IMFL vs. DFAI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

IMFL (Invesco International Developed Dynamic Multifactor ETF) and DFAI (Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IMFL is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed ex US Invesco Dynamic Multifactor Index, while DFAI is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. IMFL is passively managed, while DFAI is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, IMFL returned 8.35%/yr vs 9.35%/yr for DFAI. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IMFL charges 0.34%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for DFAI.

Performance

IMFL vs. DFAI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco International Developed Dynamic Multifactor ETF (IMFL) 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, IMFL achieves a 14.49% return, which is significantly higher than DFAI's 7.50% return.

IMFL

• 1D: -2.84%
• 1M: -0.86%
• YTD: 14.49%
• 6M: 14.56%
• 1Y: 29.53%
• 3Y*: 16.29%
• 5Y*: 8.35%
• 10Y*: —

DFAI

• 1D: -2.83%
• 1M: -1.64%
• YTD: 7.50%
• 6M: 6.97%
• 1Y: 23.12%
• 3Y*: 17.77%
• 5Y*: 9.35%
• 10Y*: —

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

IMFL vs. DFAI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
IMFL Invesco International Developed Dynamic Multifactor ETF	14.49%	30.89%	-3.57%	25.51%	-17.32%	7.00%
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	7.50%	34.04%	4.68%	17.60%	-12.95%	8.31%

Correlation

The correlation between IMFL and DFAI is 0.88, 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	0.88
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 24, 2021	0.92

The correlation between IMFL and DFAI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

IMFL vs. DFAI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IMFL	DFAI
Technology	17.6%	7.8%
Industrials	17.2%	17.2%
Healthcare	11.8%	11.4%
Consumer Defensive	11.3%	5.3%
Financial Services	10.9%	26.9%
Consumer Cyclical	7.6%	5.8%
Basic Materials	5.3%	10.8%
Energy	5.3%	4.7%
Utilities	3.7%	4.2%
Communication Services	3.3%	4.3%
Real Estate	1.4%	1.5%

Return for Risk

IMFL vs. DFAI — Risk / Return Rank

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

IMFL

IMFL Risk / Return Rank: 55
IMFL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
IMFL Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
IMFL Omega Ratio Rank: 54
IMFL Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
IMFL Martin Ratio Rank: 54

DFAI

DFAI Risk / Return Rank: 47
DFAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
DFAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
DFAI Omega Ratio Rank: 46
DFAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
DFAI Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

IMFL vs. DFAI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco International Developed Dynamic Multifactor ETF (IMFL) 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.

	IMFL	DFAI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.77	1.57	+0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.42	2.21	+0.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.29	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.52	2.12	+0.40
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.82	8.25	+0.57

IMFL vs. DFAI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IMFL Sharpe Ratio is 1.77, which is comparable to the DFAI Sharpe Ratio of 1.57. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IMFL 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

IMFL vs. DFAI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IMFL drawdown since its inception was -33.26%, which is greater than DFAI's maximum drawdown of -27.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IMFL and DFAI.

Drawdown Indicators

	IMFL	DFAI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.26%	-27.44%	-5.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.77%	-10.95%	-0.82%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.52%	-13.25%	-0.27%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.26%	-27.44%	-5.82%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.35%	-3.10%	-0.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.19%	-5.09%	-2.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.36%	2.81%	+0.55%

Volatility

IMFL vs. DFAI - Volatility Comparison

Invesco International Developed Dynamic Multifactor ETF (IMFL) has a higher volatility of 6.64% compared to Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI) at 5.38%. This indicates that IMFL'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

	IMFL	DFAI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.64%	5.38%	+1.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.32%	12.60%	+1.72%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.75%	14.77%	+1.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.24%	16.03%	+0.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.13%	15.77%	+0.36%

IMFL vs. DFAI - Expense Ratio Comparison

IMFL has a 0.34% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAI's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

IMFL vs. DFAI - Dividend Comparison

IMFL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.96%, more than DFAI's 2.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	2.29%	2.45%	2.72%	2.64%	2.72%	2.06%	0.09%
IMFL Invesco International Developed Dynamic Multifactor ETF	2.96%	2.88%	3.56%	3.85%	3.35%	3.94%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IMFL and DFAI in my portfolio?

IMFL and DFAI have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IMFL or DFAI?

IMFL has higher volatility (6.64%) compared to DFAI (5.38%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IMFL dropped -33.26% vs DFAI's -27.44%.

Which ETF is better, IMFL or DFAI?

On 5-year performance, DFAI leads with 9.35% vs 8.35% for IMFL. On fees, DFAI is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, DFAI has been the lower-risk option at 5.38%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IMFL or DFAI?

Over the 5-year period, DFAI has performed better with a 9.35% return vs 8.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IMFL or DFAI?

DFAI is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.34% for IMFL.

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

IMFL has the higher dividend yield at 2.96%, compared with 2.29% for DFAI.

What is the main difference between IMFL and DFAI?

IMFL is categorized as Global Equities, while DFAI is Foreign Large Cap Equities. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.34% for IMFL and 0.18% for DFAI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IMFL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 1.57), 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.