DFCF vs VOO
Dimensional Core Fixed Income ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. DFCF offers more diversification with 1491 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFCF | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $10.9B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.34% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 1,618 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -0.01% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.64% | +21.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.09% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.9% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 15, 2021 | Sep 7, 2010 |
DFCF vs VOO Performance
Dimensional Core Fixed Income ETF (DFCF) is a ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFCF returned +2.64% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, DFCF is down 0.01% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.
Over three years, DFCF compounded at +5.09% per year against +21.55% for VOO. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.56% annualized vs +0.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% 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 -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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFCF charges 0.17% per year while VOO 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 VOO.
Holdings Overlap
DFCF and VOO share 1 holdings out of 1995 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DFCF | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MMC 4.75 03/15/39 | 0.07% | 0.12% | 0.05% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFCF or VOO?
DFCF has an expense ratio of 0.17% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFCF or VOO?
Over the past year DFCF returned +2.64% vs +21.63% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), DFCF annualized +0.03% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFCF or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 6.9% for DFCF. Worst drawdown: DFCF -19.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both DFCF and VOO?
DFCF and VOO 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 VOO?
DFCF and VOO share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1995 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFCF or VOO?
DFCF yields 4.34% while VOO yields 1.09%, so DFCF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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