DFAC vs VTI
DFAC vs VTI
Dimensional US Core Equity 2 ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. DFAC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFAC | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $47.6B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.91% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 2,519 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +15.70% | +13.92% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.39% | +24.07% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.43% | +20.88% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.51% | +12.47% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 4, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
DFAC vs VTI Performance
Dimensional US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAC) is a ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFAC returned +26.39% while VTI returned +24.07%. Year to date, DFAC is up 15.70% versus a gain of 13.92% for VTI.
Over three years, DFAC compounded at +19.43% per year against +20.88% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.51% and +12.47% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, DFAC has the edge at +12.45% annualized vs +8.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFAC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.8% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -23.1% for DFAC and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFAC charges 0.17% per year while VTI 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, DFAC currently yields 0.91% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DFAC and VTI share 1908 holdings out of 3368 unique holdings combined, representing a 64.8% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DFAC | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 5.36% | 6.32% | 0.96% |
| AAPL | 4.79% | 5.84% | 1.05% |
| MSFT | 3.83% | 3.81% | 0.02% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LLY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JPM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings DFAC shares with VTI Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFAC or VTI?
DFAC has an expense ratio of 0.17% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFAC or VTI?
Over the past year DFAC returned +26.39% vs +24.07% for VTI, so DFAC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), DFAC annualized +12.45% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFAC or VTI?
DFAC has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: DFAC -23.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DFAC and VTI?
DFAC and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between DFAC and VTI?
DFAC and VTI share 1908 common holdings with a 64.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3368 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFAC or VTI?
DFAC yields 0.91% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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