DFAC vs VOO
Dimensional US Core Equity 2 ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. DFAC delivered stronger 1-year returns. DFAC offers more diversification with 2,554 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFAC | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $49.4B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.91% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 2,554 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +14.62% | +12.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.13% | +21.15% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.14% | +20.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.67% | +12.76% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 4, 2007 | Sep 7, 2010 |
DFAC vs VOO Performance
Dimensional US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAC) is a ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFAC returned +22.13% while VOO returned +21.15%. Year to date, DFAC is up 14.62% versus a gain of 12.87% for VOO.
Over three years, DFAC compounded at +19.14% per year against +20.93% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +11.67% and +12.76% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.46% annualized vs +12.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFAC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.8% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -23.1% for DFAC and -34.3% for VOO. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFAC charges 0.17% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $3 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFAC currently yields 0.91% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
DFAC and VOO share 467 holdings out of 2549 unique holdings combined, representing a 66.3% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFAC or VOO?
DFAC has an expense ratio of 0.17% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFAC or VOO?
Over the past year DFAC returned +22.13% vs +21.15% for VOO, so DFAC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), DFAC annualized +12.06% vs +13.46% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFAC or VOO?
DFAC has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: DFAC -23.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both DFAC and VOO?
DFAC and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between DFAC and VOO?
DFAC and VOO share 467 common holdings with a 66.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2549 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFAC or VOO?
DFAC yields 0.91% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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