DFSI vs. EFAV

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFSI (Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 ETF) and EFAV (iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. DFSI is actively managed, while EFAV is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFSI returned 16.80%/yr vs 12.87%/yr for EFAV. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFSI charges 0.24%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for EFAV.

Performance

DFSI vs. EFAV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSI) and iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE ETF (EFAV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFSI achieves a 5.54% return, which is significantly higher than EFAV's 3.83% return.

DFSI

• 1D: -0.92%
• 1M: 2.26%
• YTD: 5.54%
• 6M: 8.46%
• 1Y: 19.10%
• 3Y*: 16.80%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

EFAV

• 1D: -0.68%
• 1M: -1.10%
• YTD: 3.83%
• 6M: 5.18%
• 1Y: 9.41%
• 3Y*: 12.87%
• 5Y*: 6.17%
• 10Y*: 5.93%

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

DFSI vs. EFAV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFSI Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 ETF	5.54%	33.62%	4.98%	17.86%	11.99%
EFAV iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE ETF	3.83%	26.00%	5.30%	12.52%	10.09%

Correlation

The correlation between DFSI and EFAV is 0.78, 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	0.78
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 3, 2022	0.84

The correlation between DFSI and EFAV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFSI vs. EFAV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFSI	EFAV
Industrials	27.9%	15.1%
Financial Services	27.7%	19.9%
Consumer Cyclical	14.2%	5.2%
Consumer Defensive	8.1%	11.5%
Basic Materials	7.4%	1.6%
Healthcare	3.7%	12.4%
Real Estate	3.4%	2.9%
Technology	3.0%	4.5%
Communication Services	1.8%	9.7%
Utilities	1.7%	9.1%
Energy	1.3%	8.2%

Return for Risk

DFSI vs. EFAV — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFSI

DFSI Risk / Return Rank: 35
DFSI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
DFSI Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
DFSI Omega Ratio Rank: 36
DFSI Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
DFSI Martin Ratio Rank: 38

EFAV

EFAV Risk / Return Rank: 26
EFAV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
EFAV Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
EFAV Omega Ratio Rank: 24
EFAV Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
EFAV Martin Ratio Rank: 28

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.

DFSI vs. EFAV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSI) and iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE ETF (EFAV). 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.

	DFSI	EFAV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.28	0.92	+0.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.88	1.33	+0.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.17	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.57	1.46	+0.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.94	4.10	+1.84
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFSI vs. EFAV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFSI Sharpe Ratio is 1.28, which is higher than the EFAV Sharpe Ratio of 0.92. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFSI and EFAV, 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

	DFSI	EFAV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.28	0.92	+0.37
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.53	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.45	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.36	0.53	+0.83

Drawdowns

DFSI vs. EFAV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFSI drawdown since its inception was -12.82%, smaller than the maximum EFAV drawdown of -27.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFSI and EFAV.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFSI	EFAV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.82%	-27.56%	+14.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.26%	-6.46%	-5.80%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.82%	-8.75%	-4.07%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.46%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-27.56%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.15%	-5.61%	+2.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.62%	-4.77%	+2.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.22%	2.30%	+0.92%

Volatility

DFSI vs. EFAV - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSI) has a higher volatility of 4.63% compared to iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE ETF (EFAV) at 3.17%. This indicates that DFSI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EFAV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFSI	EFAV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.63%	3.17%	+1.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.67%	8.17%	+4.50%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.97%	10.35%	+4.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.24%	11.79%	+3.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.24%	13.21%	+2.03%

DFSI vs. EFAV - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFSI has a 0.24% expense ratio, which is higher than EFAV's 0.20% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

DFSI vs. EFAV - Dividend Comparison

DFSI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.14%, less than EFAV's 3.08% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFSI Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 ETF	2.14%	2.23%	2.39%	2.10%	0.18%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
EFAV iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE ETF	3.08%	3.20%	3.24%	3.08%	2.53%	2.47%	1.33%	4.19%	3.34%	2.45%	3.94%	2.49%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFSI and EFAV in my portfolio?

DFSI and EFAV have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFSI or EFAV?

DFSI has higher volatility (4.63%) compared to EFAV (3.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFSI dropped -12.82% vs EFAV's -27.56%.

Which ETF is better, DFSI or EFAV?

On 3-year performance, DFSI leads with 16.80% vs 12.87% for EFAV. On fees, EFAV is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, EFAV has been the lower-risk option at 3.17%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFSI or EFAV?

Over the 3-year period, DFSI has performed better with a 16.80% return vs 12.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFSI or EFAV?

EFAV is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.24% for DFSI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFSI or EFAV?

EFAV has the higher dividend yield at 3.08%, compared with 2.14% for DFSI.

What is the main difference between DFSI and EFAV?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.24% for DFSI and 0.20% for EFAV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFSI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.28 vs 0.92), 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.