DFIS vs. AVDS
DFIS (Dimensional International Small Cap ETF) and AVDS (Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, DFIS returned 28.03% vs 32.62% for AVDS. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFIS charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for AVDS.
Performance
DFIS vs. AVDS - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, DFIS achieves a 10.27% return, which is significantly lower than AVDS's 12.02% return.
DFIS
- 1D
- -1.12%
- 1M
- 2.92%
- YTD
- 10.27%
- 6M
- 13.97%
- 1Y
- 28.03%
- 3Y*
- 19.32%
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
AVDS
- 1D
- -1.09%
- 1M
- 2.73%
- YTD
- 12.02%
- 6M
- 15.40%
- 1Y
- 32.62%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
DFIS vs. AVDS - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
DFIS Dimensional International Small Cap ETF | 10.27% | 37.49% | 3.80% | 3.38% |
AVDS Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF | 12.02% | 38.18% | 3.20% | 3.79% |
Correlation
The correlation between DFIS and AVDS is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.98 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 21, 2023 | 0.98 |
The correlation between DFIS and AVDS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.
DFIS vs. AVDS - Sectors Allocation Comparison
Sectors
DFIS
AVDS
Industrials
Basic Materials
Consumer Cyclical
Financial Services
Technology
Energy
Healthcare
Consumer Defensive
Real Estate
Communication Services
Utilities
Industrials
DFIS
AVDS
Basic Materials
DFIS
AVDS
Consumer Cyclical
DFIS
AVDS
Financial Services
DFIS
AVDS
Technology
DFIS
AVDS
Energy
DFIS
AVDS
Healthcare
DFIS
AVDS
Consumer Defensive
DFIS
AVDS
Real Estate
DFIS
AVDS
Communication Services
DFIS
AVDS
Utilities
DFIS
AVDS
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Return for Risk
DFIS vs. AVDS — Risk / Return Rank
DFIS
AVDS
DFIS vs. AVDS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional International Small Cap ETF (DFIS) and Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF (AVDS). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.
| DFIS | AVDS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.27 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.33 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.35 | 1.40 | -0.05 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.26 | 2.63 | -0.37 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 8.73 | 10.24 | -1.51 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
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Sharpe Ratios by Period
| DFIS | AVDS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.94 | 2.21 | -0.27 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.67 | 1.26 | -0.59 |
Drawdowns
DFIS vs. AVDS - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum DFIS drawdown since its inception was -27.23%, which is greater than AVDS's maximum drawdown of -13.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFIS and AVDS.
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Drawdown Indicators
| DFIS | AVDS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -27.23% | -13.51% | -13.72% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -12.44% | -12.44% | 0.00% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -13.55% | — | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.91% | -1.73% | -0.18% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -6.17% | -2.84% | -3.33% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.22% | 3.19% | +0.03% |
Volatility
DFIS vs. AVDS - Volatility Comparison
Dimensional International Small Cap ETF (DFIS) has a higher volatility of 4.71% compared to Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF (AVDS) at 4.46%. This indicates that DFIS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than AVDS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| DFIS | AVDS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.71% | 4.46% | +0.25% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 12.04% | 12.43% | -0.39% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 14.54% | 14.87% | -0.33% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 17.32% | 15.36% | +1.96% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 17.32% | 15.36% | +1.96% |
DFIS vs. AVDS - Expense Ratio Comparison
DFIS has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than AVDS's 0.30% expense ratio.
Dividends
DFIS vs. AVDS - Dividend Comparison
DFIS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.02%, less than AVDS's 2.16% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AVDS Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF | 2.16% | 2.37% | 3.07% | 0.72% | 0.00% |
DFIS Dimensional International Small Cap ETF | 2.02% | 2.23% | 2.19% | 2.36% | 1.13% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.98, DFIS and AVDS move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.
DFIS has higher volatility (4.71%) compared to AVDS (4.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFIS dropped -27.23% vs AVDS's -13.51%.
On 1-year performance, AVDS leads with 32.62% vs 28.03% for DFIS. On fees, AVDS is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, AVDS has been the lower-risk option at 4.46%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 1-year period, AVDS has performed better with a 32.62% return vs 28.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
AVDS is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for DFIS.
AVDS has the higher dividend yield at 2.16%, compared with 2.02% for DFIS.
They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Avantis. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for DFIS and 0.30% for AVDS.
AVDS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.21 vs 1.94), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.
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