DFSI vs VOO
Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. DFSI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFSI | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.18% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 334 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | +12.73% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.90% | +20.59% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.92% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.87% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.8% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 2008 | Sep 7, 2010 |
DFSI vs VOO Performance
Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSI) is a ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFSI returned +20.90% while VOO returned +20.59%. Year to date, DFSI is up 12.28% versus a gain of 12.73% for VOO.
Over three years, DFSI compounded at +19.92% per year against +21.70% for VOO. Across the full 4-year window we track, DFSI has the edge at +21.39% annualized vs +13.47%. 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 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 -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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFSI charges 0.24% per year while VOO 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 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFSI or VOO?
DFSI has an expense ratio of 0.24% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFSI or VOO?
Over the past year DFSI returned +20.90% vs +20.59% for VOO, so DFSI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), DFSI annualized +21.39% vs +13.47% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFSI or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 13.3% for DFSI. Worst drawdown: DFSI -12.8% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both DFSI and VOO?
DFSI and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFSI and VOO?
DFSI and VOO share 2 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3233 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFSI or VOO?
DFSI yields 2.18% while VOO yields 1.08%, so DFSI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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