AVDS vs. DFAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

AVDS (Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF) and DFAX (Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AVDS is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund actively managed by Avantis, while DFAX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, AVDS returned 31.76% vs 36.37% for DFAX. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AVDS charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for DFAX.

Performance

AVDS vs. DFAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF (AVDS) and Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AVDS achieves a 11.30% return, which is significantly lower than DFAX's 16.39% return.

AVDS

• 1D: -0.01%
• 1M: -0.76%
• YTD: 11.30%
• 6M: 11.57%
• 1Y: 31.76%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFAX

• 1D: 0.24%
• 1M: 2.45%
• YTD: 16.39%
• 6M: 16.89%
• 1Y: 36.37%
• 3Y*: 21.52%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

AVDS vs. DFAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
AVDS Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF	11.30%	38.18%	3.20%	3.58%
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF	16.39%	35.42%	4.78%	3.24%

Correlation

The correlation between AVDS and DFAX is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 20, 2023	0.93

The correlation between AVDS and DFAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

AVDS vs. DFAX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AVDS	DFAX
Industrials	22.4%	17.4%
Basic Materials	16.1%	10.6%
Consumer Cyclical	13.4%	9.5%
Financial Services	12.5%	17.7%
Technology	10.1%	19.1%
Energy	5.6%	6.1%
Consumer Defensive	5.5%	4.8%
Healthcare	4.7%	5.8%
Real Estate	3.4%	1.9%
Communication Services	3.1%	4.3%
Utilities	3.1%	2.9%

Return for Risk

AVDS vs. DFAX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

AVDS

AVDS Risk / Return Rank: 60
AVDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
AVDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
AVDS Omega Ratio Rank: 63
AVDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
AVDS Martin Ratio Rank: 58

DFAX

DFAX Risk / Return Rank: 72
DFAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
DFAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
DFAX Omega Ratio Rank: 76
DFAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
DFAX Martin Ratio Rank: 71

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

AVDS vs. DFAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF (AVDS) and Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	AVDS	DFAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.06	2.33	-0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.82	3.08	-0.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.43	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.56	3.29	-0.73
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.78	12.79	-3.01

AVDS vs. DFAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVDS Sharpe Ratio is 2.06, which is comparable to the DFAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVDS and DFAX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

AVDS vs. DFAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVDS drawdown since its inception was -13.51%, smaller than the maximum DFAX drawdown of -28.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVDS and DFAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVDS	DFAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.51%	-28.15%	+14.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.44%	-11.11%	-1.33%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.89%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.37%	-0.00%	-2.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.83%	-6.62%	+3.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.26%	2.85%	+0.41%

Volatility

AVDS vs. DFAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF (AVDS) is 5.42%, while Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX) has a volatility of 6.29%. This indicates that AVDS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AVDS	DFAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.42%	6.29%	-0.87%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.22%	13.80%	-0.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.49%	15.72%	-0.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.47%	16.11%	-0.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.47%	16.11%	-0.64%

AVDS vs. DFAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVDS has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAX's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

AVDS vs. DFAX - Dividend Comparison

AVDS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.30%, more than DFAX's 2.20% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
AVDS Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF	3.30%	2.37%	3.07%	0.72%	0.00%	0.00%
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF	2.20%	2.58%	2.98%	3.01%	3.30%	1.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVDS and DFAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, AVDS and DFAX 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.

Which is riskier, AVDS or DFAX?

DFAX has higher volatility (6.29%) compared to AVDS (5.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVDS dropped -13.51% vs DFAX's -28.15%.

Which ETF is better, AVDS or DFAX?

On 1-year performance, DFAX leads with 36.37% vs 31.76% for AVDS. On fees, DFAX is cheaper at 0.28% per year. On volatility, AVDS has been the lower-risk option at 5.42%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVDS or DFAX?

Over the 1-year period, DFAX has performed better with a 36.37% return vs 31.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVDS or DFAX?

DFAX is cheaper with a 0.28% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for AVDS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AVDS or DFAX?

AVDS has the higher dividend yield at 3.30%, compared with 2.20% for DFAX.

What is the main difference between AVDS and DFAX?

AVDS is categorized as Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities, while DFAX is Foreign Large Cap Equities. They also come from different issuers: Avantis and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for AVDS and 0.28% for DFAX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.33 vs 2.06), 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.