DFSI vs. FEDM

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

DFSI (Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 ETF) and FEDM (FlexShares ESG & Climate Developed Markets ex-US Core Index Fund) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. DFSI is actively managed, while FEDM is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFSI returned 17.16%/yr vs 14.34%/yr for FEDM. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFSI charges 0.24%/yr vs 0.12%/yr for FEDM.

Performance

DFSI vs. FEDM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSI) and FlexShares ESG & Climate Developed Markets ex-US Core Index Fund (FEDM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFSI achieves a 6.52% return, which is significantly lower than FEDM's 7.01% return.

DFSI

• 1D: 0.40%
• 1M: 1.90%
• YTD: 6.52%
• 6M: 9.98%
• 1Y: 19.17%
• 3Y*: 17.16%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FEDM

• 1D: 0.58%
• 1M: 3.05%
• YTD: 7.01%
• 6M: 9.66%
• 1Y: 16.51%
• 3Y*: 14.34%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFSI vs. FEDM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFSI Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 ETF	6.52%	33.62%	4.98%	17.86%	11.99%
FEDM FlexShares ESG & Climate Developed Markets ex-US Core Index Fund	7.01%	26.85%	2.85%	17.39%	11.25%

Correlation

The correlation between DFSI and FEDM is 0.87, 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	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 3, 2022	0.94

The correlation between DFSI and FEDM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFSI vs. FEDM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFSI	FEDM
Industrials	27.9%	17.8%
Financial Services	27.7%	27.1%
Consumer Cyclical	14.2%	5.7%
Consumer Defensive	8.1%	7.1%
Basic Materials	7.4%	5.9%
Healthcare	3.7%	10.0%
Real Estate	3.4%	1.8%
Technology	3.0%	10.9%
Communication Services	1.8%	4.6%
Utilities	1.7%	3.5%
Energy	1.3%	5.7%

Return for Risk

DFSI vs. FEDM — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFSI

DFSI Risk / Return Rank: 36
DFSI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
DFSI Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
DFSI Omega Ratio Rank: 36
DFSI Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
DFSI Martin Ratio Rank: 39

FEDM

FEDM Risk / Return Rank: 30
FEDM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
FEDM Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
FEDM Omega Ratio Rank: 28
FEDM Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
FEDM Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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. FEDM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSI) and FlexShares ESG & Climate Developed Markets ex-US Core Index Fund (FEDM). 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	FEDM	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.29	1.03	+0.26
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.89	1.56	+0.33
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.19	+0.05
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.67	1.49	+0.18
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	6.36	5.38	+0.99
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. FEDM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFSI Sharpe Ratio is 1.29, which is comparable to the FEDM Sharpe Ratio of 1.03. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFSI and FEDM, 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	FEDM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.29	1.03	+0.26
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.38	0.47	+0.91

Drawdowns

DFSI vs. FEDM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFSI drawdown since its inception was -12.82%, smaller than the maximum FEDM drawdown of -29.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFSI and FEDM.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFSI	FEDM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.82%	-29.37%	+16.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.26%	-11.92%	-0.34%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.82%	-14.24%	+1.42%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.25%	-1.10%	-1.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.62%	-7.00%	+4.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.21%	3.30%	-0.09%

Volatility

DFSI vs. FEDM - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSI) and FlexShares ESG & Climate Developed Markets ex-US Core Index Fund (FEDM) have volatilities of 4.72% and 4.84%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFSI	FEDM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.72%	4.84%	-0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.64%	12.42%	+0.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.98%	16.14%	-1.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.24%	16.46%	-1.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.24%	16.46%	-1.22%

DFSI vs. FEDM - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFSI has a 0.24% expense ratio, which is higher than FEDM's 0.12% 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. FEDM - Dividend Comparison

DFSI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.12%, less than FEDM's 2.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFSI Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 ETF	2.12%	2.23%	2.39%	2.10%	0.18%	0.00%
FEDM FlexShares ESG & Climate Developed Markets ex-US Core Index Fund	2.80%	2.97%	2.94%	2.61%	2.53%	0.62%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFSI and FEDM in my portfolio?

DFSI and FEDM have a correlation of 0.87, 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 FEDM?

FEDM has higher volatility (4.84%) compared to DFSI (4.72%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFSI dropped -12.82% vs FEDM's -29.37%.

Which ETF is better, DFSI or FEDM?

On 3-year performance, DFSI leads with 17.16% vs 14.34% for FEDM. On fees, FEDM is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, DFSI has been the lower-risk option at 4.72%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFSI or FEDM?

Over the 3-year period, DFSI has performed better with a 17.16% return vs 14.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFSI or FEDM?

FEDM is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.24% for DFSI.

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

FEDM has the higher dividend yield at 2.80%, compared with 2.12% for DFSI.

What is the main difference between DFSI and FEDM?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and FlexShares. Their fees differ too: 0.24% for DFSI and 0.12% for FEDM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFSI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.29 vs 1.03), 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.