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Dimensional Emerging Markets Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSE)



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Upturn Advisory Summary
08/14/2025: DFSE (1-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
Analysis of Past Performance
Type ETF | Historic Profit 6.75% | Avg. Invested days 47 | Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating |
Upturn Star Rating ![]() ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance ![]() | ETF Returns Performance ![]() |
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Key Highlights
Volume (30-day avg) - | Beta - | 52 Weeks Range 29.52 - 38.44 | Updated Date 06/29/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 29.52 - 38.44 | Updated Date 06/29/2025 |
Upturn AI SWOT
Dimensional Emerging Markets Sustainability Core 1 ETF
ETF Overview
Overview
The Dimensional Emerging Markets Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSE) aims to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing in a broad range of emerging market companies, while considering sustainability factors.
Reputation and Reliability
Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA) is a well-respected investment firm known for its systematic, factor-based investing approach and low costs.
Management Expertise
DFA has a highly experienced management team with a long track record in quantitative investing and factor-based strategies.
Investment Objective
Goal
To achieve long-term capital appreciation by investing in a broad and diverse portfolio of emerging market companies, incorporating sustainability considerations.
Investment Approach and Strategy
Strategy: The ETF does not track a specific index but uses a flexible, market-cap-weighted approach with tilts towards companies with smaller market capitalizations and higher profitability while considering sustainability factors.
Composition The ETF holds a diversified portfolio of stocks from emerging market countries, focusing on companies with higher profitability, smaller size, and sustainable business practices.
Market Position
Market Share: DFSE has a relatively small market share compared to established emerging market ETFs.
Total Net Assets (AUM): 23300000
Competitors
Key Competitors
- Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO)
- iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG)
- Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SCHE)
Competitive Landscape
The emerging markets ETF industry is highly competitive, dominated by larger, more established ETFs like VWO and IEMG. DFSE differentiates itself through its sustainability focus and factor-based approach, which may appeal to investors seeking both financial returns and positive environmental and social impact. DFSE's smaller AUM poses a disadvantage in terms of liquidity and brand recognition compared to its larger competitors.
Financial Performance
Historical Performance: Historical performance data is available since the inception of the ETF. [Returns Data Array: [1.03, -12.6, 4.81, 4.02, 8.98]]
Benchmark Comparison: The ETF's performance should be compared to broad emerging market indexes like the MSCI Emerging Markets Index to assess its value-added.
Expense Ratio: 0.33
Liquidity
Average Trading Volume
The average daily trading volume of DFSE is relatively low, which could potentially increase transaction costs.
Bid-Ask Spread
The bid-ask spread is moderate, representing the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay and the lowest price a seller will accept.
Market Dynamics
Market Environment Factors
Emerging market economies, geopolitical risks, currency fluctuations, and global economic conditions all impact DFSE. The increasing investor focus on sustainability and ESG factors impacts its demand.
Growth Trajectory
The ETF's growth trajectory depends on investor demand for sustainable emerging market investments, as well as its ability to deliver competitive returns.
Moat and Competitive Advantages
Competitive Edge
DFSE's competitive advantage lies in its unique combination of factor-based investing and sustainability focus. DFA's established reputation and systematic approach provide investors with confidence. The ETF targets specific factors that have historically driven returns, and its consideration of sustainability may attract environmentally conscious investors. This dual approach differentiates it from broader emerging market ETFs.
Risk Analysis
Volatility
As an emerging markets fund, DFSE is subject to higher volatility compared to developed market funds.
Market Risk
DFSE faces risks associated with emerging market investments, including political instability, currency fluctuations, regulatory changes, and economic downturns.
Investor Profile
Ideal Investor Profile
The ideal investor for DFSE is someone seeking long-term capital appreciation from emerging markets, is comfortable with higher volatility, and values sustainability in their investments.
Market Risk
DFSE is best suited for long-term investors who are looking for a diversified approach to emerging markets with a focus on sustainability and factor-based investing.
Summary
The Dimensional Emerging Markets Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSE) offers a unique investment approach by combining factor-based investing and sustainability considerations in the emerging markets. The ETF aims to provide long-term capital appreciation through its diversified portfolio. While DFSE distinguishes itself through its approach, it operates in a competitive landscape dominated by larger, more liquid emerging market ETFs. Its success depends on investor demand for sustainable investing and its ability to deliver competitive risk-adjusted returns over the long term. It's suitable for long-term investors with a risk tolerance towards volatility who are aligned with sustainable goals.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Dimensional Fund Advisors Website
- ETF.com
- Morningstar
Disclaimers:
The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing in ETFs involves risk, including the potential loss of principal.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About Dimensional Emerging Markets Sustainability Core 1 ETF
Exchange NYSE ARCA | Headquaters - | ||
IPO Launch date - | CEO - | ||
Sector - | Industry - | Full time employees - | Website |
Full time employees - | Website |
The Portfolio is designed to purchase a broad and diverse group of securities associated with emerging markets. The Portfolio invests in companies of all sizes, with increased exposure to smaller capitalization, lower relative price, and higher profitability companies as compared to their representation in the Emerging Markets Universe, while adjusting the composition of the Portfolio based on sustainability impact considerations.

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