What is the primary difference in investment philosophy between DFAI and DFIV?

DFAI, the Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF, generally targets a broad exposure to international equities. In contrast, DFIV, the Dimensional International Value ETF, focuses specifically on value stocks within international markets. This distinction means DFAI aims for a wider market representation, while DFIV seeks companies that may be undervalued relative to their fundamentals. Investors comparing these funds should consider whether they prefer broader market participation or a specific factor-based approach emphasising value characteristics.

How do the inception dates of DFAI and DFIV differ?

The inception dates indicate how long each fund has been available to investors. DFAI was launched on 17 November 2020, making it a relatively new addition to the ETF landscape. DFIV, however, was established much earlier on 16 April 1999. This significant age difference means DFIV has a longer track record for investors to analyse historical performance data, whereas DFAI has less historical data available for review.

What is the expense ratio difference between DFAI and DFIV?

The expense ratio represents the annual cost of managing the fund, expressed as a percentage of assets. DFAI has a lower expense ratio of 0.18%, while DFIV charges 0.27%. This results in a fee difference of 0.09 percentage points. Over time, even small differences in fees can impact net returns, as higher costs reduce the compound growth of investments. Investors should weigh these costs against the specific exposure provided by each fund.

How do the dividend yields of DFAI and DFIV compare?

Dividend yield indicates the income generated by an ETF relative to its share price. DFIV currently offers a higher dividend yield of 2.57%, compared to DFAI's yield of 2.28%. This difference reflects the distinct holdings of each fund, with DFIV's value focus potentially including companies with stronger payout ratios. Income-focused investors may find DFIV more attractive for immediate cash flow, while DFAI provides slightly less income from its broader core international equity exposure.

What are the net asset sizes of DFAI and DFIV?

Net assets refer to the total value of holdings managed by the ETF. DFIV manages $22.2 billion in net assets, whereas DFAI holds $18.0 billion. Larger asset bases can enhance liquidity and trading efficiency, allowing for smoother buying and selling of shares without significantly impacting the price. Both funds possess substantial net assets, suggesting they are well-established and capable of supporting significant investor activity in international equity markets.

Which sectors dominate the top holdings of DFIV?

DFIV's top holdings reveal significant exposure to the energy sector. Specifically, Shell accounts for 3.34% of the fund, and BP represents 0.98%. These weightings highlight a concentration in large international energy companies, which are often classified as value stocks. This sector tilt distinguishes DFIV from DFAI, whose top holding is ASML at 1.61%, indicating a more diversified or differently weighted portfolio without the same level of disclosed energy concentration.

Do DFAI and DFIV share any top ten holdings?

According to the available data, there are no shared top ten holdings between DFAI and DFIV among the listed top positions. DFAI lists ASML as a top holding, while DFIV features Shell and BP. This lack of overlap in the disclosed top holdings suggests that the two funds hold substantially different portfolios. Such differences imply that the funds are likely to behave differently under various market conditions due to their distinct underlying assets.

Are the index methodologies for these ETFs publicly available?

No, the index methodologies for both DFAI and DFIV are not available. This lack of transparency can make it difficult for investors to precisely understand how each fund tracks its respective market segment or to compare it directly against standard benchmarks. While Dimensional Funds uses systematic approaches, the absence of published index details requires investors to rely on category descriptions and holdings data to infer the potential construction and replication strategies of the funds.

How does the category classification help distinguish these funds?

The category classification provides a broad indication of each fund's investment focus. DFAI is classified as Foreign Large Blend, suggesting it holds a mix of growth and value stocks in large international companies. DFIV is categorized as Foreign Large Value, indicating a specific tilt towards value-oriented large-cap international equities. This distinction helps beginners identify which fund aligns more closely with their desired exposure to factor styles and geographic regions within developed and emerging markets.

DFAI vs DFIV

Two funds, one decision: we compare cost, performance and what each ETF actually holds in September 2026.

Compare Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI) with Dimensional International Value ETF (DFIV). This page details fees, holdings, dividends and how each fund tracks its market. DFAI has an expense ratio of 0.18% while DFIV is 0.27%. Both track international equities but target different segments. Educational content, not financial advice.

Fund Snapshot

Key Fund Metrics

DFAI

Metric

DFIV

0.18%

Expense Ratio

0.27%

2.28%

Dividend Yield

2.57%

$17.96B

Net Assets

$22.16B

3,675

Holdings

609

Nov 17, 2020

Inception Date

Apr 16, 1999

–

Index Tracked

–

Foreign Large Blend

Fund Category

Foreign Large Value

DFAI costs about $9.00 less per year for every $10,000 invested.

Shared Top Holdings

These funds do not share any of their top holdings.

Discover More Comparisons

DFAI vs DFIC

Compare DFAI and DFIC international equity ETFs. Analyse 0.18% and 0.22% fees, holdings, 2.28% and 2.34% yields, and market tracking differences.

AVDV vs DFIV

Compare AVDV and DFIV ETFs. Review 0.36% vs 0.27% fees, yields, and small/large-cap value holdings. Neither tracks a published index. Data as of 2026.

DFAX vs DFIV

Compare DFAX and DFIV ETFs. Review 0.28% vs 0.27% fees, 2.24% vs 2.57% yields, and top holdings like TSM and SHEL to understand their global market tracking.

Investment Analysis

DFAI

Pros

Lower annual operating cost at 0.18% compared with the value fund’s 0.27% expense ratio.
Dividend yield of 2.28% offers income while maintaining a core international equity market exposure.
Net assets of $18.0 billion support liquidity and trading efficiency in a broad international blend.

Considerations

No published index methodology makes benchmark comparisons difficult for potential investors.
Sector weights are not available, limiting visibility into underlying industry concentration risks.
Top holdings include only ASML at 1.61%, leaving portfolio concentration details not disclosed.

DFIV

Pros

Yields 2.57% dividends, providing higher income than the core international ETF’s 2.28% payout.
Net assets of $22.2 billion enhance liquidity for large international value trades.
Top holdings include Shell at 3.34% and BP at 0.98%, reflecting energy exposure.

Considerations

Annual operating cost of 0.27% exceeds the lower-fee core international blend.
No published index methodology hinders transparent benchmarking or replication assessment.
Sector weights are not available, limiting visibility into concentrated exposures.

About DFAI and DFIV

DFAI (DFAI)

The Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI) provides investors with exposure to large and mid-capitalisation companies in developed markets outside the United States. As an exchange-traded fund, it aims to offer broad diversification across the international equity landscape, potentially capturing growth opportunities in established global economies. With a low expense ratio of 0.18%, DFAI seeks to be a cost-efficient vehicle for gaining access to international stock markets. The fund holds over 3,600 stocks, reflecting a comprehensive approach to diversification. It launched in November 2020 and currently manages approximately USD 17.96 billion in net assets. Investors should note that while the fund has a historical dividend yield of 2.28%, values can fluctuate, and past performance does not guarantee future results. This ETF suits those looking to broaden their portfolio's geographic mix beyond domestic markets, though it carries inherent risks associated with foreign investment, including currency fluctuations.

DFIV (DFIV)

The Dimensional International Value ETF (DFIV) offers investors exposure to developed and emerging markets outside the United States and Canada. This fund focuses on companies in international markets that appear to be trading at lower valuations relative to their peers, often referred to as 'value' stocks. By investing in a diversified basket of hundreds of holdings, DFIV aims to capture the potential long-term returns associated with the value investment style while spreading risk across various sectors and regions. It provides a way to diversify a portfolio beyond domestic assets. However, international investing carries unique risks, including currency fluctuations and geopolitical events. The fund’s expense ratio is moderate, and it may distribute income. As with any investment, values can rise and fall, and past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

Buy DFAI or DFIV in Nemo

🆓

Zero Commission

Trade stocks, ETFs, and more with zero commission. Keep more of your returns.

🔒

Trusted & Regulated

Part of Exinity Group 2015, serving over a million customers globally.

💰

6% Interest on Cash

Earn 6% AER on uninvested cash with daily interest payments.

DFAI vs DFIV

Fund Snapshot