HDMV vs. DFAX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

HDMV (First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Developed Intl ETF) and DFAX (Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. HDMV is actively managed, while DFAX is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, HDMV returned 12.63%/yr vs 20.90%/yr for DFAX. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. HDMV charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for DFAX.

Performance

HDMV vs. DFAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Developed Intl ETF (HDMV) and Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HDMV achieves a 4.23% return, which is significantly lower than DFAX's 15.23% return.

HDMV

• 1D: -0.67%
• 1M: -1.37%
• YTD: 4.23%
• 6M: 5.97%
• 1Y: 9.53%
• 3Y*: 12.63%
• 5Y*: 6.31%
• 10Y*: —

DFAX

• 1D: -1.00%
• 1M: 3.89%
• YTD: 15.23%
• 6M: 18.11%
• 1Y: 34.96%
• 3Y*: 20.90%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

HDMV vs. DFAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
HDMV First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Developed Intl ETF	4.23%	29.31%	2.99%	9.62%	-11.47%	-1.26%
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF	15.23%	35.42%	4.78%	16.66%	-14.48%	-2.68%

Correlation

The correlation between HDMV and DFAX is 0.79, 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	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 14, 2021	0.83

The correlation between HDMV and DFAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

HDMV vs. DFAX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HDMV	DFAX
Financial Services	24.4%	17.9%
Industrials	15.2%	16.1%
Utilities	14.6%	4.2%
Real Estate	13.8%	3.1%
Consumer Defensive	13.0%	3.9%
Communication Services	9.4%	3.5%
Healthcare	3.1%	5.6%
Consumer Cyclical	2.7%	10.9%
Energy	1.8%	6.6%
Basic Materials	1.0%	13.2%
Technology	0.9%	10.9%

Return for Risk

HDMV vs. DFAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

HDMV

HDMV Risk / Return Rank: 24
HDMV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
HDMV Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
HDMV Omega Ratio Rank: 23
HDMV Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
HDMV Martin Ratio Rank: 26

DFAX

DFAX Risk / Return Rank: 68
DFAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
DFAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
DFAX Omega Ratio Rank: 71
DFAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
DFAX Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

HDMV vs. DFAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Developed Intl ETF (HDMV) and Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX). 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.

	HDMV	DFAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.86	2.37	-1.51
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.23	3.17	-1.94
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.43	-0.27
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.10	3.16	-2.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.41	12.50	-9.08
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

HDMV vs. DFAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HDMV Sharpe Ratio is 0.86, which is lower than the DFAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HDMV and DFAX, 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

	HDMV	DFAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.86	2.37	-1.51
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.53	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.40	0.65	-0.24

Drawdowns

HDMV vs. DFAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HDMV drawdown since its inception was -32.01%, which is greater than DFAX's maximum drawdown of -28.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HDMV and DFAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	HDMV	DFAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.01%	-28.15%	-3.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.73%	-11.11%	+2.38%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.33%	-13.89%	+3.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.11%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.05%	-1.00%	-5.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.77%	-6.67%	-0.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.80%	2.80%	0.00%

Volatility

HDMV vs. DFAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Developed Intl ETF (HDMV) is 3.83%, while Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX) has a volatility of 5.27%. This indicates that HDMV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HDMV	DFAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.83%	5.27%	-1.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.38%	12.67%	-3.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.16%	14.83%	-3.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.05%	15.99%	-3.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.24%	15.99%	-2.75%

HDMV vs. DFAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

HDMV has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAX's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

HDMV vs. DFAX - Dividend Comparison

HDMV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.70%, more than DFAX's 2.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF	2.22%	2.58%	2.98%	3.01%	3.30%	1.40%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
HDMV First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Developed Intl ETF	4.70%	5.09%	3.24%	3.14%	3.53%	3.11%	1.45%	3.63%	2.88%	3.23%	0.18%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HDMV and DFAX in my portfolio?

HDMV and DFAX have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HDMV or DFAX?

DFAX has higher volatility (5.27%) compared to HDMV (3.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HDMV dropped -32.01% vs DFAX's -28.15%.

Which ETF is better, HDMV or DFAX?

On 3-year performance, DFAX leads with 20.90% vs 12.63% for HDMV. On fees, DFAX is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, HDMV has been the lower-risk option at 3.83%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HDMV or DFAX?

Over the 3-year period, DFAX has performed better with a 20.90% return vs 12.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HDMV or DFAX?

DFAX is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for HDMV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, HDMV or DFAX?

HDMV has the higher dividend yield at 4.70%, compared with 2.22% for DFAX.

What is the main difference between HDMV and DFAX?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for HDMV and 0.30% for DFAX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.37 vs 0.86), 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.