HAWX vs. DFAI

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

HAWX (iShares Currency Hedged MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF) and DFAI (Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. HAWX is passively managed, while DFAI is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, HAWX returned 12.84%/yr vs 9.63%/yr for DFAI. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. HAWX charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for DFAI.

Performance

HAWX vs. DFAI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF (HAWX) 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, HAWX achieves a 17.15% return, which is significantly higher than DFAI's 9.26% return.

HAWX

• 1D: 0.85%
• 1M: 1.78%
• YTD: 17.15%
• 6M: 17.23%
• 1Y: 36.02%
• 3Y*: 21.90%
• 5Y*: 12.84%
• 10Y*: 12.59%

DFAI

• 1D: 0.76%
• 1M: -0.98%
• YTD: 9.26%
• 6M: 8.66%
• 1Y: 24.42%
• 3Y*: 18.32%
• 5Y*: 9.63%
• 10Y*: —

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

HAWX vs. DFAI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
HAWX iShares Currency Hedged MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF	17.15%	26.24%	14.88%	17.05%	-8.59%	13.40%	3.57%
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	9.26%	34.04%	4.68%	17.60%	-12.95%	13.86%	5.34%

Correlation

The correlation between HAWX and DFAI is 0.87, 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	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 18, 2020	0.88

The correlation between HAWX and DFAI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

HAWX vs. DFAI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HAWX	DFAI
Financial Services	23.2%	26.9%
Technology	22.5%	7.8%
Industrials	14.2%	17.2%
Consumer Cyclical	7.5%	5.8%
Basic Materials	6.9%	10.8%
Healthcare	6.8%	11.4%
Communication Services	4.9%	4.3%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	5.3%
Energy	4.8%	4.7%
Utilities	3.0%	4.2%
Real Estate	1.4%	1.5%

Return for Risk

HAWX vs. DFAI — Risk / Return Rank

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

HAWX

HAWX Risk / Return Rank: 86
HAWX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
HAWX Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
HAWX Omega Ratio Rank: 89
HAWX Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
HAWX Martin Ratio Rank: 86

DFAI

DFAI Risk / Return Rank: 56
DFAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
DFAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
DFAI Omega Ratio Rank: 57
DFAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
DFAI Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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.

HAWX vs. DFAI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Currency Hedged MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF (HAWX) 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.

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.

	HAWX	DFAI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.54	1.69	+0.85
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.36	2.37	+0.98
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.31	+0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.85	2.24	+1.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.83	8.71	+7.12

HAWX vs. DFAI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HAWX Sharpe Ratio is 2.54, which is higher than the DFAI Sharpe Ratio of 1.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HAWX 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.

Drawdowns

HAWX vs. DFAI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HAWX drawdown since its inception was -30.63%, which is greater than DFAI's maximum drawdown of -27.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HAWX and DFAI.

Drawdown Indicators

	HAWX	DFAI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-30.63%	-27.44%	-3.19%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.39%	-10.95%	+1.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.30%	-13.25%	-0.05%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.47%	-27.44%	+9.97%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-30.63%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.10%	-1.52%	-0.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.27%	-5.08%	+0.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.28%	2.81%	-0.53%

Volatility

HAWX vs. DFAI - Volatility Comparison

iShares Currency Hedged MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF (HAWX) has a higher volatility of 6.52% compared to Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI) at 4.83%. This indicates that HAWX'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

	HAWX	DFAI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.52%	4.83%	+1.69%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.61%	12.39%	+0.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.26%	14.56%	-0.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.60%	15.99%	-2.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.27%	15.73%	-0.46%

HAWX vs. DFAI - Expense Ratio Comparison

HAWX has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAI's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

HAWX vs. DFAI - Dividend Comparison

HAWX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.39%, more than DFAI's 2.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	2.36%	2.45%	2.72%	2.64%	2.72%	2.06%	0.09%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
HAWX iShares Currency Hedged MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF	2.39%	2.80%	3.31%	2.95%	16.94%	2.63%	2.00%	3.23%	2.51%	2.40%	2.49%	3.86%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HAWX and DFAI in my portfolio?

HAWX and DFAI have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HAWX or DFAI?

HAWX has higher volatility (6.52%) compared to DFAI (4.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HAWX dropped -30.63% vs DFAI's -27.44%.

Which ETF is better, HAWX or DFAI?

On 5-year performance, HAWX leads with 12.84% vs 9.63% for DFAI. On fees, DFAI is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, DFAI has been the lower-risk option at 4.83%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HAWX or DFAI?

Over the 5-year period, HAWX has performed better with a 12.84% return vs 9.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HAWX or DFAI?

DFAI is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for HAWX.

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

HAWX has the higher dividend yield at 2.39%, compared with 2.36% for DFAI.

What is the main difference between HAWX and DFAI?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for HAWX and 0.18% for DFAI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HAWX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.54 vs 1.69), 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.