DFSI vs IVV
Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFSI | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.18% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 334 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +11.30% | +12.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.84% | +20.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.91% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 2008 | May 15, 2000 |
DFSI vs IVV Performance
Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSI) 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 DFSI returned +19.84% while IVV returned +20.24%. Year to date, DFSI is up 11.30% versus a gain of 12.39% for IVV.
Over three years, DFSI compounded at +19.91% per year against +21.78% for IVV. Across the full 4-year window we track, DFSI has the edge at +21.13% annualized vs +6.98%. 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 13.3% for DFSI. 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 -12.8% for DFSI 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFSI charges 0.24% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $24 vs $3 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFSI currently yields 2.18% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFSI or IVV?
DFSI has an expense ratio of 0.24% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFSI or IVV?
Over the past year DFSI returned +19.84% vs +20.24% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), DFSI annualized +21.13% vs +6.98% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFSI or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.3% for DFSI. Worst drawdown: DFSI -12.8% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both DFSI and IVV?
DFSI and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFSI and IVV?
DFSI and IVV share 2 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3233 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFSI or IVV?
DFSI yields 2.18% while IVV yields 1.10%, so DFSI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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