GKAT vs. DFAI

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

GKAT (Scharf Global Opportunity ETF) and DFAI (Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GKAT is a Global Equities fund managed by Scharf Investments, while DFAI is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GKAT charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for DFAI.

Performance

GKAT vs. DFAI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Scharf Global Opportunity ETF (GKAT) and Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with GKAT having a 10.13% return and DFAI slightly lower at 10.08%.

GKAT

• 1D: 0.39%
• 1M: 4.18%
• YTD: 10.13%
• 6M: 13.53%
• 1Y: —
• 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)

GKAT vs. DFAI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GKAT Scharf Global Opportunity ETF	10.13%	6.04%
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	10.08%	7.67%

Correlation

The correlation between GKAT and DFAI is 0.67, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 26, 2025	0.67

Return for Risk

GKAT vs. DFAI — Risk / Return Rank

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

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.

GKAT vs. DFAI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Scharf Global Opportunity ETF (GKAT) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GKAT	DFAI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.80	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.60	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.86	0.79	+1.07

Drawdowns

GKAT vs. DFAI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GKAT drawdown since its inception was -10.41%, smaller than the maximum DFAI drawdown of -27.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GKAT and DFAI.

Drawdown Indicators

	GKAT	DFAI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.41%	-27.44%	+17.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-10.95%	—
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	-0.59%	-0.78%	+0.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.06%	-5.12%	+3.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.79%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	GKAT	DFAI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.39%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	11.71%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.95%	14.07%	-2.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.95%	15.92%	-3.97%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.95%	15.70%	-3.75%

GKAT vs. DFAI - Expense Ratio Comparison

GKAT has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAI's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

GKAT vs. DFAI - Dividend Comparison

GKAT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.44%, less 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%
GKAT Scharf Global Opportunity ETF	0.44%	0.24%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GKAT and DFAI in my portfolio?

GKAT and DFAI have a correlation of 0.67, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, GKAT or DFAI?

On fees, DFAI is cheaper at 0.18% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, GKAT or DFAI?

DFAI is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for GKAT.

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

DFAI has the higher dividend yield at 2.24%, compared with 0.44% for GKAT.

What is the main difference between GKAT and DFAI?

GKAT is categorized as Global Equities, while DFAI is Foreign Large Cap Equities. They also come from different issuers: Scharf Investments and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for GKAT and 0.18% for DFAI.