HAIL vs. DFAI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

HAIL (SPDR S&P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF) and DFAI (Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF) are both Global Equities funds. HAIL is passively managed, while DFAI is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, HAIL returned -5.36%/yr vs 9.36%/yr for DFAI. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HAIL charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for DFAI.

Performance

HAIL vs. DFAI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF (HAIL) 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, HAIL achieves a 31.10% return, which is significantly higher than DFAI's 9.16% return.

HAIL

• 1D: -2.34%
• 1M: 16.87%
• YTD: 31.10%
• 6M: 29.05%
• 1Y: 58.23%
• 3Y*: 15.38%
• 5Y*: -5.36%
• 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)

HAIL vs. DFAI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
HAIL SPDR S&P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF	31.10%	19.62%	-6.98%	9.65%	-45.72%	1.95%	14.62%
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 HAIL and DFAI is 0.64, 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	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.66
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 19, 2020	0.68

The correlation between HAIL and DFAI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.64 to 0.69 - a consistent structural relationship.

HAIL vs. DFAI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HAIL	DFAI
Consumer Cyclical	34.2%	8.6%
Technology	33.1%	9.3%
Industrials	20.2%	19.5%
Communication Services	4.9%	3.7%
Energy	4.4%	6.8%
Financial Services	1.9%	22.5%
Basic Materials	1.2%	8.8%
Consumer Defensive	-	6.4%
Healthcare	-	8.8%
Real Estate	-	1.5%
Utilities	-	4.0%

Return for Risk

HAIL vs. DFAI — Risk / Return Rank

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

HAIL

HAIL Risk / Return Rank: 57
HAIL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
HAIL Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
HAIL Omega Ratio Rank: 51
HAIL Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
HAIL Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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.

HAIL vs. DFAI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF (HAIL) 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.

	HAIL	DFAI	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.00	1.76	+0.24
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.64	2.49	+0.15
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.32	0.00
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.14	2.26	+0.88
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	9.49	8.87	+0.62
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

HAIL vs. DFAI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HAIL Sharpe Ratio is 2.00, which is comparable to the DFAI Sharpe Ratio of 1.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HAIL 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

	HAIL	DFAI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.00	1.76	+0.24
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.17	0.59	-0.76
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.20	0.78	-0.58

Drawdowns

HAIL vs. DFAI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HAIL drawdown since its inception was -65.98%, which is greater than DFAI's maximum drawdown of -27.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HAIL and DFAI.

Drawdown Indicators

	HAIL	DFAI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.98%	-27.44%	-38.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.64%	-10.95%	-7.69%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-40.96%	-13.25%	-27.71%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-63.12%	-27.44%	-35.68%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-30.85%	-1.61%	-29.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-31.60%	-5.12%	-26.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.15%	2.79%	+3.36%

Volatility

HAIL vs. DFAI - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF (HAIL) has a higher volatility of 10.80% compared to Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI) at 4.45%. This indicates that HAIL'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

	HAIL	DFAI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.80%	4.45%	+6.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.28%	11.68%	+10.60%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	29.32%	14.08%	+15.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	31.80%	15.92%	+15.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	31.73%	15.70%	+16.03%

HAIL vs. DFAI - Expense Ratio Comparison

HAIL has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAI's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

HAIL vs. DFAI - Dividend Comparison

HAIL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.44%, less than DFAI's 2.26% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	2.26%	2.45%	2.72%	2.64%	2.72%	2.06%	0.09%	0.00%	0.00%
HAIL SPDR S&P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF	1.44%	2.00%	2.98%	2.62%	2.09%	1.36%	0.52%	1.17%	2.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HAIL and DFAI in my portfolio?

HAIL and DFAI have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HAIL or DFAI?

HAIL has higher volatility (10.80%) compared to DFAI (4.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HAIL dropped -65.98% vs DFAI's -27.44%.

Which ETF is better, HAIL or DFAI?

On 5-year performance, DFAI leads with 9.36% vs -5.36% for HAIL. 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, HAIL or DFAI?

Over the 5-year period, DFAI has performed better with a 9.36% return vs -5.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HAIL or DFAI?

DFAI is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for HAIL.

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

DFAI has the higher dividend yield at 2.26%, compared with 1.44% for HAIL.

What is the main difference between HAIL and DFAI?

They also come from different issuers: State Street and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for HAIL and 0.18% for DFAI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HAIL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.00 vs 1.76), 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.