INTF vs. DFAI

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

INTF (iShares MSCI Intl Multifactor ETF) and DFAI (Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - INTF is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI World ex USA Diversified Multi-Factor, while DFAI is a Global Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. INTF is passively managed, while DFAI is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, INTF returned 9.90%/yr vs 9.75%/yr for DFAI. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. INTF charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for DFAI.

Performance

INTF vs. DFAI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Intl Multifactor ETF (INTF) and Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with INTF having a 10.41% return and DFAI slightly lower at 10.08%.

INTF

• 1D: 0.55%
• 1M: 1.96%
• YTD: 10.41%
• 6M: 14.13%
• 1Y: 25.27%
• 3Y*: 19.86%
• 5Y*: 9.90%
• 10Y*: 9.25%

DFAI

• 1D: 0.70%
• 1M: 2.22%
• YTD: 10.08%
• 6M: 13.37%
• 1Y: 24.79%
• 3Y*: 18.45%
• 5Y*: 9.75%
• 10Y*: —

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

INTF vs. DFAI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
INTF iShares MSCI Intl Multifactor ETF	10.41%	35.50%	5.99%	18.25%	-12.31%	11.70%	5.82%
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	10.08%	34.04%	4.68%	17.60%	-12.95%	13.86%	6.13%

Correlation

The correlation between INTF and DFAI is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 19, 2020	0.98

The correlation between INTF and DFAI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

INTF vs. DFAI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	INTF	DFAI
Financial Services	25.2%	22.5%
Industrials	19.1%	19.5%
Consumer Cyclical	9.0%	8.6%
Technology	8.5%	9.3%
Healthcare	8.2%	8.8%
Basic Materials	6.6%	8.8%
Consumer Defensive	6.3%	6.4%
Energy	5.9%	6.8%
Utilities	4.7%	4.0%
Communication Services	3.9%	3.7%
Real Estate	2.7%	1.5%

Return for Risk

INTF vs. DFAI — Risk / Return Rank

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

INTF

INTF Risk / Return Rank: 52
INTF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
INTF Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
INTF Omega Ratio Rank: 49
INTF Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
INTF Martin Ratio Rank: 59

DFAI

DFAI Risk / Return Rank: 51
DFAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
DFAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
DFAI Omega Ratio Rank: 51
DFAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
DFAI Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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.

INTF vs. DFAI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Intl Multifactor ETF (INTF) 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.

	INTF	DFAI	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.75	1.77	-0.02
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.44	2.50	-0.06
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.32	-0.01
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.63	2.39	+0.24
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	10.44	9.42	+1.02
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

INTF vs. DFAI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current INTF Sharpe Ratio is 1.75, which is comparable to the DFAI Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of INTF 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

	INTF	DFAI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.75	1.77	-0.02
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62	0.62	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.54	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.45	0.79	-0.34

Drawdowns

INTF vs. DFAI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum INTF drawdown since its inception was -40.39%, which is greater than DFAI's maximum drawdown of -27.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for INTF and DFAI.

Drawdown Indicators

	INTF	DFAI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.39%	-27.44%	-12.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.20%	-10.95%	+0.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.64%	-13.25%	-0.39%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.26%	-27.44%	-1.82%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.39%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.19%	-0.78%	+0.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.70%	-5.13%	-2.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.57%	2.78%	-0.21%

Volatility

INTF vs. DFAI - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Intl Multifactor ETF (INTF) and Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI) have volatilities of 4.65% and 4.57%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	INTF	DFAI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.65%	4.57%	+0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.96%	11.66%	+0.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.57%	14.08%	+0.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.16%	15.92%	+0.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.35%	15.70%	+1.65%

INTF vs. DFAI - Expense Ratio Comparison

INTF has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAI's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

INTF vs. DFAI - Dividend Comparison

INTF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.60%, more than DFAI's 2.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	2.24%	2.45%	2.72%	2.64%	2.72%	2.06%	0.09%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
INTF iShares MSCI Intl Multifactor ETF	2.60%	2.87%	3.53%	3.59%	2.81%	5.38%	2.06%	3.65%	2.62%	3.26%	1.66%	0.85%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both INTF and DFAI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, INTF and DFAI move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, INTF or DFAI?

INTF has higher volatility (4.65%) compared to DFAI (4.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, INTF dropped -40.39% vs DFAI's -27.44%.

Which ETF is better, INTF or DFAI?

On 5-year performance, INTF leads with 9.90% vs 9.75% for DFAI. On fees, DFAI is cheaper at 0.18% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, INTF or DFAI?

Over the 5-year period, INTF has performed better with a 9.90% return vs 9.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, INTF or DFAI?

DFAI is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for INTF.

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

INTF has the higher dividend yield at 2.60%, compared with 2.24% for DFAI.

What is the main difference between INTF and DFAI?

INTF is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while DFAI is Global Equities. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for INTF and 0.18% for DFAI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 1.75), 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.