Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Dimensional Fund Advisors

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA)?

Answer: Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA) is an investment management firm founded in 1981, known for its application of financial science to investment strategies. DFA focuses on providing solutions to clients worldwide through a scientific approach to investing.

2. What Investment Philosophy Does DFA Follow?

Answer: DFA follows a philosophy grounded in financial science, emphasizing evidence-based investing. This involves focusing on factors like small-cap, value, and profitability that have historically provided higher returns, while managing risk through diversification and disciplined rebalancing.

3. What Types of Investment Products Does DFA Offer?

Answer: DFA offers a variety of investment products including mutual funds and ETFs, tailored for different asset classes like equities, fixed income, and real estate, often with a focus on small-cap and value strategies.

4. What Are the Risks Associated with DFA Investments?

Answer: Investing with DFA involves several risks, including the potential loss of principal, fluctuating investment value, market volatility, especially in small and micro-cap securities, and specific risks related to fixed income securities like interest rate changes, credit quality, and liquidity issues.

5. How Can Someone Invest in DFA Funds?

Answer: To invest in DFA mutual funds, individuals typically need to work with a financial advisor or professional who has access to DFA products, unless you invest in their ETFs.

6. What Makes DFA Different from Other Investment Advisors?

Answer: DFA distinguishes itself by its rigorous application of financial science to investment strategies, its long-standing history since 1981, and a focus on providing solutions that are based on academic research rather than market speculation, aiming for consistent long-term performance.

7. Does DFA Guarantee Investment Success?

Answer: No, DFA does not guarantee investment success. Like all investments, DFA's strategies carry risks, and there is no assurance that these strategies will achieve their investment objectives or that they will be profitable.

8. How Does DFA Approach Fixed Income Investing?

Answer: DFA approaches fixed income investing with a focus on risk management, considering factors like interest rate risk, credit quality, liquidity, prepayments, and call risk. They aim to provide diversified fixed income solutions that can help balance portfolio risk.

9. What is DFA's Stance on Value Investing?

Answer: DFA employs value investing as part of its strategy, recognizing that while it has potential for higher returns, it also carries risks of underperformance compared to other equity strategies. They focus on companies that are value priced by the market, aiming to capitalize on the long-term benefits of this approach.

10. How many assets (in USD) does Dimensional Fund Advisors, L.P. have under management?

Answer: As of December 31st, 2024, Dimensional Fund Advisors, L.P. manages around $777 billion USD in assets under management (AUM).

11. How many employees does Dimensional Fund Advisors, L.P. have under employment?

Answer: As of December 31st, 2024, Dimensional Fund Advisors, L.P. employs more than 1,500 employees in 15 global offices.

12. Who owns Dimensional Fund Advisors, L.P.?

Answer: Dimensional Fund Advisors, L.P. is privately-owned with a significant share of its ownership held by its founder David Booth. Ownership by other shareholders is not disclosed publicly.

13. When was Dimensional Fund Advisors, L.P. founded?

Answer: Dimensional Fund Advisors, L.P. was founded in 1981, or around 43 years ago.

14. How many mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) does Dimensional Fund Advisors, L.P. provide for their clients?

Answer: Dimensional Fund Advisors, L.P. offers 113 mutual funds and 41 exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

15. Are funds provided by Dimensional Fund Advisors, L.P. active or passive?

Answer: Dimensional Fund Advisors, L.P. advocates for a "Systematic Active" approach. In short, Dimensional Fund Advisors, L.P. implements "active" investment strategies with a "passive" investment philosophy.

16. Where can I find more information about DFA?

Answer:

For more detailed information, you can visit their official website . This site provides comprehensive details about their investment philosophy, product offerings, and performance data tailored for professional and institutional investors.


This is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, recommendation, or endorsement of any particular security, product or service. There is no guarantee investment strategies will be successful. Investing involves risks, including possible loss of principal. This is intended to be informational in nature and should not be construed a testimonial or endorsement of services.