Dimensional Fund Advisors flips $8 billion of assets into ETFs

Dimensional Fund Advisors flips $8 billion of assets into ETFs
With the two most recent conversions, the firm boasts nine exchange-traded funds with about $40 billion in assets.
SEP 13, 2021

Dimensional Fund Advisors converted two more of its equity mutual funds into exchange-traded vehicles, further boosting the quant giant’s heft in the $6.8 trillion arena. 

The Austin, Texas-based firm’s Tax Managed DFA International Value Portfolio and its T.A. World ex U.S. Core Equity Portfolio are now the Dimensional International Value ETF (DFIV) and Dimensional World ex U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX), respectively, according to a press statement Monday. 

Dimensional

The move adds two more funds and about $8.1 billion in assets to Dimensional’s ETF lineup. The firm founded by David Booth now boasts nine ETFs worth around $40 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

In June, Dimensional became only the second U.S. issuer to pull off a conversion, transforming $29 billion worth of mutual funds into ETFs in an industry record. The asset manager -- which controls $660 billion -- has aggressively targeted the ETF universe since launching its first products last November, touting the structure’s tax advantages and client demand. 

Citigroup analysts said in a June forecast that Dimensional’s conversions would be one of several factors behind a $21 trillion shift from mutual funds to ETFs over the next decade. Bloomberg Intelligence expects $1 trillion worth of such switches to take place over the next 10 years. 

JPMorgan Asset Management has announced plans to switch four funds with $10 billion in assets into ETFs next year. 

Pay attention and learn about crypto now, even before the asset rules are set

Latest News

Federal judge dismisses Eltek manipulation lawsuit against Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
Federal judge dismisses Eltek manipulation lawsuit against Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

Nine-month electronic trading freeze and share lending program at the center of dismissed claim.

RIA wrap: Dynamic strikes South Carolina deal to reach $7B AUM milestone
RIA wrap: Dynamic strikes South Carolina deal to reach $7B AUM milestone

Meanwhile, Rossby Financial's leadership buildout rolls on with a new COO appointment as Balefire Wealth welcomes a distinguished retirement specialist to its national network.

Rethinking diversification amid a concentrated S&P 500
Rethinking diversification amid a concentrated S&P 500

With a smaller group of companies driving stock market performance, advisors must work more intentionally to manage concentration risks within client portfolios.

Merrill pays second settlement to former Miami Dolphins player, client of ex-broker
Merrill pays second settlement to former Miami Dolphins player, client of ex-broker

Professional athletes are often targets of scam artists and are particularly vulnerable to fraud.

Schwab touts AI as its biggest growth lever at investor day
Schwab touts AI as its biggest growth lever at investor day

The brokerage giant tells Wall Street it will use artificial intelligence to reach clients it has never been able to serve — and turn the technology's perceived threat into a competitive edge.

SPONSORED Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human

As technical expertise becomes increasingly commoditized, advisors who can integrate strategy, relationships, and specialized expertise into a cohesive client experience will define the next era of wealth management

SPONSORED Durability over scale: What actually defines a great advisory firm

Growth may get the headlines, but in my experience, longevity is earned through structure, culture, and discipline