• 1Y: 45.89%
• 3Y*: 24.62%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFSE vs. DFEV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFSE Dimensional Emerging Markets Sustainability Core 1 ETF	16.99%	28.22%	6.90%	14.66%	10.68%
DFEV Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF	26.17%	32.54%	7.26%	15.52%	10.06%

Correlation

The correlation between DFSE and DFEV is 0.94, 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	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 2, 2022	0.93

The correlation between DFSE and DFEV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFSE vs. DFEV — 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: 53
DFSE Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
DFSE Martin Ratio Rank: 56

DFEV

DFEV Risk / Return Rank: 81
DFEV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
DFEV Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
DFEV Omega Ratio Rank: 84
DFEV Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
DFEV Martin Ratio Rank: 81

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. DFEV - 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 Markets Value ETF (DFEV). 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	DFEV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.50	2.34	-0.84
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.03	2.99	-0.95
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.45	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.41	4.06	-1.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.60	14.46	-5.86

DFSE vs. DFEV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFSE Sharpe Ratio is 1.50, which is lower than the DFEV Sharpe Ratio of 2.34. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFSE and DFEV, 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. DFEV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFSE drawdown since its inception was -19.77%, which is greater than DFEV's maximum drawdown of -18.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFSE and DFEV.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFSE	DFEV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.77%	-18.49%	-1.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.88%	-11.35%	-1.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.77%	-17.94%	-1.83%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.93%	-4.79%	-0.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.99%	-4.63%	+0.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.60%	3.18%	+0.42%

Volatility

DFSE vs. DFEV - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional Emerging Markets Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSE) is 10.80%, while Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF (DFEV) has a volatility of 11.40%. This indicates that DFSE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFEV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFSE	DFEV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.80%	11.40%	-0.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.71%	17.91%	+0.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.74%	19.85%	+0.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.20%	17.04%	+1.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.20%	17.04%	+1.16%

DFSE vs. DFEV - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFSE has a 0.41% expense ratio, which is lower than DFEV's 0.43% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFSE vs. DFEV - Dividend Comparison

DFSE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.89%, less than DFEV's 2.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFEV Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF	2.04%	2.69%	3.17%	3.47%	3.35%
DFSE Dimensional Emerging Markets Sustainability Core 1 ETF	1.89%	2.26%	2.06%	2.06%	0.36%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFSE and DFEV in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, DFSE and DFEV 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 DFEV?

DFEV has higher volatility (11.40%) compared to DFSE (10.80%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFSE dropped -19.77% vs DFEV's -18.49%.

Which ETF is better, DFSE or DFEV?

On 3-year performance, DFEV leads with 24.62% vs 19.69% for DFSE. On fees, DFSE is cheaper at 0.41% per year. On volatility, DFSE has been the lower-risk option at 10.80%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFSE or DFEV?

Over the 3-year period, DFEV has performed better with a 24.62% return vs 19.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFSE or DFEV?

DFSE is cheaper with a 0.41% expense ratio, compared with 0.43% for DFEV.

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

DFEV has the higher dividend yield at 2.04%, compared with 1.89% for DFSE.

What is the main difference between DFSE and DFEV?

Their fees differ too: 0.41% for DFSE and 0.43% for DFEV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFEV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.34 vs 1.50), 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.