DFSE ETF — Dimensional Emerging Markets Sustainability Core 1 ETF

Dimensional Emerging Markets Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSE)

Updated October 16, 2026.

DFSE is an ETF. its distribution rate is 2.33%, its trailing-12-month yield is 2.09%, its expense ratio is 0.41%. Dividend Vision Distribution Safety Score™ is 99/100 (Safe). Total return is 96.2% over the past 4 years, 18.2 points behind SPY at 114.4%.

Dimensional Emerging Markets Sustainability Core 1 ETF is a fund that invests in a broad range of emerging markets companies across all market capitalizations, with a tilt toward smaller-cap, lower-priced, and more profitable firms while incorporating sustainability considerations into its portfolio construction. The fund has a modest current distribution rate and distributes quarterly, though the most recent distribution was special and may not recur; it carries an expense ratio of 0.41%. This fund appeals to international equity investors seeking emerging markets exposure combined with a focus on sustainable business practices and factor-based portfolio tilts.

DFSE performance versus SPY

Price and return data through 2026-10-16.

Total return is 96.2% over the past 4 years, 18.2 points behind SPY at 114.4%. Over the past year its total return — price change plus distributions reinvested — is 12.8%. Its deepest 1-year drawdown was 12.9%.

DFSE key facts

Distribution Safety Score™

99 · Safe

Safety-Adjusted Yield

2.31%

Issuer

Dimensional

Asset type

ETF

Asset class

Equity

Inception date

11/01/2022

Expense ratio

0.41%

Distribution rate

2.33%

Distribution frequency

Quarterly

Trailing yield

2.09%

Last close

$45.77 (as of 2026-10-16)

AUM

$639,237,901

Average volume

41171.0

Dividend

$0.35

Ex-dividend date

09/22/2026

Payment date

09/24/2026

Beta

1.09

How Dividend Vision calculates yield and returns

Distribution rate (2.33%) uses calculation basis unavailable. Issuer rates can use a different denominator and date, including ex-date NAV. Trailing-12-month yield (2.09%) is the sum of split-adjusted cash distributions with ex-dates in the last 12 months, divided by the published price. It lags a recent raise or cut. Total return uses split-adjusted close with distributions reinvested on the ex-dividend date (a modeling convention, not the cash-settlement date) from the first stored bar on or after inception through the latest bar, compared with the same window on the benchmark. That is the security's total return, not your personal gain/loss.

Yield and safety methodology · Distribution rate methodology · Distribution Safety Score methodology

Sources and review

Primary sources: Dimensional; prices and distributions from Dividend Vision, derived from vendor EOD data.

Reviewed by Bert Sweet, CEO and Co-owner of Dividend Vision. Methodology: Distribution Safety Score.

DFSE risks and drawbacks

DFSE's current distribution rate is moderate, not a high-yield payout — the strategy is dividend quality more than maximum income. Payments are quarterly, so cash flow is lumpy versus a monthly fund. Total return has trailed SPY over the available window. The deepest 1-year drawdown on record here is 12.9%.

Who may consider DFSE — and who may not

DFSE may suit someone looking for a high Distribution Safety Score, moderate current income with a quality tilt. It is a weaker fit for investors who need monthly cash flow (DFSE pays quarterly); investors hunting double-digit covered-call yields; investors whose main goal is matching SPY total return. This is educational context, not a recommendation to buy or sell.

More on DFSE

• All tickers starting with D

Tagged: Emerging Markets, International.

Frequently asked questions

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