AVUV vs. DFSVX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

AVUV (Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF) and DFSVX (DFA U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio I) are both Small Cap Value Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, AVUV returned 11.66%/yr vs 10.78%/yr for DFSVX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. AVUV charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for DFSVX.

Performance

AVUV vs. DFSVX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AVUV achieves a 21.53% return, which is significantly higher than DFSVX's 16.69% return.

AVUV

• 1D: 0.65%
• 1M: 2.99%
• YTD: 21.53%
• 6M: 19.38%
• 1Y: 38.52%
• 3Y*: 20.29%
• 5Y*: 11.66%
• 10Y*: —

DFSVX

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: 2.02%
• YTD: 16.69%
• 6M: 14.82%
• 1Y: 31.98%
• 3Y*: 18.08%
• 5Y*: 10.78%
• 10Y*: 11.90%

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

AVUV vs. DFSVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
AVUV Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF	21.53%	7.44%	9.28%	22.82%	-4.91%	42.20%	6.43%	8.54%
DFSVX DFA U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio I	16.69%	8.37%	9.58%	19.02%	-3.57%	39.97%	2.24%	7.85%

Correlation

The correlation between AVUV and DFSVX 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 (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 26, 2019	0.98

The correlation between AVUV and DFSVX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AVUV vs. DFSVX — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVUV

AVUV Risk / Return Rank: 79
AVUV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
AVUV Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
AVUV Omega Ratio Rank: 71
AVUV Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
AVUV Martin Ratio Rank: 81

DFSVX

DFSVX Risk / Return Rank: 57
DFSVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
DFSVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
DFSVX Omega Ratio Rank: 45
DFSVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
DFSVX Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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. DFSVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF (AVUV) and DFA U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio I (DFSVX). 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.

	AVUV	DFSVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.20	1.91	+0.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.14	2.80	+0.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.34	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.87	3.49	+1.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.43	11.14	+3.29

AVUV vs. DFSVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVUV Sharpe Ratio is 2.20, which is comparable to the DFSVX Sharpe Ratio of 1.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVUV and DFSVX, 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

AVUV vs. DFSVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVUV drawdown since its inception was -49.42%, smaller than the maximum DFSVX drawdown of -66.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVUV and DFSVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVUV	DFSVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-49.42%	-66.70%	+17.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.95%	-9.59%	+1.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.79%	-27.69%	-1.10%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.79%	-27.69%	-1.10%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-52.12%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.97%	-1.98%	+1.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.89%	-9.46%	+1.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.68%	2.99%	-0.31%

Volatility

AVUV vs. DFSVX - Volatility Comparison

Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF (AVUV) and DFA U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio I (DFSVX) have volatilities of 4.28% and 4.09%, 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	DFSVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.28%	4.09%	+0.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.40%	11.41%	-0.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.62%	17.55%	+0.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.64%	21.41%	+1.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.21%	23.86%	+4.35%

AVUV vs. DFSVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVUV has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than DFSVX's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

AVUV vs. DFSVX - Dividend Comparison

AVUV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.27%, less than DFSVX's 1.49% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVUV Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF	1.27%	1.58%	1.61%	1.65%	1.74%	1.28%	1.21%	0.38%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DFSVX DFA U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio I	1.49%	1.69%	1.47%	3.67%	6.77%	10.40%	1.96%	2.83%	7.54%	5.18%	4.18%	5.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVUV and DFSVX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, AVUV and DFSVX 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 DFSVX?

AVUV has higher volatility (4.28%) compared to DFSVX (4.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVUV dropped -49.42% vs DFSVX's -66.70%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVUV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.20 vs 1.91), 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.