DSTX vs. DFAI

Last updated Jun 24, 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 6.37%/yr vs 9.35%/yr for DFAI. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. 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

In the year-to-date period, DSTX achieves a 3.98% return, which is significantly lower than DFAI's 7.50% return.

DSTX

• 1D: -1.12%
• 1M: -2.79%
• YTD: 3.98%
• 6M: 3.92%
• 1Y: 24.12%
• 3Y*: 16.21%
• 5Y*: 6.37%
• 10Y*: —

DFAI

• 1D: -2.83%
• 1M: -1.64%
• YTD: 7.50%
• 6M: 6.97%
• 1Y: 23.12%
• 3Y*: 17.77%
• 5Y*: 9.35%
• 10Y*: —

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

DSTX vs. DFAI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DSTX Distillate International Fundamental Stability & Value ETF	3.98%	41.71%	-0.44%	20.03%	-18.85%	1.78%	2.59%
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	7.50%	34.04%	4.68%	17.60%	-12.95%	13.86%	2.02%

Correlation

The correlation between DSTX and DFAI is 0.88, 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	0.88
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
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 0.88 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

DSTX vs. DFAI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DSTX	DFAI
Technology	20.6%	7.8%
Industrials	15.0%	17.2%
Basic Materials	14.6%	10.8%
Consumer Cyclical	13.9%	5.8%
Healthcare	8.2%	11.4%
Consumer Defensive	8.1%	5.3%
Communication Services	7.3%	4.3%
Energy	4.1%	4.7%
Financial Services	4.0%	26.9%
Real Estate	-	1.5%
Utilities	-	4.2%

Return for Risk

DSTX vs. DFAI — Risk / Return Rank

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

DSTX

DSTX Risk / Return Rank: 44
DSTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
DSTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
DSTX Omega Ratio Rank: 45
DSTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
DSTX Martin Ratio Rank: 44

DFAI

DFAI Risk / Return Rank: 47
DFAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
DFAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
DFAI Omega Ratio Rank: 46
DFAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
DFAI Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

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	1.50	1.57	-0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.09	2.21	-0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.29	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.94	2.12	-0.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.70	8.25	-1.55

DSTX vs. DFAI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DSTX Sharpe Ratio is 1.50, which is comparable to the DFAI Sharpe Ratio of 1.57. 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	-32.96%	-27.44%	-5.52%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.90%	-3.10%	-3.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.93%	-5.09%	-3.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.61%	2.81%	+0.80%

Volatility

DSTX vs. DFAI - Volatility Comparison

Distillate International Fundamental Stability & Value ETF (DSTX) and Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI) have volatilities of 5.22% and 5.38%, 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

	DSTX	DFAI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.22%	5.38%	-0.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.36%	12.60%	+0.76%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.16%	14.77%	+1.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.13%	16.03%	+1.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.84%	15.77%	+1.07%

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 2.80%, more than DFAI's 2.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	2.29%	2.45%	2.72%	2.64%	2.72%	2.06%	0.09%
DSTX Distillate International Fundamental Stability & Value ETF	2.80%	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 0.88, 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?

DFAI has higher volatility (5.38%) compared to DSTX (5.22%). 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 9.35% vs 6.37% for DSTX. On fees, DFAI is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, DSTX has been the lower-risk option at 5.22%. 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 9.35% return vs 6.37%. 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 2.80%, compared with 2.29% for DFAI.

What is the main difference between DSTX and DFAI?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.57 vs 1.50), 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.