DXUV vs. DFAW

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DXUV (Dimensional US Vector Equity ETF) and DFAW (Dimensional World Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DXUV is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while DFAW is a Global Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, DXUV returned 27.33% vs 30.46% for DFAW. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.25% expense ratio.

Performance

DXUV vs. DFAW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional US Vector Equity ETF (DXUV) and Dimensional World Equity ETF (DFAW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DXUV achieves a 10.98% return, which is significantly lower than DFAW's 12.92% return.

DXUV

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 1.13%
• YTD: 10.98%
• 6M: 9.75%
• 1Y: 27.33%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFAW

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 1.62%
• YTD: 12.92%
• 6M: 12.38%
• 1Y: 30.46%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DXUV vs. DFAW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
DXUV Dimensional US Vector Equity ETF	10.98%	14.34%	5.03%
DFAW Dimensional World Equity ETF	12.92%	20.62%	3.51%

Correlation

The correlation between DXUV and DFAW is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 12, 2024	0.94

The correlation between DXUV and DFAW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

DXUV vs. DFAW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DXUV	DFAW
Technology	26.7%	27.0%
Financial Services	15.6%	14.8%
Industrials	14.4%	13.4%
Consumer Cyclical	11.1%	10.1%
Healthcare	8.4%	8.0%
Communication Services	7.7%	7.0%
Energy	6.4%	5.5%
Consumer Defensive	5.2%	4.8%
Basic Materials	3.7%	5.0%
Utilities	0.5%	2.2%
Real Estate	0.3%	2.3%

Return for Risk

DXUV vs. DFAW — Risk / Return Rank

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

DXUV

DXUV Risk / Return Rank: 67
DXUV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
DXUV Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
DXUV Omega Ratio Rank: 64
DXUV Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
DXUV Martin Ratio Rank: 72

DFAW

DFAW Risk / Return Rank: 77
DFAW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
DFAW Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
DFAW Omega Ratio Rank: 78
DFAW Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
DFAW Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

DXUV vs. DFAW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional US Vector Equity ETF (DXUV) and Dimensional World Equity ETF (DFAW). 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.

	DXUV	DFAW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.11	2.42	-0.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.94	3.30	-0.36
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.44	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.22	3.44	-0.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.02	15.01	-1.99

DXUV vs. DFAW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DXUV Sharpe Ratio is 2.11, which is comparable to the DFAW Sharpe Ratio of 2.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DXUV and DFAW, 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

DXUV vs. DFAW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DXUV drawdown since its inception was -21.08%, which is greater than DFAW's maximum drawdown of -16.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DXUV and DFAW.

Drawdown Indicators

	DXUV	DFAW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.08%	-16.93%	-4.15%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.53%	-8.88%	+0.35%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.79%	-0.55%	-0.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.02%	-1.70%	-1.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.10%	2.03%	+0.07%

Volatility

DXUV vs. DFAW - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional US Vector Equity ETF (DXUV) is 4.02%, while Dimensional World Equity ETF (DFAW) has a volatility of 4.80%. This indicates that DXUV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFAW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DXUV	DFAW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.02%	4.80%	-0.78%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.51%	10.26%	-0.75%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.01%	12.68%	+0.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.29%	14.57%	+2.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.29%	14.57%	+2.72%

DXUV vs. DFAW - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both DXUV and DFAW have an expense ratio of 0.25%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

DXUV vs. DFAW - Dividend Comparison

DXUV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.96%, less than DFAW's 1.54% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
DFAW Dimensional World Equity ETF	1.54%	1.71%	1.47%	0.42%
DXUV Dimensional US Vector Equity ETF	0.96%	1.01%	0.37%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DXUV and DFAW in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, DXUV and DFAW 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, DXUV or DFAW?

DFAW has higher volatility (4.80%) compared to DXUV (4.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DXUV dropped -21.08% vs DFAW's -16.93%.

Which ETF is better, DXUV or DFAW?

On 1-year performance, DFAW leads with 30.46% vs 27.33% for DXUV. Both ETFs have the same 0.25% expense ratio. On volatility, DXUV has been the lower-risk option at 4.02%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DXUV or DFAW?

Over the 1-year period, DFAW has performed better with a 30.46% return vs 27.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DXUV or DFAW?

DXUV and DFAW have the same expense ratio: 0.25% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DXUV or DFAW?

DFAW has the higher dividend yield at 1.54%, compared with 0.96% for DXUV.

What is the main difference between DXUV and DFAW?

DXUV is categorized as Mid Cap Value Equities, while DFAW is Global Equities.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.42 vs 2.11), 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.