DFSD vs VOO
DFSD vs VOO
Dimensional Short-Duration Fixed Income ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. DFSD offers more diversification with 1125 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFSD | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.16% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $7.1B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.18% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 1,500 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +1.02% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.07% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.19% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.7% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 15, 2021 | Sep 7, 2010 |
DFSD vs VOO Performance
Dimensional Short-Duration Fixed Income ETF (DFSD) is a ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFSD returned +3.07% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, DFSD is up 1.02% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, DFSD compounded at +5.19% per year against +21.50% for VOO. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +2.53%. 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 2.7% for DFSD. 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 -8.4% for DFSD 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFSD charges 0.16% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $16 vs $3 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFSD currently yields 4.18% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
DFSD and VOO share 0 holdings out of 1630 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, DFSD or VOO?
DFSD has an expense ratio of 0.16% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $13 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFSD or VOO?
Over the past year DFSD returned +3.07% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), DFSD annualized +2.53% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFSD or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 2.7% for DFSD. Worst drawdown: DFSD -8.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both DFSD and VOO?
DFSD and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFSD and VOO?
DFSD and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1630 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFSD or VOO?
DFSD yields 4.18% while VOO yields 1.09%, so DFSD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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