DODFX vs. DFAI

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

DODFX (Dodge & Cox International Stock Fund) and DFAI (Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, DODFX returned 10.93%/yr vs 9.68%/yr for DFAI. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DODFX charges 0.61%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for DFAI.

Performance

DODFX vs. DFAI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dodge & Cox International Stock Fund (DODFX) and Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DODFX achieves a 12.03% return, which is significantly higher than DFAI's 10.55% return.

DODFX

• 1D: 0.49%
• 1M: 3.95%
• YTD: 12.03%
• 6M: 13.48%
• 1Y: 29.38%
• 3Y*: 19.72%
• 5Y*: 10.93%
• 10Y*: 11.47%

DFAI

• 1D: 0.45%
• 1M: 2.91%
• YTD: 10.55%
• 6M: 11.38%
• 1Y: 25.58%
• 3Y*: 17.58%
• 5Y*: 9.68%
• 10Y*: —

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

DODFX vs. DFAI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DODFX Dodge & Cox International Stock Fund	12.03%	38.77%	3.74%	16.70%	-6.78%	10.99%	6.74%
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	10.55%	34.04%	4.68%	17.60%	-12.95%	13.86%	5.34%

Correlation

The correlation between DODFX and DFAI is 0.89, 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	0.89
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 18, 2020	0.91

The correlation between DODFX and DFAI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DODFX vs. DFAI — Risk / Return Rank

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

DODFX

DODFX Risk / Return Rank: 59
DODFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
DODFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
DODFX Omega Ratio Rank: 64
DODFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
DODFX Martin Ratio Rank: 53

DFAI

DFAI Risk / Return Rank: 56
DFAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
DFAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
DFAI Omega Ratio Rank: 58
DFAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
DFAI Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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.

DODFX vs. DFAI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dodge & Cox International Stock Fund (DODFX) and Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI). 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.

	DODFX	DFAI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.00	1.77	+0.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.72	2.48	+0.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.32	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.49	2.35	+0.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.46	9.14	+0.32

DODFX vs. DFAI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DODFX Sharpe Ratio is 2.00, which is comparable to the DFAI Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DODFX and DFAI, 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

DODFX vs. DFAI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DODFX drawdown since its inception was -63.23%, which is greater than DFAI's maximum drawdown of -27.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DODFX and DFAI.

Drawdown Indicators

	DODFX	DFAI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.23%	-27.44%	-35.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.14%	-10.95%	-0.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.41%	-13.25%	-1.16%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.52%	-27.44%	+2.92%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.61%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.65%	-0.35%	-0.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.64%	-5.10%	-6.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.94%	2.81%	+0.13%

Volatility

DODFX vs. DFAI - Volatility Comparison

Dodge & Cox International Stock Fund (DODFX) has a higher volatility of 5.80% compared to Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI) at 5.12%. This indicates that DODFX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFAI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DODFX	DFAI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.80%	5.12%	+0.68%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.90%	12.28%	-0.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.89%	14.58%	-0.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.03%	16.01%	+0.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.22%	15.74%	+2.48%

DODFX vs. DFAI - Expense Ratio Comparison

DODFX has a 0.61% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAI's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

DODFX vs. DFAI - Dividend Comparison

DODFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.51%, more than DFAI's 2.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	2.23%	2.45%	2.72%	2.64%	2.72%	2.06%	0.09%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DODFX Dodge & Cox International Stock Fund	4.51%	5.05%	2.25%	2.29%	2.23%	2.49%	4.21%	3.93%	2.93%	1.93%	3.66%	2.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DODFX and DFAI in my portfolio?

DODFX and DFAI have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DODFX or DFAI?

DODFX has higher volatility (5.80%) compared to DFAI (5.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DODFX dropped -63.23% vs DFAI's -27.44%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DODFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.00 vs 1.77), 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.