DFAI vs IVV
Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. DFAI delivered stronger 1-year returns. DFAI offers more diversification with 3,919 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFAI | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $17.2B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.35% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 3,919 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +14.23% | +14.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.80% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.86% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.51% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -27.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 17, 2020 | May 15, 2000 |
DFAI vs IVV Performance
Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI) is a ETF from Dimensional and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year DFAI returned +24.80% while IVV returned +22.02%. Year to date, DFAI is up 14.23% versus a gain of 14.50% for IVV.
Over three years, DFAI compounded at +19.86% per year against +21.80% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +10.51% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, DFAI has the edge at +12.87% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 14.5% for DFAI. 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 -27.4% for DFAI and -56.5% for IVV. 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFAI charges 0.18% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $3 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFAI currently yields 2.35% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
DFAI and IVV share 5 holdings out of 4259 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFAI or IVV?
DFAI has an expense ratio of 0.18% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFAI or IVV?
Over the past year DFAI returned +24.80% vs +22.02% for IVV, so DFAI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DFAI annualized +12.87% vs +7.07% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFAI or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.5% for DFAI. Worst drawdown: DFAI -27.4% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both DFAI and IVV?
DFAI and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFAI and IVV?
DFAI and IVV share 5 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 4259 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFAI or IVV?
DFAI yields 2.35% while IVV yields 1.09%, so DFAI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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