DFAT vs VOO
Dimensional US Targeted Value ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. DFAT delivered stronger 1-year returns. DFAT offers more diversification with 1267 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFAT | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.28% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $14.5B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.37% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 1,283 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +20.54% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.90% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.52% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.44% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.9% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 11, 1998 | Sep 7, 2010 |
DFAT vs VOO Performance
Dimensional US Targeted Value ETF (DFAT) is a ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFAT returned +33.90% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, DFAT is up 20.54% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, DFAT compounded at +15.52% per year against +21.78% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +11.44% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +10.80%. 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 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 DFAT 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFAT charges 0.28% per year while VOO 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 VOO.
Holdings Overlap
DFAT and VOO share 40 holdings out of 1732 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, DFAT or VOO?
DFAT has an expense ratio of 0.28% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $25 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFAT or VOO?
Over the past year DFAT returned +33.90% vs +23.01% for VOO, so DFAT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), DFAT annualized +10.80% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFAT or VOO?
DFAT has been the more volatile fund at 19.9% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: DFAT -26.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both DFAT and VOO?
DFAT and VOO 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 VOO?
DFAT and VOO share 40 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1732 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFAT or VOO?
DFAT yields 1.37% while VOO yields 1.09%, so DFAT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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