DFSU vs. DFIC

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

DFSU (Dimensional US Sustainability Core 1 ETF) and DFIC (DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFSU is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while DFIC is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFSU returned 17.72%/yr vs 18.53%/yr for DFIC. Their 0.73 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. DFSU charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.22%/yr for DFIC.

Performance

DFSU vs. DFIC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional US Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSU) and DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFSU achieves a 9.05% return, which is significantly lower than DFIC's 12.11% return.

DFSU

• 1D: 0.67%
• 1M: 0.46%
• 6M: 7.52%
• YTD: 9.05%
• 1Y: 20.83%
• 3Y*: 17.72%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 19.95%

DFIC

• 1D: -0.57%
• 1M: 1.28%
• 6M: 6.46%
• YTD: 12.11%
• 1Y: 26.83%
• 3Y*: 18.53%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 13.13%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
DFIC DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF	$72.95M	$73.90M	$54.49M
DFSU Dimensional US Sustainability Core 1 ETF	$4.41M	$4.49M	$4.28M

DFSU vs. DFIC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFSU Dimensional US Sustainability Core 1 ETF	9.05%	15.65%	22.96%	26.27%	0.90%
DFIC DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF	12.11%	37.09%	4.10%	17.32%	9.64%

Correlation

The correlation between DFSU and DFIC is 0.72, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 2, 2022	0.73

The correlation between DFSU and DFIC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.73 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFSU vs. DFIC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFSU	DFIC
Technology	29.7%	9.2%
Financial Services	16.5%	21.3%
Industrials	12.3%	19.8%
Consumer Cyclical	11.3%	9.6%
Healthcare	11.2%	7.3%
Communication Services	9.9%	4.1%
Consumer Defensive	4.2%	6.3%
Basic Materials	2.2%	10.6%
Energy	1.7%	6.8%
Utilities	1.0%	3.4%
Real Estate	0.2%	1.7%

Return for Risk

DFSU vs. DFIC — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

DFSU

DFSU Risk / Return Rank: 57
DFSU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
DFSU Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
DFSU Omega Ratio Rank: 55
DFSU Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
DFSU Martin Ratio Rank: 65

DFIC

DFIC Risk / Return Rank: 78
DFIC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
DFIC Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
DFIC Omega Ratio Rank: 80
DFIC Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
DFIC Martin Ratio Rank: 77

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

DFSU vs. DFIC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional US Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSU) and DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC). 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	DFIC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.38	1.87	-0.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.96	2.62	-0.65
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.34	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.83	2.45	-0.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.85	9.68	-1.83

DFSU vs. DFIC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFSU Sharpe Ratio is 1.38, which is comparable to the DFIC Sharpe Ratio of 1.87. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFSU and DFIC, 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. DFIC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFSU drawdown since its inception was -19.88%, smaller than the maximum DFIC drawdown of -24.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFSU and DFIC.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFSU	DFIC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.88%	-24.40%	+4.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.12%	-11.00%	+0.88%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.88%	-13.14%	-6.74%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.90%	-0.57%	-0.33%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.59%	-4.43%	+1.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.36%	2.78%	-0.42%

Volatility

DFSU vs. DFIC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional US Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSU) is 3.28%, while DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC) has a volatility of 4.14%. This indicates that DFSU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFIC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFSU	DFIC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.28%	4.14%	-0.86%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.25%	12.48%	-2.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.45%	14.42%	-0.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.12%	16.17%	-0.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.12%	16.17%	-0.05%

DFSU vs. DFIC - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFSU has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is lower than DFIC's 0.22% expense ratio. Despite the difference, 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. DFIC - Dividend Comparison

DFSU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.83%, less than DFIC's 2.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFIC DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF	2.37%	2.54%	2.87%	2.55%	1.47%
DFSU Dimensional US Sustainability Core 1 ETF	0.83%	0.85%	0.96%	1.03%	0.21%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFSU and DFIC in my portfolio?

DFSU and DFIC have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFSU or DFIC?

DFIC has higher volatility (4.14%) compared to DFSU (3.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFSU dropped -19.88% vs DFIC's -24.40%.

Which ETF is better, DFSU or DFIC?

On 3-year performance, DFIC leads with 18.53% vs 17.72% for DFSU. On fees, DFSU is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, DFSU has been the lower-risk option at 3.28%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFSU or DFIC?

Over the 3-year period, DFIC has performed better with a 18.53% return vs 17.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFSU or DFIC?

DFSU is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.22% for DFIC.

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

DFIC has the higher dividend yield at 2.37%, compared with 0.83% for DFSU.

What is the main difference between DFSU and DFIC?

DFSU is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while DFIC is Foreign Large Cap Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.18% for DFSU and 0.22% for DFIC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFIC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.87 vs 1.38), 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.