DUSB vs. DFAX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DUSB (Dimensional Ultrashort Fixed Income ETF) and DFAX (Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DUSB is a Ultrashort Bond fund actively managed by Dimensional, while DFAX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI All Country World ex USA Index. DUSB is actively managed, while DFAX is passively managed. Over the past year, DUSB returned 4.31% vs 34.96% for DFAX. At a 0.13 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. DUSB charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for DFAX.

Performance

DUSB vs. DFAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional Ultrashort Fixed Income ETF (DUSB) and Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DUSB achieves a 1.68% return, which is significantly lower than DFAX's 15.23% return.

DUSB

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 0.34%
• YTD: 1.68%
• 6M: 1.97%
• 1Y: 4.31%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFAX

• 1D: -1.00%
• 1M: 3.89%
• YTD: 15.23%
• 6M: 18.11%
• 1Y: 34.96%
• 3Y*: 20.90%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DUSB vs. DFAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
DUSB Dimensional Ultrashort Fixed Income ETF	1.68%	4.53%	5.60%	1.79%
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF	15.23%	35.42%	4.78%	9.78%

Correlation

The correlation between DUSB and DFAX is 0.16, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.16
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 28, 2023	0.13

Return for Risk

DUSB vs. DFAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DUSB

DUSB Risk / Return Rank: 99
DUSB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
DUSB Sortino Ratio Rank: 100
DUSB Omega Ratio Rank: 99
DUSB Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
DUSB Martin Ratio Rank: 100

DFAX

DFAX Risk / Return Rank: 68
DFAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
DFAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
DFAX Omega Ratio Rank: 71
DFAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
DFAX Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

DUSB vs. DFAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Ultrashort Fixed Income ETF (DUSB) and Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX). 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.

	DUSB	DFAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	10.10	2.37	+7.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	24.10	3.17	+20.93
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	4.87	1.43	+3.44
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	55.00	3.16	+51.83
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	332.80	12.50	+320.31
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DUSB vs. DFAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DUSB Sharpe Ratio is 10.10, which is higher than the DFAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DUSB and DFAX, 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

	DUSB	DFAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.10	2.37	+7.73
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	9.88	0.65	+9.24

Drawdowns

DUSB vs. DFAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DUSB drawdown since its inception was -0.29%, smaller than the maximum DFAX drawdown of -28.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DUSB and DFAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DUSB	DFAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-0.29%	-28.15%	+27.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.08%	-11.11%	+11.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.89%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.02%	-1.00%	+0.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.01%	-6.67%	+6.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.01%	2.80%	-2.79%

Volatility

DUSB vs. DFAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional Ultrashort Fixed Income ETF (DUSB) is 0.13%, while Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX) has a volatility of 5.27%. This indicates that DUSB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DUSB	DFAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.13%	5.27%	-5.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.30%	12.67%	-12.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.43%	14.83%	-14.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	0.52%	15.99%	-15.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	0.52%	15.99%	-15.47%

DUSB vs. DFAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DUSB has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than DFAX's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

DUSB vs. DFAX - Dividend Comparison

DUSB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.06%, more than DFAX's 2.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF	2.22%	2.58%	2.98%	3.01%	3.30%	1.40%
DUSB Dimensional Ultrashort Fixed Income ETF	4.06%	4.32%	4.92%	1.23%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DUSB and DFAX in my portfolio?

DUSB and DFAX have a correlation of 0.16, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DUSB or DFAX?

DFAX has higher volatility (5.27%) compared to DUSB (0.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DUSB dropped -0.29% vs DFAX's -28.15%.

Which ETF is better, DUSB or DFAX?

On 1-year performance, DFAX leads with 34.96% vs 4.31% for DUSB. On fees, DUSB is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, DUSB has been the lower-risk option at 0.13%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DUSB or DFAX?

Over the 1-year period, DFAX has performed better with a 34.96% return vs 4.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DUSB or DFAX?

DUSB is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for DFAX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DUSB or DFAX?

DUSB has the higher dividend yield at 4.06%, compared with 2.22% for DFAX.

What is the main difference between DUSB and DFAX?

DUSB is categorized as Ultrashort Bond, while DFAX is Foreign Large Cap Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for DUSB and 0.30% for DFAX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DUSB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (10.10 vs 2.37), 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.