AVLC vs. DFUS

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

AVLC (Avantis U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF) and DFUS (Dimensional U.S. Equity ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, AVLC returned 34.32% vs 30.36% for DFUS. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. AVLC charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.11%/yr for DFUS.

Performance

AVLC vs. DFUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Avantis U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (AVLC) and Dimensional U.S. Equity ETF (DFUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AVLC achieves a 15.30% return, which is significantly higher than DFUS's 11.99% return.

AVLC

• 1D: 0.49%
• 1M: 5.57%
• YTD: 15.30%
• 6M: 16.17%
• 1Y: 34.32%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFUS

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: 5.59%
• YTD: 11.99%
• 6M: 12.44%
• 1Y: 30.36%
• 3Y*: 22.69%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AVLC vs. DFUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
AVLC Avantis U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF	15.30%	17.57%	22.82%	12.05%
DFUS Dimensional U.S. Equity ETF	11.99%	17.46%	24.34%	11.59%

Correlation

The correlation between AVLC and DFUS 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 29, 2023	0.98

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

AVLC vs. DFUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AVLC	DFUS
Technology	32.6%	17.4%
Financial Services	13.1%	20.2%
Industrials	10.8%	9.5%
Consumer Cyclical	10.3%	13.0%
Communication Services	8.7%	23.5%
Energy	7.3%	5.3%
Healthcare	7.2%	4.1%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	2.6%
Utilities	2.7%	3.0%
Basic Materials	2.3%	1.1%
Real Estate	0.2%	0.0%

Return for Risk

AVLC vs. DFUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVLC

AVLC Risk / Return Rank: 84
AVLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
AVLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
AVLC Omega Ratio Rank: 82
AVLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
AVLC Martin Ratio Rank: 89

DFUS

DFUS Risk / Return Rank: 75
DFUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
DFUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
DFUS Omega Ratio Rank: 75
DFUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
DFUS 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.

AVLC vs. DFUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (AVLC) and Dimensional U.S. Equity ETF (DFUS). 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.

	AVLC	DFUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.78	2.50	+0.28
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.74	3.39	+0.34
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.50	1.45	+0.05
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.39	3.45	+0.94
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	20.29	15.83	+4.46
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

AVLC vs. DFUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVLC Sharpe Ratio is 2.78, which is comparable to the DFUS Sharpe Ratio of 2.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVLC and DFUS, 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

	AVLC	DFUS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.78	2.50	+0.28
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.68	0.80	+0.89

Drawdowns

AVLC vs. DFUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVLC drawdown since its inception was -19.64%, smaller than the maximum DFUS drawdown of -24.62%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVLC and DFUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVLC	DFUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.64%	-24.62%	+4.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.00%	-8.96%	+0.96%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.44%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.98%	-5.82%	+3.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.73%	1.95%	-0.22%

Volatility

AVLC vs. DFUS - Volatility Comparison

Avantis U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (AVLC) and Dimensional U.S. Equity ETF (DFUS) have volatilities of 3.04% and 2.98%, 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

	AVLC	DFUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.04%	2.98%	+0.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.25%	9.17%	+0.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.40%	12.21%	+0.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.70%	17.22%	-1.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.70%	17.22%	-1.52%

AVLC vs. DFUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVLC has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is higher than DFUS's 0.11% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

AVLC vs. DFUS - Dividend Comparison

AVLC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.78%, less than DFUS's 0.83% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
AVLC Avantis U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF	0.78%	0.92%	1.09%	0.38%	0.00%	0.00%
DFUS Dimensional U.S. Equity ETF	0.83%	0.88%	1.04%	1.33%	1.48%	0.85%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVLC and DFUS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, AVLC and DFUS 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, AVLC or DFUS?

AVLC has higher volatility (3.04%) compared to DFUS (2.98%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVLC dropped -19.64% vs DFUS's -24.62%.

Which ETF is better, AVLC or DFUS?

On 1-year performance, AVLC leads with 34.32% vs 30.36% for DFUS. On fees, DFUS is cheaper at 0.11% 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, AVLC or DFUS?

Over the 1-year period, AVLC has performed better with a 34.32% return vs 30.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVLC or DFUS?

DFUS is cheaper with a 0.11% expense ratio, compared with 0.15% for AVLC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AVLC or DFUS?

DFUS has the higher dividend yield at 0.83%, compared with 0.78% for AVLC.

What is the main difference between AVLC and DFUS?

They also come from different issuers: American Century and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for AVLC and 0.11% for DFUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVLC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.78 vs 2.50), 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.