GXTG vs. DFAI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GXTG (Global X Thematic Growth ETF) and DFAI (Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF) are both Global Equities funds. GXTG is passively managed, while DFAI is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, GXTG returned -7.87%/yr vs 9.36%/yr for DFAI. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GXTG charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for DFAI.

Performance

GXTG vs. DFAI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Thematic Growth ETF (GXTG) 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, GXTG achieves a 25.21% return, which is significantly higher than DFAI's 9.16% return.

GXTG

• 1D: -2.35%
• 1M: 8.75%
• YTD: 25.21%
• 6M: 20.12%
• 1Y: 22.25%
• 3Y*: 6.51%
• 5Y*: -7.87%
• 10Y*: —

DFAI

• 1D: -0.84%
• 1M: 2.67%
• YTD: 9.16%
• 6M: 11.79%
• 1Y: 24.65%
• 3Y*: 18.12%
• 5Y*: 9.36%
• 10Y*: —

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

GXTG vs. DFAI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
GXTG Global X Thematic Growth ETF	25.21%	3.52%	-3.55%	10.26%	-48.08%	3.21%	13.01%
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	9.16%	34.04%	4.68%	17.60%	-12.95%	13.86%	6.13%

Correlation

The correlation between GXTG and DFAI is 0.65, 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	0.65
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 19, 2020	0.66

The correlation between GXTG and DFAI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.65 to 0.67 - a consistent structural relationship.

GXTG vs. DFAI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GXTG	DFAI
Technology	22.3%	9.3%
Basic Materials	14.4%	8.8%
Utilities	12.4%	4.0%
Communication Services	11.7%	3.7%
Consumer Cyclical	11.5%	8.6%
Healthcare	10.5%	8.8%
Industrials	8.0%	19.5%
Real Estate	6.9%	1.5%
Financial Services	2.3%	22.5%
Consumer Defensive	-	6.4%
Energy	-	6.8%

Return for Risk

GXTG vs. DFAI — Risk / Return Rank

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

GXTG

GXTG Risk / Return Rank: 23
GXTG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
GXTG Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
GXTG Omega Ratio Rank: 25
GXTG Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
GXTG Martin Ratio Rank: 19

DFAI

DFAI Risk / Return Rank: 49
DFAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
DFAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
DFAI Omega Ratio Rank: 50
DFAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
DFAI Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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.

GXTG vs. DFAI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Thematic Growth ETF (GXTG) 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.

	GXTG	DFAI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.88	1.76	-0.89
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.32	2.49	-1.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.32	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.91	2.26	-1.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.15	8.87	-6.72
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GXTG vs. DFAI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GXTG Sharpe Ratio is 0.88, which is lower than the DFAI Sharpe Ratio of 1.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GXTG 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

	GXTG	DFAI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.88	1.76	-0.89
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.29	0.59	-0.88
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.12	0.78	-0.67

Drawdowns

GXTG vs. DFAI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GXTG drawdown since its inception was -67.81%, which is greater than DFAI's maximum drawdown of -27.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GXTG and DFAI.

Drawdown Indicators

	GXTG	DFAI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.81%	-27.44%	-40.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-24.65%	-10.95%	-13.70%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-31.89%	-13.25%	-18.64%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-61.17%	-27.44%	-33.73%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-50.50%	-1.61%	-48.89%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-43.09%	-5.12%	-37.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	10.35%	2.79%	+7.56%

Volatility

GXTG vs. DFAI - Volatility Comparison

Global X Thematic Growth ETF (GXTG) has a higher volatility of 10.21% compared to Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI) at 4.45%. This indicates that GXTG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFAI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GXTG	DFAI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.21%	4.45%	+5.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.97%	11.68%	+7.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.52%	14.08%	+11.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.63%	15.92%	+11.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.59%	15.70%	+13.89%

GXTG vs. DFAI - Expense Ratio Comparison

GXTG has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAI's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

GXTG vs. DFAI - Dividend Comparison

GXTG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.12%, less than DFAI's 2.26% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	2.26%	2.45%	2.72%	2.64%	2.72%	2.06%	0.09%	0.00%
GXTG Global X Thematic Growth ETF	1.12%	1.40%	1.08%	1.99%	1.48%	1.56%	0.48%	0.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GXTG and DFAI in my portfolio?

GXTG and DFAI have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GXTG or DFAI?

GXTG has higher volatility (10.21%) compared to DFAI (4.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GXTG dropped -67.81% vs DFAI's -27.44%.

Which ETF is better, GXTG or DFAI?

On 5-year performance, DFAI leads with 9.36% vs -7.87% for GXTG. On fees, DFAI is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, DFAI has been the lower-risk option at 4.45%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GXTG or DFAI?

Over the 5-year period, DFAI has performed better with a 9.36% return vs -7.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GXTG or DFAI?

DFAI is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for GXTG.

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

DFAI has the higher dividend yield at 2.26%, compared with 1.12% for GXTG.

What is the main difference between GXTG and DFAI?

They also come from different issuers: Global X and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for GXTG and 0.18% for DFAI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.76 vs 0.88), 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.