DFSU vs. DFAU

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DFSU (Dimensional US Sustainability Core 1 ETF) and DFAU (Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds from Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFSU returned 19.48%/yr vs 20.87%/yr for DFAU. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFSU charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.12%/yr for DFAU.

Performance

DFSU vs. DFAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional US Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSU) and Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF (DFAU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFSU achieves a 6.81% return, which is significantly lower than DFAU's 10.57% return.

DFSU

• 1D: -0.39%
• 1M: 0.41%
• YTD: 6.81%
• 6M: 5.89%
• 1Y: 23.42%
• 3Y*: 19.48%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFAU

• 1D: -0.25%
• 1M: 0.74%
• YTD: 10.57%
• 6M: 9.77%
• 1Y: 27.53%
• 3Y*: 20.87%
• 5Y*: 12.88%
• 10Y*: —

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

DFSU vs. DFAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFSU Dimensional US Sustainability Core 1 ETF	6.81%	15.65%	22.96%	26.27%	0.90%
DFAU Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF	10.57%	16.78%	23.17%	24.79%	-0.46%

Correlation

The correlation between DFSU and DFAU is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 2, 2022	0.98

The correlation between DFSU and DFAU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFSU vs. DFAU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFSU	DFAU
Financial Services	23.0%	12.1%
Technology	18.5%	36.0%
Industrials	14.4%	10.1%
Communication Services	14.0%	9.8%
Healthcare	13.6%	8.3%
Consumer Cyclical	6.9%	10.6%
Consumer Defensive	2.9%	4.4%
Basic Materials	2.3%	2.4%
Energy	2.0%	4.1%
Utilities	1.8%	2.3%
Real Estate	0.3%	0.1%

Return for Risk

DFSU vs. DFAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFSU

DFSU Risk / Return Rank: 53
DFSU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
DFSU Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
DFSU Omega Ratio Rank: 51
DFSU Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
DFSU Martin Ratio Rank: 58

DFAU

DFAU Risk / Return Rank: 70
DFAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
DFAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
DFAU Omega Ratio Rank: 69
DFAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
DFAU Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

DFSU vs. DFAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional US Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSU) and Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF (DFAU). 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.

	DFSU	DFAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.76	2.19	-0.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.48	2.96	-0.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.39	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.32	3.19	-0.86
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.02	14.18	-4.17

DFSU vs. DFAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFSU Sharpe Ratio is 1.76, which is comparable to the DFAU Sharpe Ratio of 2.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFSU and DFAU, 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

DFSU vs. DFAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFSU drawdown since its inception was -19.88%, smaller than the maximum DFAU drawdown of -23.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFSU and DFAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFSU	DFAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.88%	-23.61%	+3.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.12%	-8.67%	-1.45%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.88%	-19.36%	-0.52%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-23.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.24%	-1.34%	+0.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.64%	-4.96%	+2.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.34%	1.95%	+0.39%

Volatility

DFSU vs. DFAU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional US Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSU) is 4.16%, while Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF (DFAU) has a volatility of 4.68%. This indicates that DFSU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFAU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFSU	DFAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.16%	4.68%	-0.52%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.21%	9.86%	+0.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.36%	12.64%	+0.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.26%	17.11%	-0.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.26%	16.77%	-0.51%

DFSU vs. DFAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFSU has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAU'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

DFSU vs. DFAU - Dividend Comparison

DFSU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.83%, less than DFAU's 0.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DFAU Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF	0.90%	0.95%	1.10%	1.29%	1.40%	1.00%	0.13%
DFSU Dimensional US Sustainability Core 1 ETF	0.83%	0.85%	0.96%	1.03%	0.21%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFSU and DFAU in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, DFSU and DFAU 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, DFSU or DFAU?

DFAU has higher volatility (4.68%) compared to DFSU (4.16%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFSU dropped -19.88% vs DFAU's -23.61%.

Which ETF is better, DFSU or DFAU?

On 3-year performance, DFAU leads with 20.87% vs 19.48% for DFSU. On fees, DFAU is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, DFSU has been the lower-risk option at 4.16%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFSU or DFAU?

Over the 3-year period, DFAU has performed better with a 20.87% return vs 19.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFSU or DFAU?

DFAU is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.18% for DFSU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFSU or DFAU?

DFAU has the higher dividend yield at 0.90%, compared with 0.83% for DFSU.

What is the main difference between DFSU and DFAU?

Their fees differ too: 0.18% for DFSU and 0.12% for DFAU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.19 vs 1.76), 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.