DFAS vs VOO
Dimensional US Small Cap ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. DFAS delivered stronger 1-year returns. DFAS offers more diversification with 2078 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFAS | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.26% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $15.3B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.96% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 2,102 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +18.86% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.70% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.25% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.91% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 15, 1998 | Sep 7, 2010 |
DFAS vs VOO Performance
Dimensional US Small Cap ETF (DFAS) is a ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFAS returned +30.70% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, DFAS is up 18.86% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, DFAS compounded at +15.25% per year against +21.78% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +8.91% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +8.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFAS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.1% 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 -26.1% for DFAS 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFAS charges 0.26% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $26 vs $3 annually, a gap of $23 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFAS currently yields 0.96% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
DFAS and VOO share 43 holdings out of 2540 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFAS or VOO?
DFAS has an expense ratio of 0.26% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $23 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFAS or VOO?
Over the past year DFAS returned +30.70% vs +23.01% for VOO, so DFAS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), DFAS annualized +8.53% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFAS or VOO?
DFAS has been the more volatile fund at 19.1% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: DFAS -26.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both DFAS and VOO?
DFAS and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFAS and VOO?
DFAS and VOO share 43 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2540 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFAS or VOO?
DFAS yields 0.96% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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