DFSE vs. FRDM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFSE (Dimensional Emerging Markets Sustainability Core 1 ETF) and FRDM (Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. DFSE is actively managed, while FRDM is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFSE returned 19.53%/yr vs 35.26%/yr for FRDM. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFSE charges 0.41%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for FRDM.

Performance

DFSE vs. FRDM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional Emerging Markets Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSE) and Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF (FRDM). 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 FRDM's 39.87% return.

DFSE

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

FRDM

• 1D: -6.27%
• 1M: 5.76%
• YTD: 39.87%
• 6M: 43.31%
• 1Y: 88.48%
• 3Y*: 35.26%
• 5Y*: 18.74%
• 10Y*: —

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

DFSE vs. FRDM - 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%
FRDM Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF	39.87%	61.27%	1.70%	22.77%	7.25%

Correlation

The correlation between DFSE and FRDM is 0.88, 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	0.88
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 2, 2022	0.82

The correlation between DFSE and FRDM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFSE vs. FRDM — 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

FRDM

FRDM Risk / Return Rank: 90
FRDM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
FRDM Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
FRDM Omega Ratio Rank: 90
FRDM Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
FRDM Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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. FRDM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Emerging Markets Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSE) and Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF (FRDM). 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	FRDM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.58	3.18	-1.60
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.11	3.62	-1.50
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.55	-0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.56	5.27	-2.72
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.16	20.25	-11.09

DFSE vs. FRDM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFSE Sharpe Ratio is 1.58, which is lower than the FRDM Sharpe Ratio of 3.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFSE and FRDM, 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. FRDM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFSE drawdown since its inception was -19.77%, smaller than the maximum FRDM drawdown of -40.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFSE and FRDM.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFSE	FRDM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.77%	-40.49%	+20.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.88%	-16.87%	+3.99%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.77%	-16.87%	-2.90%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.25%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.31%	-6.27%	+0.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.99%	-7.07%	+3.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.58%	4.38%	-0.80%

Volatility

DFSE vs. FRDM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional Emerging Markets Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSE) is 11.07%, while Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF (FRDM) has a volatility of 15.75%. This indicates that DFSE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FRDM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFSE	FRDM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.07%	15.75%	-4.68%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.87%	25.69%	-6.82%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.92%	27.99%	-7.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.24%	21.67%	-3.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.24%	23.26%	-5.02%

DFSE vs. FRDM - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFSE has a 0.41% expense ratio, which is lower than FRDM's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFSE vs. FRDM - Dividend Comparison

DFSE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.91%, more than FRDM's 1.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
DFSE Dimensional Emerging Markets Sustainability Core 1 ETF	1.91%	2.26%	2.06%	2.06%	0.36%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FRDM Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF	1.56%	2.26%	2.53%	2.66%	2.72%	2.17%	1.11%	1.07%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFSE and FRDM in my portfolio?

DFSE and FRDM have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFSE or FRDM?

FRDM has higher volatility (15.75%) compared to DFSE (11.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFSE dropped -19.77% vs FRDM's -40.49%.

Which ETF is better, DFSE or FRDM?

On 3-year performance, FRDM leads with 35.26% vs 19.53% for DFSE. On fees, DFSE is cheaper at 0.41% 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 FRDM?

Over the 3-year period, FRDM has performed better with a 35.26% 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 FRDM?

DFSE is cheaper with a 0.41% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for FRDM.

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

DFSE has the higher dividend yield at 1.91%, compared with 1.56% for FRDM.

What is the main difference between DFSE and FRDM?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Freedom Funds. Their fees differ too: 0.41% for DFSE and 0.49% for FRDM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FRDM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.18 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.