DFAT vs IWN
Dimensional US Targeted Value ETF vs iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF
Which is better, DFAT or IWN?
Nearly the same fund. IWN costs less.
IWN has a lower expense ratio. DFAT led over 1Y, 5Y and the full window, IWN over 3Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.98.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFAT | IWN |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.28% | 0.24%Best |
| AUM | $30.6B | $13.8B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.40% | 1.55% |
| Holdings | 1,234 | 1,393 |
| YTD Return | +14.61% | +16.33%Best |
| 1Y Return | +19.84%Best | +18.32% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.52% | +18.59%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.78%Best | +6.91% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8%Best | 20.1% |
| Max Drawdown | -26.1%Best | -26.7% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $15,945Best | $13,967 |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | iShares by BlackRock (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Small Cap Value | Small Cap Value |
| Inception | Dec 11, 1998 | Jul 24, 2000 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 14, 2021 to Oct 15, 2026 (5.3 years).
DFAT vs IWN growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 5.3 years both funds cover.
DFAT vs IWN Performance
Dimensional US Targeted Value ETF (DFAT) is an ETF from Dimensional and iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF (IWN) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year DFAT returned +19.84% while IWN returned +18.32%. Year to date, DFAT is up 14.61% versus a gain of 16.33% for IWN.
Over three years, DFAT compounded at +16.52% per year against +18.59% for IWN; over five years the annualized figures are +9.78% and +6.91% respectively.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IWN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% compared with 19.8% for DFAT. 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 -26.1% for DFAT and -26.7% for IWN. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFAT charges 0.28% per year while IWN charges 0.24%. On a $10,000 position that is $28 vs $24 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFAT currently yields 1.40% against 1.55% for IWN.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 1,141 holdings in DFAT and 1,290 in IWN, totalling 72.0% and 96.5% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 1,141 positions we hold weights for in DFAT and 1,290 in IWN, against full books of 1,234 and 1,393.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DFAT and IWN you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFAT or IWN?
DFAT has an expense ratio of 0.28% while IWN charges 0.24%. IWN is the cheaper option, by $4 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DFAT or IWN?
Over the past year DFAT returned +19.84% vs +18.32% for IWN, so DFAT leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DFAT or IWN?
IWN has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 19.8% for DFAT. Worst drawdown: DFAT -26.1% vs IWN -26.7%.
Should I hold both DFAT and IWN?
DFAT and IWN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFAT or IWN?
DFAT yields 1.40% while IWN yields 1.55%, so IWN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is IWN better than DFAT?
IWN has a lower expense ratio. DFAT led over 1Y, 5Y and the full window, IWN over 3Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.98. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.