AVSC vs. DFAS
AVSC (Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF) and DFAS (Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AVSC is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Index, while DFAS is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. AVSC is passively managed, while DFAS is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, AVSC returned 18.76%/yr vs 16.27%/yr for DFAS. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. AVSC charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.26%/yr for DFAS.
Performance
AVSC vs. DFAS - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, AVSC achieves a 21.34% return, which is significantly higher than DFAS's 15.74% return.
AVSC
- 1D
- 0.00%
- 1M
- 4.53%
- YTD
- 21.34%
- 6M
- 18.56%
- 1Y
- 44.03%
- 3Y*
- 18.76%
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
DFAS
- 1D
- 0.12%
- 1M
- 3.77%
- YTD
- 15.74%
- 6M
- 12.99%
- 1Y
- 31.21%
- 3Y*
- 16.27%
- 5Y*
- 8.37%
- 10Y*
- —
AVSC vs. DFAS - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AVSC Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF | 21.34% | 9.42% | 7.75% | 19.68% | -12.40% |
DFAS Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF | 15.74% | 8.17% | 10.21% | 17.83% | -12.58% |
Correlation
The correlation between AVSC and DFAS is 0.97 - 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 | 0.97 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.97 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 13, 2022 | 0.98 |
The correlation between AVSC and DFAS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
AVSC vs. DFAS — Risk / Return Rank
AVSC
DFAS
AVSC vs. DFAS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF (AVSC) and Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS). 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.
| AVSC | DFAS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.59 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.74 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.41 | 1.32 | +0.09 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 5.61 | 3.35 | +2.26 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 17.56 | 11.51 | +6.05 |
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Drawdowns
AVSC vs. DFAS - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum AVSC drawdown since its inception was -28.40%, which is greater than DFAS's maximum drawdown of -26.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVSC and DFAS.
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Drawdown Indicators
| AVSC | DFAS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -28.40% | -26.13% | -2.27% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -7.89% | -9.36% | +1.47% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -28.40% | -26.13% | -2.27% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | — | -26.13% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.38% | -0.12% | -0.26% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -7.36% | -8.24% | +0.88% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.51% | 2.72% | -0.21% |
Volatility
AVSC vs. DFAS - Volatility Comparison
Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF (AVSC) and Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS) have volatilities of 4.68% and 4.70%, 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.
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Volatility by Period
| AVSC | DFAS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.68% | 4.70% | -0.02% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 12.00% | 11.92% | +0.08% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 18.21% | 17.00% | +1.21% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 22.29% | 20.81% | +1.48% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 22.29% | 20.82% | +1.47% |
AVSC vs. DFAS - Expense Ratio Comparison
AVSC has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than DFAS's 0.26% 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
AVSC vs. DFAS - Dividend Comparison
AVSC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.20%, more than DFAS's 0.90% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AVSC Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF | 1.20% | 1.16% | 1.17% | 1.42% | 1.10% | 0.00% |
DFAS Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF | 0.90% | 0.99% | 0.93% | 1.00% | 1.03% | 2.87% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.97, AVSC and DFAS 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.
DFAS has higher volatility (4.70%) compared to AVSC (4.68%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVSC dropped -28.40% vs DFAS's -26.13%.
On 3-year performance, AVSC leads with 18.76% vs 16.27% for DFAS. On fees, AVSC is cheaper at 0.25% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 3-year period, AVSC has performed better with a 18.76% return vs 16.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
AVSC is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.26% for DFAS.
AVSC has the higher dividend yield at 1.20%, compared with 0.90% for DFAS.
AVSC is categorized as Small Cap Value Equities, while DFAS is Small Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: Avantis and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for AVSC and 0.26% for DFAS.
AVSC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.43 vs 1.85), 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.
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