AVUVX vs. DFFVX

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

AVUVX (Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value Fund) and DFFVX (DFA U.S. Targeted Value Portfolio Institutional Class) are both Small Cap Value Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, AVUVX returned 13.38%/yr vs 10.93%/yr for DFFVX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. AVUVX charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.29%/yr for DFFVX.

Performance

AVUVX vs. DFFVX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value Fund (AVUVX) and DFA U.S. Targeted Value Portfolio Institutional Class (DFFVX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AVUVX achieves a 22.71% return, which is significantly higher than DFFVX's 18.29% return.

AVUVX

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 0.90%
• 6M: 16.28%
• YTD: 22.71%
• 1Y: 36.56%
• 3Y*: 18.26%
• 5Y*: 13.38%
• 10Y*: —

DFFVX

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 1.31%
• 6M: 11.99%
• YTD: 18.29%
• 1Y: 30.28%
• 3Y*: 16.12%
• 5Y*: 10.93%
• 10Y*: 11.06%

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

AVUVX vs. DFFVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
AVUVX Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value Fund	22.71%	8.88%	8.83%	22.96%	-4.74%	40.31%	10.64%	4.95%
DFFVX DFA U.S. Targeted Value Portfolio Institutional Class	18.29%	9.53%	9.34%	19.37%	-4.66%	31.53%	3.78%	5.68%

Correlation

The correlation between AVUVX and DFFVX 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	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 4, 2019	0.98

The correlation between AVUVX and DFFVX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AVUVX vs. DFFVX — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVUVX

AVUVX Risk / Return Rank: 81
AVUVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
AVUVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
AVUVX Omega Ratio Rank: 70
AVUVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
AVUVX Martin Ratio Rank: 87

DFFVX

DFFVX Risk / Return Rank: 62
DFFVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
DFFVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
DFFVX Omega Ratio Rank: 53
DFFVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
DFFVX Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

AVUVX vs. DFFVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value Fund (AVUVX) and DFA U.S. Targeted Value Portfolio Institutional Class (DFFVX). 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.

	AVUVX	DFFVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	1.63	+0.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.82	2.45	+0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.30	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.09	2.80	+1.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.51	9.16	+3.35

AVUVX vs. DFFVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVUVX Sharpe Ratio is 1.94, which is comparable to the DFFVX Sharpe Ratio of 1.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVUVX and DFFVX, 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

AVUVX vs. DFFVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVUVX drawdown since its inception was -50.24%, smaller than the maximum DFFVX drawdown of -64.21%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVUVX and DFFVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVUVX	DFFVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.24%	-64.21%	+13.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.25%	-9.70%	+1.45%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.81%	-26.09%	-2.72%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.81%	-26.09%	-2.72%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-50.75%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.42%	-0.38%	-0.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.62%	-9.67%	+2.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.70%	2.97%	-0.27%

Volatility

AVUVX vs. DFFVX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value Fund (AVUVX) is 2.99%, while DFA U.S. Targeted Value Portfolio Institutional Class (DFFVX) has a volatility of 3.21%. This indicates that AVUVX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFFVX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AVUVX	DFFVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.99%	3.21%	-0.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.29%	10.87%	+0.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.36%	16.65%	+0.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.53%	21.37%	+1.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.60%	23.55%	+5.05%

AVUVX vs. DFFVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVUVX has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than DFFVX's 0.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

AVUVX vs. DFFVX - Dividend Comparison

AVUVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.78%, more than DFFVX's 1.51% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVUVX Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value Fund	5.78%	7.09%	4.11%	1.57%	8.07%	5.83%	0.73%	0.14%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DFFVX DFA U.S. Targeted Value Portfolio Institutional Class	1.51%	1.69%	1.40%	2.26%	5.17%	2.74%	1.52%	3.82%	5.95%	5.16%	3.95%	5.84%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVUVX and DFFVX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, AVUVX and DFFVX 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, AVUVX or DFFVX?

DFFVX has higher volatility (3.21%) compared to AVUVX (2.99%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVUVX dropped -50.24% vs DFFVX's -64.21%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVUVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.94 vs 1.63), 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.