DFAX vs VTI
Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. DFAX delivered stronger 1-year returns. DFAX offers more diversification with 10131 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFAX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.28% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $11.9B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.34% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 10,538 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +16.19% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.80% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.13% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.38% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 6, 2008 | May 24, 2001 |
DFAX vs VTI Performance
Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX) is a ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFAX returned +27.80% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, DFAX is up 16.19% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, DFAX compounded at +21.13% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +10.38% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, DFAX has the edge at +10.38% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 15.3% for DFAX. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DFAX and VTI share 27 holdings out of 12887 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFAX or VTI?
DFAX has an expense ratio of 0.28% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $25 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFAX or VTI?
Over the past year DFAX returned +27.80% vs +22.39% for VTI, so DFAX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), DFAX annualized +10.38% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFAX or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 15.3% for DFAX. Worst drawdown: DFAX -28.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DFAX and VTI?
DFAX and VTI 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 VTI?
DFAX and VTI share 27 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 12887 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFAX or VTI?
DFAX yields 2.34% while VTI yields 1.07%, so DFAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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