DXIV vs. DFIC

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DXIV (Dimensional International Vector Equity ETF) and DFIC (DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DXIV is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional Fund Advisors, while DFIC is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, DXIV returned 30.37% vs 28.82% for DFIC. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DXIV charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.22%/yr for DFIC.

Performance

DXIV vs. DFIC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional International Vector Equity ETF (DXIV) and DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC). 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 DXIV having a 10.58% return and DFIC slightly higher at 10.96%.

DXIV

• 1D: 0.17%
• 1M: -0.18%
• YTD: 10.58%
• 6M: 11.06%
• 1Y: 30.37%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFIC

• 1D: 0.28%
• 1M: 0.63%
• YTD: 10.96%
• 6M: 11.16%
• 1Y: 28.82%
• 3Y*: 19.97%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DXIV vs. DFIC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
DXIV Dimensional International Vector Equity ETF	10.58%	39.12%	-3.78%
DFIC DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF	10.96%	37.09%	-3.57%

Correlation

The correlation between DXIV and DFIC is 0.97 - 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	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 12, 2024	0.97

The correlation between DXIV and DFIC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

DXIV vs. DFIC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DXIV	DFIC
Industrials	19.1%	20.0%
Financial Services	17.4%	20.3%
Basic Materials	13.1%	11.4%
Consumer Cyclical	11.6%	9.8%
Energy	8.8%	7.4%
Technology	8.1%	8.8%
Healthcare	6.4%	6.9%
Consumer Defensive	6.1%	6.0%
Communication Services	5.5%	4.3%
Utilities	2.4%	3.4%
Real Estate	1.4%	1.7%

Return for Risk

DXIV vs. DFIC — Risk / Return Rank

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

DXIV

DXIV Risk / Return Rank: 66
DXIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
DXIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
DXIV Omega Ratio Rank: 70
DXIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
DXIV Martin Ratio Rank: 63

DFIC

DFIC Risk / Return Rank: 61
DFIC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
DFIC Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
DFIC Omega Ratio Rank: 63
DFIC Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
DFIC Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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. DFIC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional International Vector Equity ETF (DXIV) and DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC). 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.

	DXIV	DFIC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.20	2.03	+0.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.00	2.81	+0.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.37	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.81	2.63	+0.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.02	10.38	+0.64

DXIV vs. DFIC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DXIV Sharpe Ratio is 2.20, which is comparable to the DFIC Sharpe Ratio of 2.03. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DXIV and DFIC, 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

DXIV vs. DFIC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DXIV drawdown since its inception was -13.71%, smaller than the maximum DFIC drawdown of -24.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DXIV and DFIC.

Drawdown Indicators

	DXIV	DFIC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.71%	-24.40%	+10.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.84%	-11.00%	+0.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.14%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.57%	-0.72%	-0.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.45%	-4.51%	+2.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.76%	2.78%	-0.02%

Volatility

DXIV vs. DFIC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional International Vector Equity ETF (DXIV) is 4.18%, while DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC) has a volatility of 4.52%. This indicates that DXIV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFIC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DXIV	DFIC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.18%	4.52%	-0.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.60%	12.07%	-0.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.87%	14.30%	-0.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.43%	16.23%	-0.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.43%	16.23%	-0.80%

DXIV vs. DFIC - Expense Ratio Comparison

DXIV has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than DFIC's 0.22% expense ratio.

Dividends

DXIV vs. DFIC - Dividend Comparison

DXIV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.30%, more than DFIC's 2.26% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFIC DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF	2.26%	2.54%	2.87%	2.55%	1.47%
DXIV Dimensional International Vector Equity ETF	2.30%	2.50%	0.64%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DXIV and DFIC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, DXIV and DFIC 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 DFIC?

DFIC has higher volatility (4.52%) compared to DXIV (4.18%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DXIV dropped -13.71% vs DFIC's -24.40%.

Which ETF is better, DXIV or DFIC?

On 1-year performance, DXIV leads with 30.37% vs 28.82% for DFIC. On fees, DFIC is cheaper at 0.22% per year. On volatility, DXIV has been the lower-risk option at 4.18%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DXIV or DFIC?

Over the 1-year period, DXIV has performed better with a 30.37% return vs 28.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DXIV or DFIC?

DFIC is cheaper with a 0.22% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for DXIV.

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

DXIV has the higher dividend yield at 2.30%, compared with 2.26% for DFIC.

What is the main difference between DXIV and DFIC?

DXIV is categorized as Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities, while DFIC is Foreign Large Cap Equities. They also come from different issuers: Dimensional Fund Advisors and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for DXIV and 0.22% for DFIC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DXIV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.20 vs 2.03), 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.