DFAU vs IVV
DFAU vs IVV
Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. DFAU delivered stronger 1-year returns. DFAU offers more diversification with 2099 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFAU | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.12% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $12.3B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.91% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 2,291 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +12.22% | +11.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.45% | +21.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.09% | +20.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.52% | +13.02% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 17, 2020 | May 15, 2000 |
DFAU vs IVV Performance
Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF (DFAU) 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 DFAU returned +22.45% while IVV returned +21.48%. Year to date, DFAU is up 12.22% versus a gain of 11.54% for IVV.
Over three years, DFAU compounded at +20.09% per year against +20.86% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +12.52% and +13.02% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, DFAU has the edge at +15.40% annualized vs +6.97%. 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 15.1% for DFAU. 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 -23.6% for DFAU 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFAU charges 0.12% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $12 vs $3 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFAU currently yields 0.91% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
DFAU and IVV share 445 holdings out of 2159 unique holdings combined, representing a 81.9% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DFAU | Weight in IVV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 6.61% | 7.76% | 1.15% |
| AAPL | 6.49% | 7.44% | 0.95% |
| MSFT | 4.26% | 4.57% | 0.31% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings DFAU shares with IVV 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, DFAU or IVV?
DFAU has an expense ratio of 0.12% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFAU or IVV?
Over the past year DFAU returned +22.45% vs +21.48% for IVV, so DFAU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DFAU annualized +15.40% vs +6.97% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFAU or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 15.1% for DFAU. Worst drawdown: DFAU -23.6% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both DFAU and IVV?
DFAU and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, 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 DFAU and IVV?
DFAU and IVV share 445 common holdings with a 81.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2159 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFAU or IVV?
DFAU yields 0.91% while IVV yields 1.09%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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