DFAE vs VOO
Dimensional Emerging Core Equity Market ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. DFAE delivered stronger 1-year returns. DFAE offers more diversification with 6,482 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFAE | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $9.8B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.84% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 6,482 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +19.63% | +13.73% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.99% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.84% | +22.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.31% | +13.31% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 1, 2020 | Sep 7, 2010 |
DFAE vs VOO Performance
Dimensional Emerging Core Equity Market ETF (DFAE) is a ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFAE returned +33.99% while VOO returned +21.53%. Year to date, DFAE is up 19.63% versus a gain of 13.73% for VOO.
Over three years, DFAE compounded at +22.84% per year against +22.60% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +10.31% and +13.31% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +10.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFAE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.2% 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 -32.2% for DFAE 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFAE charges 0.35% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $3 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFAE currently yields 1.84% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFAE or VOO?
DFAE has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFAE or VOO?
Over the past year DFAE returned +33.99% vs +21.53% for VOO, so DFAE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DFAE annualized +10.31% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFAE or VOO?
DFAE has been the more volatile fund at 16.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: DFAE -32.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both DFAE and VOO?
DFAE and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFAE and VOO?
DFAE and VOO share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 6829 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFAE or VOO?
DFAE yields 1.84% while VOO yields 1.08%, so DFAE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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