AVDV vs. DFIS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

AVDV (Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF) and DFIS (Dimensional International Small Cap ETF) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, AVDV returned 27.46%/yr vs 18.54%/yr for DFIS. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. AVDV charges 0.36%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for DFIS.

Performance

AVDV vs. DFIS - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AVDV achieves a 13.23% return, which is significantly higher than DFIS's 6.57% return.

AVDV

• 1D: -2.28%
• 1M: -1.84%
• YTD: 13.23%
• 6M: 12.69%
• 1Y: 40.80%
• 3Y*: 27.46%
• 5Y*: 13.85%
• 10Y*: —

DFIS

• 1D: -2.99%
• 1M: -3.36%
• YTD: 6.57%
• 6M: 6.41%
• 1Y: 23.05%
• 3Y*: 18.54%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AVDV vs. DFIS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
AVDV Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF	13.23%	49.37%	8.67%	16.85%	-9.14%
DFIS Dimensional International Small Cap ETF	6.57%	37.49%	3.80%	15.19%	-12.50%

Correlation

The correlation between AVDV and DFIS 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 (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 24, 2022	0.96

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

AVDV vs. DFIS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AVDV	DFIS
Industrials	22.8%	24.1%
Basic Materials	21.0%	14.6%
Consumer Cyclical	15.4%	13.5%
Financial Services	13.6%	11.7%
Energy	9.6%	5.6%
Technology	6.6%	9.8%
Consumer Defensive	3.4%	5.0%
Communication Services	2.4%	3.7%
Healthcare	2.3%	5.3%
Utilities	1.7%	3.2%
Real Estate	1.3%	3.5%

Return for Risk

AVDV vs. DFIS — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVDV

AVDV Risk / Return Rank: 74
AVDV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
AVDV Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
AVDV Omega Ratio Rank: 79
AVDV Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
AVDV Martin Ratio Rank: 69

DFIS

DFIS Risk / Return Rank: 44
DFIS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
DFIS Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
DFIS Omega Ratio Rank: 45
DFIS Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
DFIS Martin Ratio Rank: 45

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.

AVDV vs. DFIS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	AVDV	DFIS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.50	1.52	+0.98
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.29	2.12	+1.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.27	+0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.11	1.86	+1.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.36	7.04	+5.32

AVDV vs. DFIS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVDV Sharpe Ratio is 2.50, which is higher than the DFIS Sharpe Ratio of 1.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVDV and DFIS, 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

AVDV vs. DFIS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVDV drawdown since its inception was -43.01%, which is greater than DFIS's maximum drawdown of -27.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVDV and DFIS.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVDV	DFIS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.01%	-27.23%	-15.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.19%	-12.44%	-0.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.17%	-13.55%	-0.62%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.08%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.73%	-5.20%	+1.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.74%	-6.13%	-0.61%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.31%	3.28%	+0.03%

Volatility

AVDV vs. DFIS - Volatility Comparison

Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF (AVDV) has a higher volatility of 6.23% compared to Dimensional International Small Cap ETF (DFIS) at 5.72%. This indicates that AVDV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFIS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AVDV	DFIS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.23%	5.72%	+0.51%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.14%	13.05%	+1.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.42%	15.28%	+1.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.41%	17.39%	+0.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.76%	17.39%	+2.37%

AVDV vs. DFIS - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVDV has a 0.36% expense ratio, which is lower than DFIS's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

AVDV vs. DFIS - Dividend Comparison

AVDV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.17%, more than DFIS's 2.09% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
AVDV Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF	4.17%	3.05%	4.31%	3.29%	3.17%	2.39%	1.67%	0.36%
DFIS Dimensional International Small Cap ETF	2.09%	2.23%	2.19%	2.36%	1.13%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVDV and DFIS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, AVDV and DFIS 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, AVDV or DFIS?

AVDV has higher volatility (6.23%) compared to DFIS (5.72%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVDV dropped -43.01% vs DFIS's -27.23%.

Which ETF is better, AVDV or DFIS?

On 3-year performance, AVDV leads with 27.46% vs 18.54% for DFIS. On fees, AVDV is cheaper at 0.36% per year. On volatility, DFIS has been the lower-risk option at 5.72%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVDV or DFIS?

Over the 3-year period, AVDV has performed better with a 27.46% return vs 18.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVDV or DFIS?

AVDV is cheaper with a 0.36% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for DFIS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AVDV or DFIS?

AVDV has the higher dividend yield at 4.17%, compared with 2.09% for DFIS.

What is the main difference between AVDV and DFIS?

They also come from different issuers: Avantis and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.36% for AVDV and 0.39% for DFIS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVDV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.50 vs 1.52), 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.