DXIV vs. DFAI

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

DXIV (Dimensional International Vector Equity ETF) and DFAI (Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DXIV is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional Fund Advisors, while DFAI is a Global Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, DXIV returned 29.67% vs 25.22% for DFAI. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DXIV charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for DFAI.

Performance

DXIV vs. DFAI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional International Vector Equity ETF (DXIV) 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, DXIV achieves a 11.38% return, which is significantly higher than DFAI's 10.08% return.

DXIV

• 1D: 0.50%
• 1M: 2.29%
• YTD: 11.38%
• 6M: 14.73%
• 1Y: 29.67%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFAI

• 1D: 0.84%
• 1M: 2.35%
• YTD: 10.08%
• 6M: 12.41%
• 1Y: 25.22%
• 3Y*: 18.70%
• 5Y*: 9.55%
• 10Y*: —

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

DXIV vs. DFAI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
DXIV Dimensional International Vector Equity ETF	11.38%	39.12%	-4.40%
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	10.08%	34.04%	-4.80%

Correlation

The correlation between DXIV and DFAI is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2024	0.96

The correlation between DXIV and DFAI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

DXIV vs. DFAI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DXIV	DFAI
Industrials	19.0%	19.5%
Financial Services	17.6%	22.5%
Basic Materials	12.6%	8.8%
Consumer Cyclical	11.3%	8.6%
Energy	9.8%	6.8%
Technology	7.3%	9.3%
Healthcare	6.6%	8.8%
Consumer Defensive	6.5%	6.4%
Communication Services	5.3%	3.7%
Utilities	2.5%	4.0%
Real Estate	1.6%	1.5%

Return for Risk

DXIV vs. DFAI — Risk / Return Rank

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

DXIV

DXIV Risk / Return Rank: 64
DXIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
DXIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
DXIV Omega Ratio Rank: 67
DXIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
DXIV Martin Ratio Rank: 62

DFAI

DFAI Risk / Return Rank: 52
DFAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
DFAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
DFAI Omega Ratio Rank: 53
DFAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
DFAI Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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.

DXIV vs. DFAI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional International Vector Equity ETF (DXIV) 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.

	DXIV	DFAI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.21	1.80	+0.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.02	2.54	+0.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.32	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.75	2.31	+0.43
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.88	9.08	+1.81
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DXIV vs. DFAI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DXIV Sharpe Ratio is 2.21, which is comparable to the DFAI Sharpe Ratio of 1.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DXIV 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DXIV	DFAI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.21	1.80	+0.41
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.60	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.68	0.79	+0.88

Drawdowns

DXIV vs. DFAI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DXIV drawdown since its inception was -13.71%, smaller than the maximum DFAI drawdown of -27.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DXIV and DFAI.

Drawdown Indicators

	DXIV	DFAI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.71%	-27.44%	+13.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.84%	-10.95%	+0.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.25%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.44%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.85%	-0.78%	-0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.46%	-5.12%	+2.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.73%	2.79%	-0.06%

Volatility

DXIV vs. DFAI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional International Vector Equity ETF (DXIV) is 3.77%, while Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI) has a volatility of 4.39%. This indicates that DXIV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFAI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DXIV	DFAI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.77%	4.39%	-0.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.09%	11.71%	-0.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.48%	14.07%	-0.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.38%	15.92%	-0.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.38%	15.70%	-0.32%

DXIV vs. DFAI - Expense Ratio Comparison

DXIV has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAI's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

DXIV vs. DFAI - Dividend Comparison

DXIV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.28%, more than DFAI's 2.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	2.24%	2.45%	2.72%	2.64%	2.72%	2.06%	0.09%
DXIV Dimensional International Vector Equity ETF	2.28%	2.50%	0.64%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DXIV and DFAI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, DXIV and DFAI 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, DXIV or DFAI?

DFAI has higher volatility (4.39%) compared to DXIV (3.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DXIV dropped -13.71% vs DFAI's -27.44%.

Which ETF is better, DXIV or DFAI?

On 1-year performance, DXIV leads with 29.67% vs 25.22% for DFAI. On fees, DFAI is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, DXIV has been the lower-risk option at 3.77%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DXIV or DFAI?

Over the 1-year period, DXIV has performed better with a 29.67% return vs 25.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DXIV or DFAI?

DFAI is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for DXIV.

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

DXIV has the higher dividend yield at 2.28%, compared with 2.24% for DFAI.

What is the main difference between DXIV and DFAI?

DXIV is categorized as Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities, while DFAI is Global Equities. They also come from different issuers: Dimensional Fund Advisors and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for DXIV and 0.18% for DFAI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DXIV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.21 vs 1.80), 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.