DFCF vs IVV
Dimensional Core Fixed Income ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. DFCF offers more diversification with 1491 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFCF | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $10.9B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.34% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 1,618 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +0.21% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.74% | +23.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.80% | +21.49% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.43% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 15, 2021 | May 15, 2000 |
DFCF vs IVV Performance
Dimensional Core Fixed Income ETF (DFCF) is a ETF from Dimensional and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year DFCF returned +2.74% while IVV returned +23.70%. Year to date, DFCF is up 0.21% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.
Over three years, DFCF compounded at +4.80% per year against +21.49% for IVV. Across the full 5-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs +0.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 6.9% for DFCF. 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 -19.6% for DFCF and -56.5% for IVV. 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFCF charges 0.17% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $3 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFCF currently yields 4.34% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
DFCF and IVV share 0 holdings out of 1996 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFCF or IVV?
DFCF has an expense ratio of 0.17% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFCF or IVV?
Over the past year DFCF returned +2.74% vs +23.70% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), DFCF annualized +0.07% vs +7.05% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFCF or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 6.9% for DFCF. Worst drawdown: DFCF -19.6% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both DFCF and IVV?
DFCF and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFCF and IVV?
DFCF and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1996 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFCF or IVV?
DFCF yields 4.34% while IVV yields 1.09%, so DFCF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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