AVDS vs. DISV

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AVDS (Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF) and DISV (Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, AVDS returned 32.62% vs 34.34% for DISV. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. AVDS charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.42%/yr for DISV.

Performance

AVDS vs. DISV - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AVDS achieves a 12.02% return, which is significantly higher than DISV's 10.83% return.

AVDS

• 1D: -1.09%
• 1M: 2.73%
• YTD: 12.02%
• 6M: 15.40%
• 1Y: 32.62%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DISV

• 1D: -1.06%
• 1M: 3.34%
• YTD: 10.83%
• 6M: 15.28%
• 1Y: 34.34%
• 3Y*: 24.35%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AVDS vs. DISV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
AVDS Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF	12.02%	38.18%	3.20%	3.79%
DISV Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF	10.83%	47.42%	5.87%	4.93%

Correlation

The correlation between AVDS and DISV is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 21, 2023	0.96

The correlation between AVDS and DISV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

AVDS vs. DISV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AVDS	DISV
Industrials	22.6%	18.1%
Basic Materials	17.0%	18.3%
Consumer Cyclical	12.8%	15.3%
Financial Services	12.1%	18.6%
Technology	9.7%	4.1%
Energy	6.1%	9.2%
Consumer Defensive	5.1%	4.3%
Healthcare	4.5%	3.0%
Real Estate	3.2%	3.2%
Utilities	3.2%	2.6%
Communication Services	2.9%	3.4%

Return for Risk

AVDS vs. DISV — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVDS

AVDS Risk / Return Rank: 61
AVDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
AVDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
AVDS Omega Ratio Rank: 64
AVDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
AVDS Martin Ratio Rank: 57

DISV

DISV Risk / Return Rank: 65
DISV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
DISV Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
DISV Omega Ratio Rank: 69
DISV Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
DISV Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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. DISV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF (AVDS) and Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF (DISV). 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.

	AVDS	DISV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.21	2.39	-0.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.04	3.28	-0.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.43	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.63	2.72	-0.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.24	10.27	-0.03
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

AVDS vs. DISV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVDS Sharpe Ratio is 2.21, which is comparable to the DISV Sharpe Ratio of 2.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVDS and DISV, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AVDS	DISV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.21	2.39	-0.19
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.26	0.93	+0.33

Drawdowns

AVDS vs. DISV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVDS drawdown since its inception was -13.51%, smaller than the maximum DISV drawdown of -26.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVDS and DISV.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVDS	DISV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.51%	-26.77%	+13.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.44%	-12.69%	+0.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-14.15%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.73%	-2.48%	+0.75%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.84%	-4.90%	+2.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.19%	3.35%	-0.16%

Volatility

AVDS vs. DISV - Volatility Comparison

Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF (AVDS) has a higher volatility of 4.46% compared to Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF (DISV) at 4.16%. This indicates that AVDS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DISV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AVDS	DISV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.46%	4.16%	+0.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.43%	11.69%	+0.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.87%	14.45%	+0.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.36%	17.36%	-2.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.36%	17.36%	-2.00%

AVDS vs. DISV - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVDS has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than DISV's 0.42% expense ratio.

Dividends

AVDS vs. DISV - Dividend Comparison

AVDS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.16%, less than DISV's 2.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
AVDS Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF	2.16%	2.37%	3.07%	0.72%	0.00%
DISV Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF	2.39%	2.69%	2.77%	2.73%	1.23%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVDS and DISV in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, AVDS and DISV 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 DISV?

AVDS has higher volatility (4.46%) compared to DISV (4.16%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVDS dropped -13.51% vs DISV's -26.77%.

Which ETF is better, AVDS or DISV?

On 1-year performance, DISV leads with 34.34% vs 32.62% for AVDS. On fees, AVDS is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, DISV has been the lower-risk option at 4.16%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVDS or DISV?

Over the 1-year period, DISV has performed better with a 34.34% return vs 32.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVDS or DISV?

AVDS is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.42% for DISV.

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

DISV has the higher dividend yield at 2.39%, compared with 2.16% for AVDS.

What is the main difference between AVDS and DISV?

They also come from different issuers: Avantis and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for AVDS and 0.42% for DISV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DISV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.39 vs 2.21), 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.