DFAW vs VOO
DFAW vs VOO
Dimensional World Equity ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. DFAW delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFAW | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.23% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +15.60% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.85% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 26, 2023 | Sep 7, 2010 |
DFAW vs VOO Performance
Dimensional World Equity ETF (DFAW) is a ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFAW returned +26.85% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, DFAW is up 15.60% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 12.1% for DFAW. 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 -16.9% for DFAW 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFAW 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, DFAW currently yields 1.23% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
DFAW and VOO share 0 holdings out of 510 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFAW or VOO?
DFAW 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, DFAW or VOO?
Over the past year DFAW returned +26.85% vs +23.71% for VOO, so DFAW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), DFAW annualized +22.91% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFAW or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 12.1% for DFAW. Worst drawdown: DFAW -16.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both DFAW and VOO?
DFAW and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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 DFAW and VOO?
DFAW and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 510 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFAW or VOO?
DFAW yields 1.23% while VOO yields 1.09%, so DFAW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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