DFAT vs IVV
Dimensional US Targeted Value ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. DFAT delivered stronger 1-year returns. DFAT offers more diversification with 1267 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFAT | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.28% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $14.5B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.37% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 1,283 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +20.75% | +13.43% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.15% | +22.61% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.69% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.19% | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 11, 1998 | May 15, 2000 |
DFAT vs IVV Performance
Dimensional US Targeted Value ETF (DFAT) 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 DFAT returned +34.15% while IVV returned +22.61%. Year to date, DFAT is up 20.75% versus a gain of 13.43% for IVV.
Over three years, DFAT compounded at +15.69% per year against +21.47% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +11.19% and +13.26% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, DFAT has the edge at +10.83% annualized vs +7.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFAT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.9% compared with 15.1% for IVV. 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 DFAT 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFAT charges 0.28% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $28 vs $3 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFAT currently yields 1.37% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
DFAT and IVV share 40 holdings out of 1732 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFAT or IVV?
DFAT has an expense ratio of 0.28% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $25 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFAT or IVV?
Over the past year DFAT returned +34.15% vs +22.61% for IVV, so DFAT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), DFAT annualized +10.83% vs +7.03% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFAT or IVV?
DFAT has been the more volatile fund at 19.9% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: DFAT -26.1% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both DFAT and IVV?
DFAT and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFAT and IVV?
DFAT and IVV share 40 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1732 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFAT or IVV?
DFAT yields 1.37% while IVV yields 1.09%, so DFAT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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