DFAC vs VYM
DFAC vs VYM
Dimensional US Core Equity 2 ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. DFAC delivered stronger 1-year returns. DFAC offers more diversification with 2493 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFAC | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $47.6B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.91% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 2,519 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +15.70% | +15.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.39% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.43% | +18.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.51% | +12.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 4, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
DFAC vs VYM Performance
Dimensional US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAC) is a ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFAC returned +26.39% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, DFAC is up 15.70% versus a gain of 15.57% for VYM.
Over three years, DFAC compounded at +19.43% per year against +18.02% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +12.51% and +12.71% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, DFAC has the edge at +12.45% annualized vs +7.07%. 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.91. 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 VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $4 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFAC currently yields 0.91% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
DFAC and VYM share 534 holdings out of 2517 unique holdings combined, representing a 35.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DFAC | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGO | 0.76% | 6.47% | 5.71% |
| JPM | 1.02% | 3.36% | 2.34% |
| XOM | 1.00% | 2.83% | 1.83% |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WMT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABBV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CVX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CAT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings DFAC shares with VYM 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 VYM?
DFAC has an expense ratio of 0.17% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $13 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFAC or VYM?
Over the past year DFAC returned +26.39% vs +25.99% for VYM, so DFAC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), DFAC annualized +12.45% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFAC or VYM?
DFAC has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: DFAC -23.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both DFAC and VYM?
DFAC and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 VYM?
DFAC and VYM share 534 common holdings with a 35.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2517 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFAC or VYM?
DFAC yields 0.91% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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