DFAEvsEEMETF Comparison
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Dimensional Emerging Core Equity Market ETF (DFAE) belongs to the EM Blended Cap segment. iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM) is part of the EM Large & Mid Cap segment. Both ETFs have the same top 3 sector exposures: Technology, Finance and Non-Energy Materials. DFAE is less expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.29%, versus 0.72% for EEM. DFAE is up 18.66% year-to-date (YTD) with +$791M in YTD flows. EEM performs worse with 16.24% YTD performance, and +$3.93B in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of DFAE and EEM below, and assess how they stack up in performance, liquidity, risk, exposure, holdings, and more, helping you select the best ETF for your investments.
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DFAE vs EEM performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
Historic performance and flows
Data as of 07/23/2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | DFAE EEM | -3.61%-6.07% | +3.65%+0.29% | +18.66%+16.24% | +31.35%+29.84% | +71.53%+66.26% | +51.84%+38.47% |
| Flows | DFAE EEM | +$175M+$441M | +$400M+$441M | +$791M+$3.93B | +$1.25B+$4.22B | +$3.67B-$4.02B | +$6.14B-$3.26B |
Volatility and drawdown
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | DFAE EEM | +24.11%+32.69% | +19.57%+22.47% | +16.20%+17.74% | +16.25%+17.96% |
| Max drawdown | DFAE EEM | -9.87%-10.71% | -12.69%-13.30% | -16.33%-15.99% | -29.64%-34.93% |
| Max drawdown duration | DFAE EEM | 31d32d | 53d50d | 245d218d | 1112d1393d |
Trading data
DFAE | EEM | |
Last sale 7/24/2026 at 1:30 PM | $37.36 | $63.33 |
| Previous close 07/24/2026 | $38.00 | $64.60 |
| Consolidated volume 07/24/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
Replication quality
Data as of June 30, 2026
1-year trailing difference
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DFAE
is actively managed and doesn’t replicate an indexDFAE | EEM | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
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Main metrics
Last update 7/24/2026 at 1:30 PM
Live
Closed
DFAE | EEM | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $37.36 | $63.33 |
| 1D performance | -1.68% | -1.97% |
| AuM | $9.50 B | $28.45 B |
| E/R | 0.29% | 0.72% |
Characteristics
DFAE | EEM | |
|---|---|---|
| Management strategy | Active | Passive |
| Provider | Dimensional | iShares |
| Benchmark | - | MSCI Emerging Markets Index |
| N° of holdings | 6062 | 1121 |
| Asset class | - | Equities |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | February 12, 2020 | April 7, 2003 |
| ESG | No | No |
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Exposure
Countries
DFAE
Taiwan
27.9%
Republic of Korea
20.83%
China
16.89%
India
12.68%
Other
21.69%
EEM
Taiwan
27.28%
Republic of Korea
23.67%
China
17.19%
India
11.06%
Other
20.81%
Sectors
DFAE
Technology
43.84%
Finance
18.35%
Non-Energy Materi.
8.35%
Industrials
7.98%
Other
21.46%
EEM
Technology
48.23%
Finance
20.33%
Other
31.44%
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Diversification
DFAE
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
33.95%
EEM
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
43.54%
Top 15 holdings
Data as of June 30, 2026
DFAE
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
12.52%
SK hynix, Inc.
6.34%
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
5.68%
Tencent Holdings Ltd.
2.22%
MediaTek, Inc.
1.07%
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.
0.95%
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
0.81%
Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
0.77%
Delta Electronics, Inc.
0.73%
China Construction Bank Corp.
0.68%
Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
0.54%
Yageo Corp.
0.44%
ICICI Bank Ltd.
0.41%
Reliance Industries Ltd.
0.40%
Bharti Airtel Ltd.
0.40%
EEM
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
15.05%
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
8.14%
SK hynix, Inc.
7.63%
Tencent Holdings Ltd.
2.73%
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.
1.60%
MediaTek, Inc.
1.55%
Delta Electronics, Inc.
0.96%
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
0.89%
SK Square Co. Ltd.
0.82%
Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
0.78%
HDFC Bank Ltd.
0.77%
China Construction Bank Corp.
0.70%
Reliance Industries Ltd.
0.67%
Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
0.64%
ICICI Bank Ltd.
0.62%
Frequently asked questions about DFAE and EEM
How have the DFAE and EEM ETFs performed in 2026?
As of July 23, 2026, DFAE is up 18.66% year-to-date (YTD), while EEM has returned 16.24%. That puts DFAE better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: DFAE or EEM?
Year-to-date, the DFAE ETF saw +$791M in flows, compared to +$3.93B for EEM.
Which ETF is more volatile: DFAE or EEM?
Over the past year, DFAE had a volatility of 19.57%, while EEM experienced 22.47%.
Which ETF is bigger: DFAE or EEM?
As of July 23, 2026, DFAE holds $9.50 B in assets under management (AUM), while EEM manages $28.45 B.
What sectors do the DFAE and EEM ETFs invest in?
DFAE leans toward sectors like Technology, Finance and Non-Energy Materials. Meanwhile, EEM focuses on Technology and Finance.
What are the top holdings of the DFAE ETF and EEM ETF?
DFAE top holdings include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., SK hynix, Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.. EEM holds in its top three: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and SK hynix, Inc..
Which ETF is more diversified: DFAE or EEM?
DFAE holds 6192 securities with 33.95% of its assets in the top 15. EEM has 1179 securities and a top 15 weight of 43.54%.
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