DFUV vs. DFAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFUV (Dimensional US Marketwide Value ETF) and DFAX (Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFUV is a Large Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while DFAX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFUV returned 19.49%/yr vs 19.90%/yr for DFAX. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFUV charges 0.21%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for DFAX.

Performance

DFUV vs. DFAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional US Marketwide Value ETF (DFUV) and Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFUV achieves a 17.25% return, which is significantly higher than DFAX's 11.80% return.

DFUV

• 1D: -1.22%
• 1M: 2.47%
• YTD: 17.25%
• 6M: 16.43%
• 1Y: 32.73%
• 3Y*: 19.49%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFAX

• 1D: -3.94%
• 1M: -1.59%
• YTD: 11.80%
• 6M: 11.66%
• 1Y: 30.04%
• 3Y*: 19.90%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFUV vs. DFAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFUV Dimensional US Marketwide Value ETF	17.25%	15.77%	11.79%	13.25%	-0.71%
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF	11.80%	35.42%	4.78%	16.66%	-2.94%

Correlation

The correlation between DFUV and DFAX is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 9, 2022	0.74

The correlation between DFUV and DFAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.69 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFUV vs. DFAX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFUV	DFAX
Financial Services	21.6%	17.7%
Technology	16.5%	19.1%
Healthcare	14.0%	5.8%
Industrials	13.5%	17.4%
Energy	11.4%	6.1%
Consumer Cyclical	7.3%	9.5%
Basic Materials	5.9%	10.6%
Communication Services	5.1%	4.3%
Consumer Defensive	3.8%	4.8%
Real Estate	0.3%	1.9%
Utilities	0.1%	2.9%

Return for Risk

DFUV vs. DFAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFUV

DFUV Risk / Return Rank: 88
DFUV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
DFUV Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
DFUV Omega Ratio Rank: 83
DFUV Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
DFUV Martin Ratio Rank: 90

DFAX

DFAX Risk / Return Rank: 58
DFAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
DFAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
DFAX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
DFAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
DFAX Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

DFUV vs. DFAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional US Marketwide Value ETF (DFUV) and Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX). 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.

	DFUV	DFAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.70	1.86	+0.84
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.73	2.47	+1.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.35	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.48	2.72	+2.76
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.67	10.52	+9.14

DFUV vs. DFAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFUV Sharpe Ratio is 2.70, which is higher than the DFAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFUV and DFAX, 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

DFUV vs. DFAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFUV drawdown since its inception was -17.60%, smaller than the maximum DFAX drawdown of -28.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFUV and DFAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFUV	DFAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.60%	-28.15%	+10.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.01%	-11.11%	+5.10%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.60%	-13.89%	-3.71%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.29%	-3.94%	+2.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.61%	-6.62%	+3.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.67%	2.86%	-1.19%

Volatility

DFUV vs. DFAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional US Marketwide Value ETF (DFUV) is 4.21%, while Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX) has a volatility of 7.53%. This indicates that DFUV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFUV	DFAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.21%	7.53%	-3.32%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.92%	14.40%	-5.48%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.18%	16.21%	-4.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.27%	16.21%	+0.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.27%	16.21%	+0.06%

DFUV vs. DFAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFUV has a 0.21% expense ratio, which is lower than DFAX's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFUV vs. DFAX - Dividend Comparison

DFUV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.35%, less than DFAX's 2.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF	2.29%	2.58%	2.98%	3.01%	3.30%	1.40%
DFUV Dimensional US Marketwide Value ETF	1.35%	1.55%	1.64%	1.72%	1.34%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFUV and DFAX in my portfolio?

DFUV and DFAX 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, DFUV or DFAX?

DFAX has higher volatility (7.53%) compared to DFUV (4.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFUV dropped -17.60% vs DFAX's -28.15%.

Which ETF is better, DFUV or DFAX?

On 3-year performance, DFAX leads with 19.90% vs 19.49% for DFUV. On fees, DFUV is cheaper at 0.21% per year. On volatility, DFUV has been the lower-risk option at 4.21%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFUV or DFAX?

Over the 3-year period, DFAX has performed better with a 19.90% return vs 19.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFUV or DFAX?

DFUV is cheaper with a 0.21% expense ratio, compared with 0.28% for DFAX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFUV or DFAX?

DFAX has the higher dividend yield at 2.29%, compared with 1.35% for DFUV.

What is the main difference between DFUV and DFAX?

DFUV is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while DFAX is Foreign Large Cap Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.21% for DFUV and 0.28% for DFAX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFUV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.70 vs 1.86), 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.