DFAX vs VOO
Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. DFAX delivered stronger 1-year returns. DFAX offers more diversification with 10,538 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFAX | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.28% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $12.7B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.34% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 10,538 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +15.67% | +12.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.02% | +20.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.05% | +20.90% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.17% | +12.59% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 6, 2008 | Sep 7, 2010 |
DFAX vs VOO Performance
Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX) is a ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFAX returned +28.02% while VOO returned +20.36%. Year to date, DFAX is up 15.67% versus a gain of 12.13% for VOO.
Over three years, DFAX compounded at +21.05% per year against +20.90% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +10.17% and +12.59% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.41% annualized vs +10.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.2% 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 -28.1% for DFAX 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFAX 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, DFAX currently yields 2.34% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
DFAX and VOO share 6 holdings out of 10632 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFAX or VOO?
DFAX 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, DFAX or VOO?
Over the past year DFAX returned +28.02% vs +20.36% for VOO, so DFAX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), DFAX annualized +10.17% vs +13.41% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFAX or VOO?
DFAX has been the more volatile fund at 15.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: DFAX -28.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both DFAX and VOO?
DFAX and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFAX and VOO?
DFAX and VOO share 6 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 10632 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFAX or VOO?
DFAX yields 2.34% while VOO yields 1.08%, so DFAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.