DFSU vs. FTIF

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

DFSU (Dimensional US Sustainability Core 1 ETF) and FTIF (First Trust Bloomberg Inflation Sensitive Equity ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. DFSU is actively managed, while FTIF is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFSU returned 19.21%/yr vs 13.84%/yr for FTIF. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFSU charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTIF.

Performance

DFSU vs. FTIF - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFSU achieves a 5.99% return, which is significantly lower than FTIF's 21.87% return.

DFSU

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: -0.92%
• YTD: 5.99%
• 6M: 4.50%
• 1Y: 20.15%
• 3Y*: 19.21%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTIF

• 1D: 1.49%
• 1M: -2.17%
• YTD: 21.87%
• 6M: 20.61%
• 1Y: 31.46%
• 3Y*: 13.84%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFSU vs. FTIF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
DFSU Dimensional US Sustainability Core 1 ETF	5.99%	15.65%	22.96%	25.36%
FTIF First Trust Bloomberg Inflation Sensitive Equity ETF	21.87%	7.79%	0.50%	12.31%

Correlation

The correlation between DFSU and FTIF is 0.50, 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	0.50
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 14, 2023	0.66

The correlation between DFSU and FTIF shifts across timeframes, from 0.50 (1 year) to 0.66 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

DFSU vs. FTIF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFSU	FTIF
Financial Services	23.0%	-
Technology	18.5%	2.0%
Industrials	14.4%	18.0%
Communication Services	14.0%	-
Healthcare	13.6%	-
Consumer Cyclical	6.9%	4.0%
Consumer Defensive	2.9%	-
Basic Materials	2.3%	22.0%
Energy	2.0%	38.0%
Utilities	1.8%	-
Real Estate	0.3%	14.0%

Return for Risk

DFSU vs. FTIF — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFSU

DFSU Risk / Return Rank: 50
DFSU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
DFSU Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
DFSU Omega Ratio Rank: 49
DFSU Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
DFSU Martin Ratio Rank: 56

FTIF

FTIF Risk / Return Rank: 78
FTIF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
FTIF Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
FTIF Omega Ratio Rank: 67
FTIF Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
FTIF Martin Ratio Rank: 86

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. FTIF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional US Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSU) and First Trust Bloomberg Inflation Sensitive Equity ETF (FTIF). 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	FTIF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.52	2.05	-0.53
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.16	2.84	-0.68
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.35	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.00	5.79	-3.79
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.58	15.81	-7.23

DFSU vs. FTIF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFSU Sharpe Ratio is 1.52, which is comparable to the FTIF Sharpe Ratio of 2.05. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFSU and FTIF, 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. FTIF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFSU drawdown since its inception was -19.88%, smaller than the maximum FTIF drawdown of -27.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFSU and FTIF.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFSU	FTIF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.88%	-27.83%	+7.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.12%	-5.46%	-4.66%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.88%	-27.83%	+7.95%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.00%	-3.61%	+1.61%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.64%	-5.95%	+3.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.35%	2.00%	+0.35%

Volatility

DFSU vs. FTIF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional US Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSU) is 4.18%, while First Trust Bloomberg Inflation Sensitive Equity ETF (FTIF) has a volatility of 4.81%. This indicates that DFSU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FTIF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFSU	FTIF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.18%	4.81%	-0.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.19%	10.82%	-0.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.30%	15.46%	-2.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.24%	18.92%	-2.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.24%	18.92%	-2.68%

DFSU vs. FTIF - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFSU has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is lower than FTIF's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFSU vs. FTIF - Dividend Comparison

DFSU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.86%, less than FTIF's 1.41% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFSU Dimensional US Sustainability Core 1 ETF	0.86%	0.85%	0.96%	1.03%	0.21%
FTIF First Trust Bloomberg Inflation Sensitive Equity ETF	1.10%	1.45%	2.88%	1.55%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFSU and FTIF in my portfolio?

DFSU and FTIF have a correlation of 0.50, 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 FTIF?

FTIF has higher volatility (4.81%) compared to DFSU (4.18%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFSU dropped -19.88% vs FTIF's -27.83%.

Which ETF is better, DFSU or FTIF?

On 3-year performance, DFSU leads with 19.21% vs 13.84% for FTIF. On fees, DFSU is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, DFSU has been the lower-risk option at 4.18%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFSU or FTIF?

Over the 3-year period, DFSU has performed better with a 19.21% return vs 13.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFSU or FTIF?

DFSU is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FTIF.

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

FTIF has the higher dividend yield at 1.41%, compared with 0.86% for DFSU.

What is the main difference between DFSU and FTIF?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.18% for DFSU and 0.60% for FTIF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTIF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.05 vs 1.52), 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.