DFAI vs VTI
Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, DFAI or VTI?
Each has led over a different period.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. DFAI led over 1Y, VTI 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 | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $18.2B | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.25% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 3,697 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | +11.57% | +11.65%Best |
| 1Y Return | +20.34%Best | +17.34% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.23% | +20.35%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.01% | +11.72%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.4%Best | 15.2% |
| Max Drawdown | -27.4% | -25.4%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $16,112 | $17,404Best |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Nov 17, 2020 | May 24, 2001 |
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 10, 2026 (5.8 years).
DFAI vs VTI 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 VTI Performance
Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI) is an ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFAI returned +20.34% while VTI returned +17.34%. Year to date, DFAI is up 11.57% versus a gain of 11.65% for VTI.
Over three years, DFAI compounded at +19.23% per year against +20.35% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +10.01% and +11.72% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +14.53% annualized vs +12.24%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.2% 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 -25.4% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFAI charges 0.18% per year while VTI 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 1.03% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 3,618 holdings in DFAI and 2,787 in VTI, totalling 92.5% and 90.6% of the two funds. Neither is a share of a fund we can divide by, so no overlap percentage is shown here. Within what we can see, 17 positions appear in both.
17 positions in common, counted across the 3,618 positions we hold weights for in DFAI and 2,787 in VTI, against full books of 3,697 and 3,543.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DFAI | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI:PAL Air Liquide S.a. | 0.36% | 0.00% | 0.36% |
| SUNBSunbelt Rentals | 0.16% | 0.04% | 0.12% |
| WCN:CAWaste Connections Inc | 0.13% | 0.06% | 0.07% |
| UMG:ASUniversal Music Group N.V. Universal Music Group N V | 0.07% | 0.05% | 0.02% |
| MTX:SGMinerals Technologies Inc | 0.11% | 0.00% | 0.11% |
| RBA:CARb Global Inc | 0.06% | 0.03% | 0.03% |
| FBK:MIFinecobank S.P.A. | 0.07% | 0.00% | 0.07% |
| IPInternational Paper Co. | 0.02% | 0.03% | 0.01% |
| CDECoeur Mining Inc | 0.02% | 0.02% | 0.00% |
| CCCSCCC Intelligent Solutions Holdings Inc | 0.02% | 0.00% | 0.02% |
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DFAI and VTI 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 VTI?
DFAI has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $15 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DFAI or VTI?
Over the past year DFAI returned +20.34% vs +17.34% for VTI, so DFAI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DFAI annualized +12.24% vs +14.53% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DFAI or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.2% annualized versus 14.4% for DFAI. Worst drawdown: DFAI -27.4% vs VTI -25.4%.
Should I hold both DFAI and VTI?
DFAI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, 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 VTI?
DFAI yields 2.25% while VTI yields 1.03%, so DFAI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than DFAI?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. DFAI led over 1Y, VTI 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.