AVGE vs. DFAW

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

AVGE (Avantis All Equity Markets ETF) and DFAW (Dimensional World Equity ETF) are both Global Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, AVGE returned 34.58% vs 30.38% for DFAW. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. AVGE charges 0.23%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for DFAW.

Performance

AVGE vs. DFAW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Avantis All Equity Markets ETF (AVGE) and Dimensional World Equity ETF (DFAW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AVGE achieves a 16.38% return, which is significantly higher than DFAW's 12.85% return.

AVGE

• 1D: 0.98%
• 1M: 2.50%
• YTD: 16.38%
• 6M: 16.52%
• 1Y: 34.58%
• 3Y*: 20.67%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFAW

• 1D: 0.95%
• 1M: 1.86%
• YTD: 12.85%
• 6M: 13.03%
• 1Y: 30.38%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AVGE vs. DFAW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
AVGE Avantis All Equity Markets ETF	16.38%	20.84%	13.96%	12.12%
DFAW Dimensional World Equity ETF	12.85%	20.62%	15.49%	11.44%

Correlation

The correlation between AVGE and DFAW 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 Sep 27, 2023	0.97

The correlation between AVGE and DFAW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

AVGE vs. DFAW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AVGE	DFAW
Technology	21.5%	27.0%
Financial Services	17.5%	14.8%
Industrials	13.4%	13.4%
Consumer Cyclical	11.8%	10.1%
Energy	8.2%	5.5%
Communication Services	6.7%	7.0%
Healthcare	5.8%	8.0%
Basic Materials	5.2%	5.0%
Consumer Defensive	4.5%	4.8%
Real Estate	3.3%	2.3%
Utilities	2.0%	2.2%

Return for Risk

AVGE vs. DFAW — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVGE

AVGE Risk / Return Rank: 84
AVGE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
AVGE Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
AVGE Omega Ratio Rank: 84
AVGE Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
AVGE Martin Ratio Rank: 85

DFAW

DFAW Risk / Return Rank: 78
DFAW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
DFAW Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
DFAW Omega Ratio Rank: 78
DFAW Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
DFAW Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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.

AVGE vs. DFAW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis All Equity Markets ETF (AVGE) and Dimensional World Equity ETF (DFAW). 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.

	AVGE	DFAW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.64	2.39	+0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.60	3.27	+0.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.44	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.99	3.41	+0.59
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.88	14.85	+2.02

AVGE vs. DFAW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVGE Sharpe Ratio is 2.64, which is comparable to the DFAW Sharpe Ratio of 2.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVGE and DFAW, 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

AVGE vs. DFAW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVGE drawdown since its inception was -17.13%, roughly equal to the maximum DFAW drawdown of -16.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVGE and DFAW.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVGE	DFAW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.13%	-16.93%	-0.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.60%	-8.88%	+0.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.13%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.59%	-0.61%	+0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.40%	-1.70%	-0.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.03%	2.03%	0.00%

Volatility

AVGE vs. DFAW - Volatility Comparison

Avantis All Equity Markets ETF (AVGE) and Dimensional World Equity ETF (DFAW) have volatilities of 4.86% and 4.94%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AVGE	DFAW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.86%	4.94%	-0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.47%	10.29%	+0.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.03%	12.66%	+0.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.27%	14.58%	+0.69%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.27%	14.58%	+0.69%

AVGE vs. DFAW - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVGE has a 0.23% expense ratio, which is lower than DFAW's 0.25% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

AVGE vs. DFAW - Dividend Comparison

AVGE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.11%, more than DFAW's 1.54% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
AVGE Avantis All Equity Markets ETF	2.11%	1.67%	1.92%	1.93%	0.74%
DFAW Dimensional World Equity ETF	1.54%	1.71%	1.47%	0.42%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVGE and DFAW in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, AVGE and DFAW 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, AVGE or DFAW?

DFAW has higher volatility (4.94%) compared to AVGE (4.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVGE dropped -17.13% vs DFAW's -16.93%.

Which ETF is better, AVGE or DFAW?

On 1-year performance, AVGE leads with 34.58% vs 30.38% for DFAW. On fees, AVGE is cheaper at 0.23% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVGE or DFAW?

Over the 1-year period, AVGE has performed better with a 34.58% return vs 30.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVGE or DFAW?

AVGE is cheaper with a 0.23% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for DFAW.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AVGE or DFAW?

AVGE has the higher dividend yield at 2.11%, compared with 1.54% for DFAW.

What is the main difference between AVGE and DFAW?

They also come from different issuers: Avantis and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.23% for AVGE and 0.25% for DFAW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVGE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.64 vs 2.39), 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.