AVTM vs. DFAI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AVTM (Avantis Total Equity Markets ETF) and DFAI (Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF) are both Global Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AVTM charges 0.22%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for DFAI.

Performance

AVTM vs. DFAI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Avantis Total Equity Markets ETF (AVTM) and Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

AVTM

• 1D: -0.65%
• 1M: 5.45%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFAI

• 1D: -0.84%
• 1M: 2.67%
• YTD: 9.16%
• 6M: 11.79%
• 1Y: 24.65%
• 3Y*: 18.12%
• 5Y*: 9.36%
• 10Y*: —

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

AVTM vs. DFAI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
AVTM Avantis Total Equity Markets ETF	9.06%
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	3.30%

Correlation

The correlation between AVTM and DFAI is 0.81, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 3, 2026	0.81

AVTM vs. DFAI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AVTM	DFAI
Technology	31.0%	9.3%
Financial Services	16.6%	22.5%
Industrials	11.9%	19.5%
Consumer Cyclical	11.0%	8.6%
Communication Services	10.2%	3.7%
Healthcare	6.4%	8.8%
Energy	4.2%	6.8%
Consumer Defensive	4.2%	6.4%
Basic Materials	2.7%	8.8%
Utilities	1.8%	4.0%
Real Estate	0.2%	1.5%

Return for Risk

AVTM vs. DFAI — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFAI

DFAI Risk / Return Rank: 49
DFAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
DFAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
DFAI Omega Ratio Rank: 50
DFAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
DFAI Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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.

AVTM vs. DFAI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis Total Equity Markets ETF (AVTM) and Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AVTM	DFAI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.76	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.59	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.88	0.78	+1.10

Drawdowns

AVTM vs. DFAI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVTM drawdown since its inception was -9.21%, smaller than the maximum DFAI drawdown of -27.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVTM and DFAI.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVTM	DFAI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.21%	-27.44%	+18.23%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-10.95%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.25%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.44%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.65%	-1.61%	+0.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.08%	-5.12%	+3.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.79%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AVTM	DFAI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.45%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	11.68%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.88%	14.08%	+1.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.88%	15.92%	-0.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.88%	15.70%	+0.18%

AVTM vs. DFAI - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVTM has a 0.22% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAI's 0.18% 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

AVTM vs. DFAI - Dividend Comparison

AVTM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.08%, less than DFAI's 2.26% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
AVTM Avantis Total Equity Markets ETF	0.08%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	2.26%	2.45%	2.72%	2.64%	2.72%	2.06%	0.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVTM and DFAI in my portfolio?

AVTM and DFAI have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, AVTM or DFAI?

On fees, DFAI is cheaper at 0.18% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVTM or DFAI?

DFAI is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.22% for AVTM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AVTM or DFAI?

DFAI has the higher dividend yield at 2.26%, compared with 0.08% for AVTM.

What is the main difference between AVTM and DFAI?

They also come from different issuers: Avantis and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.22% for AVTM and 0.18% for DFAI.