DFSE vs. USOY

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFSE (Dimensional Emerging Markets Sustainability Core 1 ETF) and USOY (Defiance Oil Enhanced Options Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFSE is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund actively managed by Dimensional, while USOY is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by Defiance. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, DFSE returned 32.75% vs 26.28% for USOY. At a correlation of -0.03, they often move in opposite directions. DFSE charges 0.41%/yr vs 1.22%/yr for USOY.

Performance

DFSE vs. USOY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional Emerging Markets Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSE) and Defiance Oil Enhanced Options Income ETF (USOY). 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 USOY's 34.69% return.

DFSE

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

USOY

• 1D: -1.29%
• 1M: -17.01%
• YTD: 34.69%
• 6M: 34.18%
• 1Y: 26.28%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFSE vs. USOY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
DFSE Dimensional Emerging Markets Sustainability Core 1 ETF	16.52%	28.22%	1.70%
USOY Defiance Oil Enhanced Options Income ETF	34.69%	-7.93%	6.13%

Correlation

The correlation between DFSE and USOY is -0.23, 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	-0.23
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 10, 2024	-0.03

Over the past year, the inverse relationship between DFSE and USOY has strengthened: their correlation has moved from -0.03 to -0.23, meaning they now move in opposite directions more often than their long-term average.

Return for Risk

DFSE vs. USOY — 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

USOY

USOY Risk / Return Rank: 26
USOY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
USOY Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
USOY Omega Ratio Rank: 26
USOY Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
USOY 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.

DFSE vs. USOY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Emerging Markets Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSE) and Defiance Oil Enhanced Options Income ETF (USOY). 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	USOY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.58	0.85	+0.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.11	1.24	+0.87
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.18	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.56	1.25	+1.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.16	4.10	+5.06

DFSE vs. USOY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFSE Sharpe Ratio is 1.58, which is higher than the USOY Sharpe Ratio of 0.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFSE and USOY, 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. USOY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFSE drawdown since its inception was -19.77%, smaller than the maximum USOY drawdown of -21.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFSE and USOY.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFSE	USOY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.77%	-21.19%	+1.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.88%	-21.19%	+8.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.77%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.31%	-21.19%	+15.88%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.99%	-6.63%	+2.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.58%	6.44%	-2.86%

Volatility

DFSE vs. USOY - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional Emerging Markets Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSE) has a higher volatility of 11.07% compared to Defiance Oil Enhanced Options Income ETF (USOY) at 10.34%. This indicates that DFSE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than USOY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFSE	USOY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.07%	10.34%	+0.73%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.87%	28.44%	-9.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.92%	31.56%	-10.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.24%	26.51%	-8.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.24%	26.51%	-8.27%

DFSE vs. USOY - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFSE has a 0.41% expense ratio, which is lower than USOY's 1.22% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFSE vs. USOY - Dividend Comparison

DFSE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.91%, less than USOY's 68.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFSE Dimensional Emerging Markets Sustainability Core 1 ETF	1.91%	2.26%	2.06%	2.06%	0.36%
USOY Defiance Oil Enhanced Options Income ETF	68.29%	104.32%	48.60%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFSE and USOY in my portfolio?

DFSE and USOY have a correlation of -0.23, 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 USOY?

DFSE has higher volatility (11.07%) compared to USOY (10.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFSE dropped -19.77% vs USOY's -21.19%.

Which ETF is better, DFSE or USOY?

On 1-year performance, DFSE leads with 32.75% vs 26.28% for USOY. On fees, DFSE is cheaper at 0.41% per year. On volatility, USOY has been the lower-risk option at 10.34%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFSE or USOY?

Over the 1-year period, DFSE has performed better with a 32.75% return vs 26.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFSE or USOY?

DFSE is cheaper with a 0.41% expense ratio, compared with 1.22% for USOY.

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

USOY has the higher dividend yield at 68.29%, compared with 1.91% for DFSE.

What is the main difference between DFSE and USOY?

DFSE is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while USOY is Derivative Income. They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.41% for DFSE and 1.22% for USOY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFSE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.58 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.