DFAW vs IVV
Dimensional World Equity ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Which is better, DFAW or IVV?
Each has led over a different period.
IVV has a lower expense ratio. DFAW led over 1Y, IVV over 3Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.92.
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 | DFAW | IVV |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $1.7B | $882.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.20% | 1.06% |
| Holdings | 12 | 508 |
| YTD Return | +13.48% | +13.60%Best |
| 1Y Return | +17.80%Best | +16.32% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.71% | +23.81%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.03% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.0%Best | 12.3% |
| Max Drawdown | -16.9%Best | -18.8% |
| $10,000 over 3 years | $17,663 | $18,722Best |
| Top 10 Weight | - | 38.1% |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | iShares by BlackRock (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Sep 26, 2023 | May 15, 2000 |
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 27, 2023 to Oct 2, 2026 (3 years).
DFAW vs IVV 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 3 years both funds cover.
DFAW vs IVV Performance
Dimensional World Equity ETF (DFAW) is an ETF from Dimensional and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year DFAW returned +17.80% while IVV returned +16.32%. Year to date, DFAW is up 13.48% versus a gain of 13.60% for IVV.
Over three years, DFAW compounded at +21.71% per year against +23.81% for IVV.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 12.3% compared with 12.0% for DFAW. 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 -16.9% for DFAW and -18.8% for IVV. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFAW charges 0.24% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $24 vs $3 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFAW currently yields 1.20% against 1.06% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 5 holdings in DFAW and 505 in IVV, totalling 99.9% and 99.9% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 5 positions we hold weights for in DFAW and 505 in IVV, against full books of 12 and 508.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 497 positions for IVV that do not appear in our book for DFAW (99.3% of the fund), and 5 for DFAW that do not appear in IVV (99.9%).
Some of those will be the same company recorded under a different code in one of the two books, so the real difference in what you would own is no larger than this and may be smaller. We do not name the individual positions here for that reason.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DFAW and IVV 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, DFAW or IVV?
DFAW has an expense ratio of 0.24% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option, by $21 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DFAW or IVV?
Over the past year DFAW returned +17.80% vs +16.32% for IVV, so DFAW leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DFAW or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 12.3% annualized versus 12.0% for DFAW. Worst drawdown: DFAW -16.9% vs IVV -18.8%.
Should I hold both DFAW and IVV?
DFAW and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFAW or IVV?
DFAW yields 1.20% while IVV yields 1.06%, so DFAW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is IVV better than DFAW?
IVV has a lower expense ratio. DFAW led over 1Y, IVV over 3Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.92. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.