DASCX vs. AVUVX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

DASCX (Dean Small Cap Value Fund) and AVUVX (Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value Fund) are both Small Cap Value Equities funds. Over the past 5 years, DASCX returned 8.14%/yr vs 12.59%/yr for AVUVX. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DASCX charges 1.13%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for AVUVX.

Performance

DASCX vs. AVUVX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with DASCX having a 21.64% return and AVUVX slightly higher at 22.42%.

DASCX

• 1D: 0.47%
• 1M: 1.78%
• 6M: 14.78%
• YTD: 21.64%
• 1Y: 28.91%
• 3Y*: 11.17%
• 5Y*: 8.14%
• 10Y*: 8.61%

AVUVX

• 1D: 0.62%
• 1M: -0.28%
• 6M: 16.58%
• YTD: 22.42%
• 1Y: 33.29%
• 3Y*: 18.33%
• 5Y*: 12.59%
• 10Y*: —

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

DASCX vs. AVUVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
DASCX Dean Small Cap Value Fund	21.64%	5.00%	3.71%	2.76%	1.76%	31.48%	-1.73%	5.75%
AVUVX Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value Fund	22.42%	8.88%	8.83%	22.96%	-4.74%	40.31%	10.64%	4.95%

Correlation

The correlation between DASCX and AVUVX is 0.90, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 4, 2019	0.90

The correlation between DASCX and AVUVX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DASCX vs. AVUVX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DASCX

DASCX Risk / Return Rank: 45
DASCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
DASCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
DASCX Omega Ratio Rank: 44
DASCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
DASCX Martin Ratio Rank: 41

AVUVX

AVUVX Risk / Return Rank: 76
AVUVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
AVUVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
AVUVX Omega Ratio Rank: 62
AVUVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
AVUVX Martin Ratio Rank: 84

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.

DASCX vs. AVUVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dean Small Cap Value Fund (DASCX) and Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value Fund (AVUVX). 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.

	DASCX	AVUVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.51	1.86	-0.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.26	2.72	-0.46
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.32	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.08	3.92	-1.84
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.94	11.95	-5.01

DASCX vs. AVUVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DASCX Sharpe Ratio is 1.51, which is comparable to the AVUVX Sharpe Ratio of 1.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DASCX and AVUVX, 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

DASCX vs. AVUVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DASCX drawdown since its inception was -58.74%, which is greater than AVUVX's maximum drawdown of -50.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DASCX and AVUVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DASCX	AVUVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.74%	-50.24%	-8.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.11%	-8.25%	-4.86%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.79%	-28.81%	+4.02%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.79%	-28.81%	+4.02%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.28%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.85%	-0.65%	-0.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.38%	-7.63%	+0.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.95%	2.71%	+1.24%

Volatility

DASCX vs. AVUVX - Volatility Comparison

Dean Small Cap Value Fund (DASCX) has a higher volatility of 3.78% compared to Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value Fund (AVUVX) at 3.57%. This indicates that DASCX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than AVUVX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DASCX	AVUVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.78%	3.57%	+0.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.13%	11.41%	+0.72%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.11%	17.41%	+0.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.31%	22.54%	-5.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.74%	28.61%	-7.87%

DASCX vs. AVUVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DASCX has a 1.13% expense ratio, which is higher than AVUVX's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

DASCX vs. AVUVX - Dividend Comparison

DASCX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.64%, less than AVUVX's 5.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVUVX Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value Fund	5.79%	7.09%	4.11%	1.57%	8.07%	5.83%	0.73%	0.14%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DASCX Dean Small Cap Value Fund	1.64%	1.99%	3.82%	1.75%	1.28%	0.98%	1.61%	4.03%	3.22%	18.27%	3.96%	6.68%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DASCX and AVUVX in my portfolio?

DASCX and AVUVX have a correlation of 0.90, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DASCX or AVUVX?

DASCX has higher volatility (3.78%) compared to AVUVX (3.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DASCX dropped -58.74% vs AVUVX's -50.24%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVUVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.86 vs 1.51), 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.