DFAW vs VOO
Dimensional World Equity ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Which is better, DFAW or VOO?
Each has led over a different period.
VOO has a lower expense ratio. DFAW led over 1Y and 3Y, VOO over the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.93.
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 | VOO |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $1.7B | $997.4B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.23% | 1.08% |
| Holdings | 5 | 509 |
| YTD Return | +15.00%Best | +12.74% |
| 1Y Return | +21.81%Best | +19.43% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.94%Best | +21.18% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.76% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.9%Best | 12.4% |
| Max Drawdown | -16.9%Best | -18.7% |
| $10,000 over 2.9 years | $17,776 | $18,447Best |
| Top 10 Weight | - | 36.4% |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Sep 26, 2023 | Sep 7, 2010 |
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 2.9 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 27, 2023 to Sep 8, 2026 (2.9 years).
DFAW vs VOO 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 2.9 years both funds cover.
DFAW vs VOO Performance
Dimensional World Equity ETF (DFAW) is an ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFAW returned +21.81% while VOO returned +19.43%. Year to date, DFAW is up 15.00% versus a gain of 12.74% for VOO.
Over three years, DFAW compounded at +21.94% per year against +21.18% for VOO.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 12.4% compared with 11.9% 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 -18.7% for VOO. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.93. 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 VOO 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 1.23% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 5 holdings in DFAW and 504 in VOO, totalling 100.0% 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 504 in VOO, against full books of 5 and 509.
What only one of them owns
Measured across the 5 and 504 positions we hold weights for.
VOO holds 494 positions DFAW does not, 99.3% of the fund.
Largest: NVDA 7.51%, AAPL 6.59%, MSFT 4.30%, AMZN 3.62%, GOOGL 3.25%
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DFAW and VOO 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 VOO?
DFAW has an expense ratio of 0.24% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option, by $21 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DFAW or VOO?
Over the past year DFAW returned +21.81% vs +19.43% for VOO, 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 VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 12.4% annualized versus 11.9% for DFAW. Worst drawdown: DFAW -16.9% vs VOO -18.7%.
Should I hold both DFAW and VOO?
DFAW and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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 VOO?
DFAW yields 1.23% while VOO yields 1.08%, so DFAW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VOO better than DFAW?
VOO has a lower expense ratio. DFAW led over 1Y and 3Y, VOO over the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.93. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.