NZAC vs. DFAW

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

NZAC (SPDR MSCI ACWI Climate Paris Aligned ETF) and DFAW (Dimensional World Equity ETF) are both Global Equities funds. NZAC is passively managed, while DFAW is actively managed. Over the past year, NZAC returned 20.66% vs 26.81% for DFAW. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NZAC charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for DFAW.

Performance

NZAC vs. DFAW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR MSCI ACWI Climate Paris Aligned ETF (NZAC) and Dimensional World Equity ETF (DFAW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NZAC achieves a 6.02% return, which is significantly lower than DFAW's 10.74% return.

NZAC

• 1D: -1.70%
• 1M: -1.26%
• YTD: 6.02%
• 6M: 5.37%
• 1Y: 20.66%
• 3Y*: 17.81%
• 5Y*: 9.25%
• 10Y*: 12.17%

DFAW

• 1D: -1.93%
• 1M: -0.34%
• YTD: 10.74%
• 6M: 9.89%
• 1Y: 26.81%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NZAC vs. DFAW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
NZAC SPDR MSCI ACWI Climate Paris Aligned ETF	6.02%	20.55%	16.67%	13.03%
DFAW Dimensional World Equity ETF	10.74%	20.62%	15.49%	11.44%

Correlation

The correlation between NZAC and DFAW is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 27, 2023	0.91

The correlation between NZAC and DFAW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NZAC vs. DFAW — Risk / Return Rank

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

NZAC

NZAC Risk / Return Rank: 47
NZAC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
NZAC Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
NZAC Omega Ratio Rank: 45
NZAC Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
NZAC Martin Ratio Rank: 54

DFAW

DFAW Risk / Return Rank: 67
DFAW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
DFAW Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
DFAW Omega Ratio Rank: 67
DFAW Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
DFAW Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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.

NZAC vs. DFAW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR MSCI ACWI Climate Paris Aligned ETF (NZAC) and Dimensional World Equity ETF (DFAW). 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.

	NZAC	DFAW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.52	2.11	-0.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.14	2.88	-0.74
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.38	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.05	3.03	-0.98
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.63	13.17	-4.54

NZAC vs. DFAW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NZAC Sharpe Ratio is 1.52, which is comparable to the DFAW Sharpe Ratio of 2.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NZAC and DFAW, 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

NZAC vs. DFAW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NZAC drawdown since its inception was -33.72%, which is greater than DFAW's maximum drawdown of -16.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NZAC and DFAW.

Drawdown Indicators

	NZAC	DFAW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.72%	-16.93%	-16.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.10%	-8.88%	-1.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.19%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.31%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.72%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.38%	-2.47%	-0.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.31%	-1.70%	-3.61%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.40%	2.04%	+0.36%

Volatility

NZAC vs. DFAW - Volatility Comparison

SPDR MSCI ACWI Climate Paris Aligned ETF (NZAC) and Dimensional World Equity ETF (DFAW) have volatilities of 5.41% and 5.21%, 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

	NZAC	DFAW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.41%	5.21%	+0.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.34%	10.45%	+0.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.73%	12.82%	+0.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.94%	14.61%	+2.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.13%	14.61%	+2.52%

NZAC vs. DFAW - Expense Ratio Comparison

NZAC has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than DFAW's 0.25% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

NZAC vs. DFAW - Dividend Comparison

NZAC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.09%, more than DFAW's 1.57% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFAW Dimensional World Equity ETF	1.57%	1.71%	1.47%	0.42%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
NZAC SPDR MSCI ACWI Climate Paris Aligned ETF	2.09%	1.90%	1.88%	1.65%	1.81%	1.62%	1.59%	2.17%	2.53%	2.20%	2.00%	2.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NZAC and DFAW in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, NZAC and DFAW 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, NZAC or DFAW?

NZAC has higher volatility (5.41%) compared to DFAW (5.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NZAC dropped -33.72% vs DFAW's -16.93%.

Which ETF is better, NZAC or DFAW?

On 1-year performance, DFAW leads with 26.81% vs 20.66% for NZAC. On fees, NZAC is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, DFAW has been the lower-risk option at 5.21%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NZAC or DFAW?

Over the 1-year period, DFAW has performed better with a 26.81% return vs 20.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NZAC or DFAW?

NZAC is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for DFAW.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NZAC or DFAW?

NZAC has the higher dividend yield at 2.09%, compared with 1.57% for DFAW.

What is the main difference between NZAC and DFAW?

They also come from different issuers: State Street and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for NZAC and 0.25% for DFAW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.11 vs 1.52), 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.