DUSLX vs. MOAT

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DUSLX (DFA U.S. Large Cap Growth Portfolio) and MOAT (VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF) are both funds - DUSLX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Dimensional, while MOAT is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Morningstar Wide Moat Focus Index. Over the past 10 years, DUSLX returned 15.94%/yr vs 13.64%/yr for MOAT. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DUSLX charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.47%/yr for MOAT.

Performance

DUSLX vs. MOAT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA U.S. Large Cap Growth Portfolio (DUSLX) and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (MOAT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DUSLX achieves a 10.11% return, which is significantly higher than MOAT's -2.39% return. Over the past 10 years, DUSLX has outperformed MOAT with an annualized return of 15.94%, while MOAT has yielded a comparatively lower 13.64% annualized return.

DUSLX

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: 2.49%
• YTD: 10.11%
• 6M: 9.16%
• 1Y: 19.29%
• 3Y*: 19.71%
• 5Y*: 13.23%
• 10Y*: 15.94%

MOAT

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: -1.13%
• YTD: -2.39%
• 6M: -2.98%
• 1Y: 12.04%
• 3Y*: 10.36%
• 5Y*: 7.68%
• 10Y*: 13.64%

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

DUSLX vs. MOAT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DUSLX DFA U.S. Large Cap Growth Portfolio	10.11%	12.62%	23.82%	24.97%	-15.58%	26.43%	21.83%	32.17%	-1.98%	25.05%
MOAT VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF	-2.39%	13.20%	10.73%	31.89%	-13.66%	24.12%	14.84%	34.79%	-1.28%	23.18%

Correlation

The correlation between DUSLX and MOAT is 0.69, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.69
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.73
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.82
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2013	0.83

The correlation between DUSLX and MOAT shifts across timeframes, from 0.69 (1 year) to 0.83 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DUSLX vs. MOAT — Risk / Return Rank

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

DUSLX

DUSLX Risk / Return Rank: 40
DUSLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
DUSLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
DUSLX Omega Ratio Rank: 38
DUSLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
DUSLX Martin Ratio Rank: 47

MOAT

MOAT Risk / Return Rank: 23
MOAT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
MOAT Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
MOAT Omega Ratio Rank: 22
MOAT Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
MOAT Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

DUSLX vs. MOAT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA U.S. Large Cap Growth Portfolio (DUSLX) and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (MOAT). 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.

	DUSLX	MOAT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.67	0.87	+0.81
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.42	1.32	+1.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.15	+0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.18	0.97	+1.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.29	2.92	+6.37

DUSLX vs. MOAT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DUSLX Sharpe Ratio is 1.67, which is higher than the MOAT Sharpe Ratio of 0.87. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DUSLX and MOAT, 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

DUSLX vs. MOAT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DUSLX drawdown since its inception was -30.86%, smaller than the maximum MOAT drawdown of -33.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DUSLX and MOAT.

Drawdown Indicators

	DUSLX	MOAT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-30.86%	-33.31%	+2.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.48%	-12.43%	+2.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.15%	-21.44%	+3.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.83%	-23.96%	-0.87%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-30.86%	-33.31%	+2.45%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.36%	-6.12%	+5.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.61%	-3.83%	+0.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.21%	4.13%	-1.92%

Volatility

DUSLX vs. MOAT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA U.S. Large Cap Growth Portfolio (DUSLX) is 4.45%, while VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (MOAT) has a volatility of 4.72%. This indicates that DUSLX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MOAT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DUSLX	MOAT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.45%	4.72%	-0.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.14%	10.23%	-0.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.36%	13.99%	-1.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.63%	18.24%	-1.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.26%	18.65%	-1.39%

DUSLX vs. MOAT - Expense Ratio Comparison

DUSLX has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is lower than MOAT's 0.47% expense ratio.

Dividends

DUSLX vs. MOAT - Dividend Comparison

DUSLX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.82%, less than MOAT's 1.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DUSLX DFA U.S. Large Cap Growth Portfolio	0.82%	0.88%	1.02%	1.84%	8.37%	6.98%	1.42%	2.41%	4.65%	1.36%	1.72%	1.69%
MOAT VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF	1.39%	1.36%	1.37%	0.86%	1.25%	1.08%	1.46%	1.31%	1.79%	1.07%	1.17%	2.13%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DUSLX and MOAT in my portfolio?

DUSLX and MOAT have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DUSLX or MOAT?

MOAT has higher volatility (4.72%) compared to DUSLX (4.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DUSLX dropped -30.86% vs MOAT's -33.31%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DUSLX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.67 vs 0.87), 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.