DFWIX vs. DFAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFWIX (DFA World ex U.S. Core Equity Portfolio) and DFAX (Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds from Dimensional. Over the past 3 years, DFWIX returned 20.39%/yr vs 19.90%/yr for DFAX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFWIX charges 0.31%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for DFAX.

Performance

DFWIX vs. DFAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA World ex U.S. Core Equity Portfolio (DFWIX) 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, DFWIX achieves a 15.19% return, which is significantly higher than DFAX's 11.80% return.

DFWIX

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: 2.27%
• YTD: 15.19%
• 6M: 15.05%
• 1Y: 33.26%
• 3Y*: 20.39%
• 5Y*: 11.88%
• 10Y*: 11.82%

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)

DFWIX vs. DFAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFWIX DFA World ex U.S. Core Equity Portfolio	15.19%	33.45%	4.34%	16.74%	-14.04%	7.20%
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF	11.80%	35.42%	4.78%	16.66%	-14.48%	-2.10%

Correlation

The correlation between DFWIX and DFAX is 0.95, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2021	0.98

The correlation between DFWIX and DFAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFWIX vs. DFAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFWIX

DFWIX Risk / Return Rank: 75
DFWIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
DFWIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
DFWIX Omega Ratio Rank: 78
DFWIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
DFWIX Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

DFWIX vs. DFAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA World ex U.S. Core Equity Portfolio (DFWIX) 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.

	DFWIX	DFAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.45	1.86	+0.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.32	2.47	+0.85
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.35	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.18	2.72	+0.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.35	10.52	+1.83

DFWIX vs. DFAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFWIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.45, which is higher than the DFAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFWIX 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

DFWIX vs. DFAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFWIX drawdown since its inception was -41.80%, which is greater than DFAX's maximum drawdown of -28.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFWIX and DFAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFWIX	DFAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.80%	-28.15%	-13.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.82%	-11.11%	+0.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.11%	-13.89%	+0.78%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.31%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.80%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.21%	-3.94%	+3.73%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.12%	-6.62%	-1.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.77%	2.86%	-0.09%

Volatility

DFWIX vs. DFAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA World ex U.S. Core Equity Portfolio (DFWIX) is 5.61%, while Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX) has a volatility of 7.53%. This indicates that DFWIX 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

	DFWIX	DFAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.61%	7.53%	-1.92%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.19%	14.40%	-2.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.10%	16.21%	-2.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.28%	16.21%	-0.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.64%	16.21%	-0.57%

DFWIX vs. DFAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFWIX has a 0.31% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAX's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFWIX vs. DFAX - Dividend Comparison

DFWIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.79%, more than DFAX's 2.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF	2.29%	2.58%	2.98%	3.01%	3.30%	1.40%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DFWIX DFA World ex U.S. Core Equity Portfolio	2.79%	3.00%	3.32%	3.36%	3.11%	10.71%	1.81%	2.36%	3.50%	2.36%	2.59%	2.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFWIX and DFAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, DFWIX and DFAX 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, DFWIX or DFAX?

DFAX has higher volatility (7.53%) compared to DFWIX (5.61%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFWIX dropped -41.80% vs DFAX's -28.15%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFWIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.45 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.