AVUV vs. DFSV

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

AVUV (Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF) and DFSV (Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF) are both Small Cap Value Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, AVUV returned 19.63%/yr vs 17.20%/yr for DFSV. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. AVUV charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.31%/yr for DFSV.

Performance

AVUV vs. DFSV - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AVUV achieves a 19.12% return, which is significantly higher than DFSV's 15.99% return.

AVUV

• 1D: 0.92%
• 1M: 1.01%
• YTD: 19.12%
• 6M: 20.66%
• 1Y: 39.89%
• 3Y*: 19.63%
• 5Y*: 10.93%
• 10Y*: —

DFSV

• 1D: 0.77%
• 1M: 1.14%
• YTD: 15.99%
• 6M: 17.59%
• 1Y: 37.63%
• 3Y*: 17.20%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AVUV vs. DFSV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
AVUV Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF	19.12%	7.44%	9.28%	22.82%	-0.95%
DFSV Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF	15.99%	8.59%	7.13%	19.26%	0.60%

Correlation

The correlation between AVUV and DFSV 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 (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 25, 2022	0.98

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

AVUV vs. DFSV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AVUV	DFSV
Financial Services	25.8%	27.5%
Energy	18.2%	13.6%
Consumer Cyclical	18.0%	13.5%
Industrials	13.9%	15.1%
Technology	7.0%	8.1%
Basic Materials	4.9%	5.4%
Consumer Defensive	4.5%	5.8%
Healthcare	4.2%	6.9%
Communication Services	2.8%	2.6%
Real Estate	0.7%	0.9%
Utilities	0.1%	0.6%

Return for Risk

AVUV vs. DFSV — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVUV

AVUV Risk / Return Rank: 73
AVUV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
AVUV Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
AVUV Omega Ratio Rank: 65
AVUV Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
AVUV Martin Ratio Rank: 76

DFSV

DFSV Risk / Return Rank: 67
DFSV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
DFSV Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
DFSV Omega Ratio Rank: 62
DFSV Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
DFSV Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

AVUV vs. DFSV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF (AVUV) and Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF (DFSV). 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.

	AVUV	DFSV	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.29	2.15	+0.14
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.26	3.10	+0.16
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.38	+0.02
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.99	3.96	+1.03
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	14.84	12.61	+2.23
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

AVUV vs. DFSV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVUV Sharpe Ratio is 2.29, which is comparable to the DFSV Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVUV and DFSV, 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

	AVUV	DFSV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.29	2.15	+0.14
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.48	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.56	0.54	+0.02

Drawdowns

AVUV vs. DFSV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVUV drawdown since its inception was -49.42%, which is greater than DFSV's maximum drawdown of -28.02%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVUV and DFSV.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVUV	DFSV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-49.42%	-28.02%	-21.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.95%	-9.39%	+1.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.79%	-28.02%	-0.77%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.79%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.15%	0.00%	-0.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.96%	-6.72%	-1.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.67%	2.95%	-0.28%

Volatility

AVUV vs. DFSV - Volatility Comparison

Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF (AVUV) and Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF (DFSV) have volatilities of 4.14% and 4.00%, 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

	AVUV	DFSV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.14%	4.00%	+0.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.28%	11.24%	+0.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.50%	17.61%	-0.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.73%	22.25%	+0.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.30%	22.25%	+6.05%

AVUV vs. DFSV - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVUV has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than DFSV's 0.31% expense ratio.

Dividends

AVUV vs. DFSV - Dividend Comparison

AVUV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.28%, less than DFSV's 1.41% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
AVUV Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF	1.28%	1.58%	1.61%	1.65%	1.74%	1.28%	1.21%	0.38%
DFSV Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF	1.41%	1.53%	1.31%	1.29%	0.90%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVUV and DFSV in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, AVUV and DFSV 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, AVUV or DFSV?

AVUV has higher volatility (4.14%) compared to DFSV (4.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVUV dropped -49.42% vs DFSV's -28.02%.

Which ETF is better, AVUV or DFSV?

On 3-year performance, AVUV leads with 19.63% vs 17.20% for DFSV. On fees, AVUV is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, DFSV has been the lower-risk option at 4.00%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVUV or DFSV?

Over the 3-year period, AVUV has performed better with a 19.63% return vs 17.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVUV or DFSV?

AVUV is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.31% for DFSV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AVUV or DFSV?

DFSV has the higher dividend yield at 1.41%, compared with 1.28% for AVUV.

What is the main difference between AVUV and DFSV?

They also come from different issuers: Avantis and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for AVUV and 0.31% for DFSV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVUV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.29 vs 2.15), 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.