AVSC vs. DFIV

Last updated Jun 18, 2026

AVSC (Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF) and DFIV (Dimensional International Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AVSC is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Index, while DFIV is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. AVSC is passively managed, while DFIV is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, AVSC returned 16.83%/yr vs 22.47%/yr for DFIV. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AVSC charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.27%/yr for DFIV.

Performance

AVSC vs. DFIV - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AVSC achieves a 19.48% return, which is significantly higher than DFIV's 11.32% return.

AVSC

• 1D: -0.99%
• 1M: 5.07%
• YTD: 19.48%
• 6M: 18.11%
• 1Y: 41.59%
• 3Y*: 16.83%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFIV

• 1D: -1.00%
• 1M: 0.11%
• YTD: 11.32%
• 6M: 13.32%
• 1Y: 34.26%
• 3Y*: 22.47%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AVSC vs. DFIV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
AVSC Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF	19.48%	9.42%	7.75%	19.68%	-12.40%
DFIV Dimensional International Value ETF	11.32%	45.36%	7.26%	17.75%	-9.72%

Correlation

The correlation between AVSC and DFIV is 0.67, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.67
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 13, 2022	0.71

The correlation between AVSC and DFIV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.67 to 0.71 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AVSC vs. DFIV — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVSC

AVSC Risk / Return Rank: 81
AVSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
AVSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
AVSC Omega Ratio Rank: 71
AVSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
AVSC Martin Ratio Rank: 86

DFIV

DFIV Risk / Return Rank: 79
DFIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
DFIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
DFIV Omega Ratio Rank: 80
DFIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
DFIV Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

AVSC vs. DFIV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF (AVSC) and Dimensional International Value ETF (DFIV). 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	DFIV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.30	2.45	-0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.28	3.34	-0.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.44	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.30	3.56	+1.73
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.59	13.69	+2.90

AVSC vs. DFIV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVSC Sharpe Ratio is 2.30, which is comparable to the DFIV Sharpe Ratio of 2.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVSC and DFIV, 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

AVSC vs. DFIV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVSC drawdown since its inception was -28.40%, which is greater than DFIV's maximum drawdown of -25.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVSC and DFIV.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVSC	DFIV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.40%	-25.42%	-2.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.89%	-9.66%	+1.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.40%	-14.72%	-13.68%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.91%	-1.21%	-0.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.37%	-4.45%	-2.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.51%	2.51%	0.00%

Volatility

AVSC vs. DFIV - Volatility Comparison

Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF (AVSC) has a higher volatility of 4.99% compared to Dimensional International Value ETF (DFIV) at 4.32%. This indicates that AVSC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFIV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AVSC	DFIV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.99%	4.32%	+0.67%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.95%	11.47%	+0.48%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.17%	14.10%	+4.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.30%	16.64%	+5.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.30%	16.64%	+5.66%

AVSC vs. DFIV - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVSC has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than DFIV's 0.27% 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. DFIV - Dividend Comparison

AVSC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.22%, less than DFIV's 2.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
AVSC Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF	1.22%	1.16%	1.17%	1.42%	1.10%	0.00%
DFIV Dimensional International Value ETF	2.56%	2.92%	3.88%	3.93%	3.84%	2.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVSC and DFIV in my portfolio?

AVSC and DFIV have a correlation of 0.67, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AVSC or DFIV?

AVSC has higher volatility (4.99%) compared to DFIV (4.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVSC dropped -28.40% vs DFIV's -25.42%.

Which ETF is better, AVSC or DFIV?

On 3-year performance, DFIV leads with 22.47% vs 16.83% for AVSC. On fees, AVSC is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, DFIV has been the lower-risk option at 4.32%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVSC or DFIV?

Over the 3-year period, DFIV has performed better with a 22.47% return vs 16.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVSC or DFIV?

AVSC is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.27% for DFIV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AVSC or DFIV?

DFIV has the higher dividend yield at 2.56%, compared with 1.22% for AVSC.

What is the main difference between AVSC and DFIV?

AVSC is categorized as Small Cap Value Equities, while DFIV is Foreign Large Cap Equities. They also come from different issuers: Avantis and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for AVSC and 0.27% for DFIV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFIV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.45 vs 2.30), 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.