DSTX vs. DFAI

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

DSTX (Distillate International Fundamental Stability & Value ETF) and DFAI (Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. DSTX is passively managed, while DFAI is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, DSTX returned 8.67%/yr vs 10.32%/yr for DFAI. Their correlation of 0.91 means they have usually moved in the same direction. DSTX charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for DFAI.

Performance

DSTX vs. DFAI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Distillate International Fundamental Stability & Value ETF (DSTX) and Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with DSTX having a 11.99% return and DFAI slightly higher at 12.02%.

DSTX

• 1D: -2.07%
• 1M: 5.61%
• 6M: 7.70%
• YTD: 11.99%
• 1Y: 31.10%
• 3Y*: 17.30%
• 5Y*: 8.67%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 8.80%

DFAI

• 1D: -0.64%
• 1M: 1.25%
• 6M: 6.62%
• YTD: 12.02%
• 1Y: 26.71%
• 3Y*: 17.83%
• 5Y*: 10.32%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 12.23%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	$73.27M	$69.05M	$61.26M
DSTX Distillate International Fundamental Stability & Value ETF	$1.46M	$1.21M	$477.10K

DSTX vs. DFAI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DSTX Distillate International Fundamental Stability & Value ETF	11.99%	41.71%	-0.44%	20.03%	-18.85%	1.78%	2.59%
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	12.02%	34.04%	4.68%	17.60%	-12.95%	13.86%	2.02%

Correlation

The correlation between DSTX and DFAI is 0.85, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.85
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 15, 2020	0.91

The correlation between DSTX and DFAI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

DSTX vs. DFAI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DSTX	DFAI
Technology	17.0%	11.1%
Consumer Cyclical	14.7%	8.6%
Basic Materials	14.3%	8.4%
Industrials	12.0%	19.1%
Healthcare	10.2%	8.8%
Energy	8.6%	5.8%
Communication Services	7.5%	3.6%
Financial Services	5.8%	23.1%
Consumer Defensive	5.6%	6.4%
Utilities	0.7%	3.8%
Real Estate	-	1.4%

Return for Risk

DSTX vs. DFAI — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

DSTX

DSTX Risk / Return Rank: 75
DSTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
DSTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
DSTX Omega Ratio Rank: 80
DSTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
DSTX Martin Ratio Rank: 66

DFAI

DFAI Risk / Return Rank: 77
DFAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
DFAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
DFAI Omega Ratio Rank: 78
DFAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
DFAI Martin Ratio Rank: 77

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

DSTX vs. DFAI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Distillate International Fundamental Stability & Value ETF (DSTX) 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.

	DSTX	DFAI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.87	1.82	+0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.53	2.56	-0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.33	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.46	2.44	+0.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.02	9.59	-1.57

DSTX vs. DFAI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DSTX Sharpe Ratio is 1.87, which is comparable to the DFAI Sharpe Ratio of 1.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DSTX 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

DSTX vs. DFAI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DSTX drawdown since its inception was -33.67%, which is greater than DFAI's maximum drawdown of -27.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DSTX and DFAI.

Drawdown Indicators

	DSTX	DFAI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.67%	-27.44%	-6.23%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.48%	-10.95%	-1.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.29%	-13.25%	-0.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.95%	-27.44%	-4.51%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.07%	-0.64%	-1.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.83%	-5.01%	-3.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.81%	2.78%	+1.03%

Volatility

DSTX vs. DFAI - Volatility Comparison

Distillate International Fundamental Stability & Value ETF (DSTX) has a higher volatility of 5.15% compared to Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI) at 4.24%. This indicates that DSTX'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

	DSTX	DFAI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.15%	4.24%	+0.91%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.94%	12.66%	+1.28%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.39%	14.65%	+1.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.17%	16.00%	+1.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.83%	15.69%	+1.14%

DSTX vs. DFAI - Expense Ratio Comparison

DSTX has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAI's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

DSTX vs. DFAI - Dividend Comparison

DSTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.88%, more than DFAI's 2.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	2.30%	2.45%	2.72%	2.64%	2.72%	2.06%	0.09%
DSTX Distillate International Fundamental Stability & Value ETF	2.88%	2.93%	2.41%	1.81%	3.68%	2.24%	0.07%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DSTX and DFAI in my portfolio?

DSTX and DFAI have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DSTX or DFAI?

DSTX has higher volatility (5.15%) compared to DFAI (4.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DSTX dropped -33.67% vs DFAI's -27.44%.

Which ETF is better, DSTX or DFAI?

On 5-year performance, DFAI leads with 10.32% vs 8.67% for DSTX. On fees, DFAI is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, DFAI has been the lower-risk option at 4.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DSTX or DFAI?

Over the 5-year period, DFAI has performed better with a 10.32% return vs 8.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DSTX or DFAI?

DFAI is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for DSTX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DSTX or DFAI?

DSTX has the higher dividend yield at 2.88%, compared with 2.30% for DFAI.

What is the main difference between DSTX and DFAI?

They also come from different issuers: Distillate and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for DSTX and 0.18% for DFAI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DSTX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.87 vs 1.82), 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.