DSHGX vs. DFAW

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DSHGX (DFA Selectively Hedged Global Equity Portfolio) and DFAW (Dimensional World Equity ETF) are both Global Equities funds from Dimensional. Over the past year, DSHGX returned 33.12% vs 30.13% for DFAW. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DSHGX charges 0.31%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for DFAW.

Performance

DSHGX vs. DFAW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA Selectively Hedged Global Equity Portfolio (DSHGX) and Dimensional World Equity ETF (DFAW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DSHGX achieves a 14.60% return, which is significantly higher than DFAW's 12.61% return.

DSHGX

• 1D: 0.53%
• 1M: 5.38%
• YTD: 14.60%
• 6M: 15.82%
• 1Y: 33.12%
• 3Y*: 21.38%
• 5Y*: 12.23%
• 10Y*: 12.94%

DFAW

• 1D: -0.70%
• 1M: 4.36%
• YTD: 12.61%
• 6M: 13.91%
• 1Y: 30.13%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DSHGX vs. DFAW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
DSHGX DFA Selectively Hedged Global Equity Portfolio	14.60%	21.42%	15.89%	10.00%
DFAW Dimensional World Equity ETF	12.61%	20.62%	15.49%	11.57%

Correlation

The correlation between DSHGX and DFAW is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 28, 2023	0.97

The correlation between DSHGX and DFAW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DSHGX vs. DFAW — Risk / Return Rank

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

DSHGX

DSHGX Risk / Return Rank: 86
DSHGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
DSHGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
DSHGX Omega Ratio Rank: 84
DSHGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
DSHGX Martin Ratio Rank: 87

DFAW

DFAW Risk / Return Rank: 74
DFAW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
DFAW Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
DFAW Omega Ratio Rank: 75
DFAW Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
DFAW Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

DSHGX vs. DFAW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA Selectively Hedged Global Equity Portfolio (DSHGX) and Dimensional World Equity ETF (DFAW). 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.

	DSHGX	DFAW	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	3.03	2.52	+0.51
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	4.19	3.49	+0.70
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.56	1.46	+0.10
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.83	3.41	+0.42
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	16.67	15.09	+1.58
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DSHGX vs. DFAW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DSHGX Sharpe Ratio is 3.03, which is comparable to the DFAW Sharpe Ratio of 2.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DSHGX and DFAW, 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

	DSHGX	DFAW	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.03	2.52	+0.51
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.81	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.77	1.62	-0.85

Drawdowns

DSHGX vs. DFAW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DSHGX drawdown since its inception was -36.15%, which is greater than DFAW's maximum drawdown of -16.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DSHGX and DFAW.

Drawdown Indicators

	DSHGX	DFAW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.15%	-16.93%	-19.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.93%	-8.88%	-0.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.26%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.82%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.15%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.70%	+0.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.49%	-1.70%	-2.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.04%	2.00%	+0.04%

Volatility

DSHGX vs. DFAW - Volatility Comparison

DFA Selectively Hedged Global Equity Portfolio (DSHGX) and Dimensional World Equity ETF (DFAW) have volatilities of 3.47% and 3.35%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DSHGX	DFAW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.47%	3.35%	+0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.16%	9.39%	-0.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.30%	12.03%	-0.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.58%	14.46%	+0.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.06%	14.46%	+1.60%

DSHGX vs. DFAW - Expense Ratio Comparison

DSHGX has a 0.31% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAW's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

DSHGX vs. DFAW - Dividend Comparison

DSHGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.79%, more than DFAW's 1.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFAW Dimensional World Equity ETF	1.55%	1.71%	1.47%	0.42%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DSHGX DFA Selectively Hedged Global Equity Portfolio	2.79%	3.20%	5.56%	6.18%	9.61%	6.56%	2.10%	2.50%	4.62%	1.11%	3.07%	3.04%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DSHGX and DFAW in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, DSHGX and DFAW 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, DSHGX or DFAW?

DSHGX has higher volatility (3.47%) compared to DFAW (3.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DSHGX dropped -36.15% vs DFAW's -16.93%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DSHGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.03 vs 2.52), 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.