DGCB vs. DFCF

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DGCB (Dimensional Global Credit ETF) and DFCF (Dimensional Core Fixed Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DGCB is a Global Bonds fund actively managed by Dimensional, while DFCF is a Intermediate Core Bond fund actively managed by Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, DGCB returned 6.04% vs 5.78% for DFCF. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DGCB charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.17%/yr for DFCF.

Performance

DGCB vs. DFCF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional Global Credit ETF (DGCB) and Dimensional Core Fixed Income ETF (DFCF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DGCB achieves a 1.22% return, which is significantly higher than DFCF's 0.37% return.

DGCB

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: 0.84%
• YTD: 1.22%
• 6M: 1.01%
• 1Y: 6.04%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFCF

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: 0.32%
• YTD: 0.37%
• 6M: 0.21%
• 1Y: 5.78%
• 3Y*: 4.79%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DGCB vs. DFCF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
DGCB Dimensional Global Credit ETF	1.22%	6.68%	3.80%	6.14%
DFCF Dimensional Core Fixed Income ETF	0.37%	7.89%	1.86%	5.48%

Correlation

The correlation between DGCB and DFCF is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 9, 2023	0.92

The correlation between DGCB and DFCF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DGCB vs. DFCF — Risk / Return Rank

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

DGCB

DGCB Risk / Return Rank: 43
DGCB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
DGCB Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
DGCB Omega Ratio Rank: 43
DGCB Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
DGCB Martin Ratio Rank: 43

DFCF

DFCF Risk / Return Rank: 40
DFCF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
DFCF Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
DFCF Omega Ratio Rank: 38
DFCF Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
DFCF Martin Ratio Rank: 40

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.

DGCB vs. DFCF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Global Credit ETF (DGCB) and Dimensional Core Fixed Income ETF (DFCF). 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.

	DGCB	DFCF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.53	1.46	+0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.22	2.14	+0.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.25	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.97	2.08	-0.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.93	6.32	+0.60
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DGCB vs. DFCF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DGCB Sharpe Ratio is 1.53, which is comparable to the DFCF Sharpe Ratio of 1.46. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DGCB and DFCF, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DGCB	DFCF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.53	1.46	+0.07
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.47	0.04	+1.43

Drawdowns

DGCB vs. DFCF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DGCB drawdown since its inception was -3.50%, smaller than the maximum DFCF drawdown of -19.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DGCB and DFCF.

Drawdown Indicators

	DGCB	DFCF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.50%	-19.56%	+16.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.08%	-2.79%	-0.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-5.05%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.65%	-1.46%	+0.81%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.80%	-8.04%	+7.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.87%	0.92%	-0.05%

Volatility

DGCB vs. DFCF - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional Global Credit ETF (DGCB) has a higher volatility of 1.45% compared to Dimensional Core Fixed Income ETF (DFCF) at 1.36%. This indicates that DGCB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFCF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DGCB	DFCF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.45%	1.36%	+0.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.17%	2.90%	+0.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.97%	3.99%	-0.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.82%	6.46%	-1.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.82%	6.46%	-1.64%

DGCB vs. DFCF - Expense Ratio Comparison

DGCB has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is higher than DFCF's 0.17% 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

DGCB vs. DFCF - Dividend Comparison

DGCB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.22%, less than DFCF's 4.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFCF Dimensional Core Fixed Income ETF	4.31%	4.48%	4.61%	4.51%	3.27%	0.16%
DGCB Dimensional Global Credit ETF	3.22%	3.43%	4.72%	0.63%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DGCB and DFCF in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, DGCB and DFCF 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, DGCB or DFCF?

DGCB has higher volatility (1.45%) compared to DFCF (1.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DGCB dropped -3.50% vs DFCF's -19.56%.

Which ETF is better, DGCB or DFCF?

On 1-year performance, DGCB leads with 6.04% vs 5.78% for DFCF. On fees, DFCF is cheaper at 0.17% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DGCB or DFCF?

Over the 1-year period, DGCB has performed better with a 6.04% return vs 5.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DGCB or DFCF?

DFCF is cheaper with a 0.17% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for DGCB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DGCB or DFCF?

DFCF has the higher dividend yield at 4.31%, compared with 3.22% for DGCB.

What is the main difference between DGCB and DFCF?

DGCB is categorized as Global Bonds, while DFCF is Intermediate Core Bond. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for DGCB and 0.17% for DFCF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DGCB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.53 vs 1.46), 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.