What Is DFAE? Dimensional Emerging Core Equity Market ETF

DFAE is Dimensional Emerging Core Equity Market ETF, an ETF that tracks Actively managed, no tracked index at a 0.29% expense ratio. DFAE is actively managed rather than tracking an index, and invests in emerging-markets equities. The ten largest positions are roughly 32% of assets, with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing the biggest at 12.7%. It charges 0.29%. The distribution yield is about 1.77%. It is relatively new, launched in 2020.

DFAE is issued by Dimensional Fund Advisors and tracks Actively managed, no tracked index, so a single ticker gives you the whole portfolio of underlying holdings weighted by the index's methodology rather than by any active stock-picking.

DFAE is weighted toward its largest constituents. As of August 2026, the top holdings are:

The remaining holdings make up the balance of the fund, with weights tapering off below the top names. Because the index reconstitutes on a rolling basis, the roster stays current without active management. Each ticker above links to its individual stock guide in Walnut.

There are three common ways to get DFAE exposure. Buy shares (or fractional shares) of DFAE directly at any major broker that lists it. Hold it as a core position and layer more concentrated ideas on top. Or build it into a thematic portfolio in Walnut, so DFAE sits alongside other holdings that express the same thesis, with target weights you can rebalance toward. DFAE trades like a stock during market hours, so you buy it the same way you would any listed share.

New to buying funds? See how to buy an ETF, step by step.

Whether DFAE is a good buy depends less on any single call and more on your time horizon and what you already hold: it tracks Actively managed, no tracked index, so the real question is whether you want that exposure in your mix and at what weight. We walk through valuation, concentration, and what would have to be true for it to outperform from here in is DFAE a buy?

DFAE gives you Actively managed, no tracked index exposure in one ticker at a 0.29% expense ratio. Most investors use it as a core holding and layer more concentrated thematic portfolios on top.

Whether DFAE is worth buying today depends more on your time horizon and what you already hold than on any single call. We walk through valuation, concentration, and what would have to be true for it to outperform from here in is DFAE a buy?

DFAE yields 1.77% as of August 2026, paid by passing through the dividends of its underlying holdings. For the payout schedule, history, and how the distributions are taxed, see DFAE dividend: yield and schedule.

New to funds like DFAE? Start with what an ETF is, then how to buy an ETF, or browse the full guide to ETF investing.