DFAU vs VOO
DFAU vs VOO
Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. DFAU delivered stronger 1-year returns. DFAU offers more diversification with 2099 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFAU | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.12% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $12.3B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.91% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 2,291 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +10.77% | +9.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.67% | +19.58% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.71% | +19.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.42% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.2% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 17, 2020 | Sep 7, 2010 |
DFAU vs VOO Performance
Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF (DFAU) is a ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFAU returned +20.67% while VOO returned +19.58%. Year to date, DFAU is up 10.77% versus a gain of 9.95% for VOO.
Over three years, DFAU compounded at +18.71% per year against +19.43% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +12.42% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, DFAU has the edge at +15.16% annualized vs +13.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFAU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.2% compared with 14.2% for VOO. 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 -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 0.99. 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 VOO 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 VOO.
Holdings Overlap
DFAU and VOO share 444 holdings out of 2160 unique holdings combined, representing a 82.4% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DFAU | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 6.61% | 7.51% | 0.90% |
| AAPL | 6.49% | 6.59% | 0.10% |
| MSFT | 4.26% | 4.30% | 0.04% |
| 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 VOO 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 VOO?
DFAU has an expense ratio of 0.12% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFAU or VOO?
Over the past year DFAU returned +20.67% vs +19.58% for VOO, so DFAU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DFAU annualized +15.16% vs +13.35% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFAU or VOO?
DFAU has been the more volatile fund at 15.2% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: DFAU -23.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both DFAU and VOO?
DFAU and VOO 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 VOO?
DFAU and VOO share 444 common holdings with a 82.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2160 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFAU or VOO?
DFAU yields 0.91% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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