DFUV vs. VEA

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

DFUV (Dimensional US Marketwide Value ETF) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFUV is a Large Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while VEA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. DFUV is actively managed, while VEA is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFUV returned 17.20%/yr vs 17.14%/yr for VEA. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFUV charges 0.21%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

DFUV vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional US Marketwide Value ETF (DFUV) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFUV achieves a 17.96% return, which is significantly higher than VEA's 11.59% return.

DFUV

• 1D: -0.38%
• 1M: 0.25%
• 6M: 13.29%
• YTD: 17.96%
• 1Y: 30.09%
• 3Y*: 17.20%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 13.74%

VEA

• 1D: -0.67%
• 1M: -4.26%
• 6M: 7.02%
• YTD: 11.59%
• 1Y: 25.76%
• 3Y*: 17.14%
• 5Y*: 9.55%
• 10Y*: 9.92%
• ALL TIME*: 5.03%

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

DFUV vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFUV Dimensional US Marketwide Value ETF	17.96%	15.77%	11.79%	13.25%	-0.71%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	11.59%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-1.68%

Correlation

The correlation between DFUV and VEA 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	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 9, 2022	0.75

The correlation between DFUV and VEA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFUV vs. VEA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFUV	VEA
Financial Services	18.8%	23.1%
Technology	17.8%	18.4%
Healthcare	15.3%	7.9%
Energy	12.4%	4.5%
Industrials	12.2%	17.9%
Consumer Cyclical	8.0%	7.3%
Basic Materials	5.7%	6.9%
Communication Services	5.3%	3.2%
Consumer Defensive	3.9%	5.3%
Real Estate	0.1%	2.5%
Utilities	0.1%	3.1%

Return for Risk

DFUV vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFUV

DFUV Risk / Return Rank: 92
DFUV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
DFUV Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
DFUV Omega Ratio Rank: 90
DFUV Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
DFUV Martin Ratio Rank: 93

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 61
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 60
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional US Marketwide Value ETF (DFUV) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). 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	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.52	1.52	+1.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.56	2.12	+1.44
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	1.28	+0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.03	2.23	+2.81
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.15	8.35	+9.80

DFUV vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFUV Sharpe Ratio is 2.52, which is higher than the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 1.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFUV and VEA, 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. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFUV drawdown since its inception was -17.60%, smaller than the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFUV and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFUV	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.60%	-60.68%	+43.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.01%	-11.63%	+5.62%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.60%	-13.45%	-4.15%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.71%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.36%	-4.37%	+3.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.56%	-13.22%	+9.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.66%	3.09%	-1.43%

Volatility

DFUV vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional US Marketwide Value ETF (DFUV) is 2.71%, while Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) has a volatility of 5.31%. This indicates that DFUV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VEA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFUV	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.71%	5.31%	-2.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.75%	15.14%	-6.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.04%	17.09%	-5.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.16%	16.78%	-0.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.16%	17.18%	-1.02%

DFUV vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFUV has a 0.21% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% 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

DFUV vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

DFUV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.33%, less than VEA's 2.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFUV Dimensional US Marketwide Value ETF	1.33%	1.55%	1.64%	1.72%	1.34%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.62%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFUV and VEA in my portfolio?

DFUV and VEA 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 VEA?

VEA has higher volatility (5.31%) compared to DFUV (2.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFUV dropped -17.60% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which ETF is better, DFUV or VEA?

On 3-year performance, DFUV leads with 17.20% vs 17.14% for VEA. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, DFUV has been the lower-risk option at 2.71%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFUV or VEA?

Over the 3-year period, DFUV has performed better with a 17.20% return vs 17.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFUV or VEA?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.21% for DFUV.

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

VEA has the higher dividend yield at 2.62%, compared with 1.33% for DFUV.

What is the main difference between DFUV and VEA?

DFUV is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while VEA is Foreign Large Cap Equities. They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.21% for DFUV and 0.03% for VEA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFUV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.52 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.