DFAC vs SDVD
Dimensional US Core Equity 2 ETF vs FT Vest SMID Rising Dividend Achievers Target Income ETF
Which is better, DFAC or SDVD?
DFAC has been ahead.
DFAC has a lower expense ratio. DFAC led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. SDVD is less concentrated, with 10.3% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 25.9%.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFAC | SDVD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17%Best | 0.85% |
| AUM | $87.6B | $916M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.88% | 8.47% |
| Holdings | 2,567 | 174 |
| YTD Return | +13.37%Best | +6.78% |
| 1Y Return | +16.95%Best | +9.23% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.51%Best | +13.99% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.43% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9%Best | 21.9% |
| Max Drawdown | -20.0%Best | -29.1% |
| $10,000 over 3.3 years | $16,964Best | $11,454 |
| Top 10 Weight | 25.9% | 10.3%Best |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Oct 4, 2007 | Aug 9, 2023 |
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.3 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 10, 2023 to Nov 13, 2026 (3.3 years).
DFAC vs SDVD growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 3.3 years both funds cover.
DFAC vs SDVD Performance
Dimensional US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAC) is an ETF from Dimensional and FT Vest SMID Rising Dividend Achievers Target Income ETF (SDVD) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year DFAC returned +16.95% while SDVD returned +9.23%. Year to date, DFAC is up 13.37% versus a gain of 6.78% for SDVD.
Over three years, DFAC compounded at +19.51% per year against +13.99% for SDVD.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SDVD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.9% compared with 12.9% for DFAC. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -20.0% for DFAC and -29.1% for SDVD. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFAC charges 0.17% per year while SDVD charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $85 annually, a gap of $68 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFAC currently yields 0.88% against 8.47% for SDVD.
Holdings Overlap
6.7% of DFAC's money is in holdings SDVD also owns. 100.0% of SDVD's money is in holdings DFAC also owns.
Most of SDVD is already inside DFAC. Owning both mostly buys the same companies twice.
172 positions in common, counted across the 2,532 positions we hold weights for in DFAC and 172 in SDVD, against full books of 2,567 and 174.
What only one of them owns
Measured across the 2,532 and 172 positions we hold weights for.
DFAC holds 1,285 positions SDVD does not, 91.1% of the fund.
Largest: AAPL 5.69%, NVDA 5.20%, MSFT 4.65%, AMZN 2.50%, META 1.86%
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DFAC | Weight in SDVD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| WSMWilliams-sonoma Inc | 0.12% | 1.06% | 0.94% |
| VLTOVeralto Corp | 0.09% | 1.05% | 0.96% |
| THGHanover Insurance Group Inc | 0.04% | 1.09% | 1.05% |
| RGAReinsurance Group Of America Inc | 0.06% | 1.06% | 1.00% |
| AIZAssurant, Inc. | 0.06% | 1.02% | 0.96% |
| EXPEExpedia Group Inc. | 0.09% | 0.98% | 0.89% |
| VRSNVerisign Inc. | 0.04% | 1.02% | 0.98% |
| NHCNational Healthcare Corporation | 0.02% | 1.02% | 1.00% |
| CINFCincinnati Financial Corp. | 0.09% | 0.95% | 0.86% |
| IPARInter Parfums Inc | 0.01% | 1.02% | 1.01% |
100.0% of SDVD is already inside DFAC.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFAC or SDVD?
DFAC has an expense ratio of 0.17% while SDVD charges 0.85%. DFAC is the cheaper option, by $68 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DFAC or SDVD?
Over the past year DFAC returned +16.95% vs +9.23% for SDVD, so DFAC leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DFAC or SDVD?
SDVD has been the more volatile fund at 21.9% annualized versus 12.9% for DFAC. Worst drawdown: DFAC -20.0% vs SDVD -29.1%.
Should I hold both DFAC and SDVD?
DFAC and SDVD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between DFAC and SDVD?
100.0% of SDVD's money is in holdings DFAC also owns. 100.0% of SDVD's is in holdings DFAC also owns. They hold 172 positions in common, counted across the 2,532 positions we hold weights for in DFAC and 172 in SDVD.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFAC or SDVD?
DFAC yields 0.88% while SDVD yields 8.47%, so SDVD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SDVD better than DFAC?
DFAC has a lower expense ratio. DFAC led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. SDVD is less concentrated, with 10.3% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 25.9%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.