DFIV vs VOO
Dimensional International Value ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. DFIV delivered stronger 1-year returns. DFIV offers more diversification with 578 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFIV | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.27% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $20.9B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.74% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 628 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +16.21% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.51% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.52% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +16.11% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 16, 1999 | Sep 7, 2010 |
DFIV vs VOO Performance
Dimensional International Value ETF (DFIV) is a ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFIV returned +33.51% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, DFIV is up 16.21% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, DFIV compounded at +24.52% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +16.11% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, DFIV has the edge at +16.11% annualized vs +13.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFIV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.8% 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 -25.4% for DFIV 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFIV charges 0.27% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $27 vs $3 annually, a gap of $24 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFIV currently yields 2.74% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
DFIV and VOO share 2 holdings out of 1081 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, DFIV or VOO?
DFIV has an expense ratio of 0.27% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $24 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFIV or VOO?
Over the past year DFIV returned +33.51% vs +22.62% for VOO, so DFIV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), DFIV annualized +16.11% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFIV or VOO?
DFIV has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: DFIV -25.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both DFIV and VOO?
DFIV and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFIV and VOO?
DFIV and VOO share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1081 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFIV or VOO?
DFIV yields 2.74% while VOO yields 1.09%, so DFIV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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