DFAI vs VOO
Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Which is better, DFAI or VOO?
Each has led over a different period.
VOO has a lower expense ratio. DFAI led over 1Y, VOO over 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
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 | DFAI | VOO |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $18.2B | $997.4B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.25% | 1.04% |
| Holdings | 3,697 | 509 |
| YTD Return | +12.01% | +14.14%Best |
| 1Y Return | +19.53%Best | +17.31% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.02% | +23.16%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.49% | +13.85%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.4%Best | 14.9% |
| Max Drawdown | -27.4% | -24.5%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $16,467 | $19,128Best |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Nov 17, 2020 | Sep 7, 2010 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 18, 2020 to Sep 21, 2026 (5.8 years).
DFAI vs VOO 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 5.8 years both funds cover.
DFAI vs VOO Performance
Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI) is an ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFAI returned +19.53% while VOO returned +17.31%. Year to date, DFAI is up 12.01% versus a gain of 14.14% for VOO.
Over three years, DFAI compounded at +20.02% per year against +23.16% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +10.49% and +13.85% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +15.79% annualized vs +12.25%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.9% compared with 14.4% 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 -24.5% for VOO. 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
DFAI charges 0.18% per year while VOO 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 2.25% against 1.04% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 3,608 holdings in DFAI and 494 in VOO, totalling 92.0% and 99.5% of the two funds. That is not enough of DFAI to divide by, so no overlap percentage is shown here. Within what we can see, 1 positions appear in both.
1 positions in common, counted across the 3,608 positions we hold weights for in DFAI and 494 in VOO, against full books of 3,697 and 509.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DFAI | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| IPInternational Paper Co. | 0.02% | 0.03% | 0.01% |
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DFAI and VOO you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFAI or VOO?
DFAI has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option, by $15 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DFAI or VOO?
Over the past year DFAI returned +19.53% vs +17.31% for VOO, so DFAI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DFAI annualized +12.25% vs +15.79% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DFAI or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.9% annualized versus 14.4% for DFAI. Worst drawdown: DFAI -27.4% vs VOO -24.5%.
Should I hold both DFAI and VOO?
DFAI and VOO 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.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFAI or VOO?
DFAI yields 2.25% while VOO yields 1.04%, so DFAI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VOO better than DFAI?
VOO has a lower expense ratio. DFAI led over 1Y, VOO over 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.