DDV vs. DFSD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DDV (Defined Duration 5 ETF) and DFSD (Dimensional Short-Duration Fixed Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DDV is a Intermediate Core Bond fund actively managed by Discipline Funds, while DFSD is a Short-Term Bond fund actively managed by Dimensional. Both are actively managed. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DDV charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.16%/yr for DFSD.

Performance

DDV vs. DFSD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defined Duration 5 ETF (DDV) and Dimensional Short-Duration Fixed Income ETF (DFSD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DDV achieves a 2.23% return, which is significantly higher than DFSD's 0.62% return.

DDV

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 0.73%
• YTD: 2.23%
• 6M: 2.65%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFSD

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: 0.23%
• YTD: 0.62%
• 6M: 0.86%
• 1Y: 4.23%
• 3Y*: 5.33%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DDV vs. DFSD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DDV Defined Duration 5 ETF	2.23%	0.71%
DFSD Dimensional Short-Duration Fixed Income ETF	0.62%	0.66%

Correlation

The correlation between DDV and DFSD is 0.64, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 14, 2025	0.64

Return for Risk

DDV vs. DFSD — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFSD

DFSD Risk / Return Rank: 67
DFSD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
DFSD Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
DFSD Omega Ratio Rank: 73
DFSD Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
DFSD Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

DDV vs. DFSD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defined Duration 5 ETF (DDV) and Dimensional Short-Duration Fixed Income ETF (DFSD). 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

	DDV	DFSD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.24	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.06	0.91	+1.15

Drawdowns

DDV vs. DFSD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DDV drawdown since its inception was -1.92%, smaller than the maximum DFSD drawdown of -8.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DDV and DFSD.

Drawdown Indicators

	DDV	DFSD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.92%	-8.45%	+6.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-1.47%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-1.47%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.12%	-0.44%	+0.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.35%	-2.07%	+1.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.38%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DDV	DFSD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.64%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	1.47%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.68%	1.90%	+0.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.68%	2.78%	-0.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.68%	2.78%	-0.10%

DDV vs. DFSD - Expense Ratio Comparison

DDV has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than DFSD's 0.16% 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

DDV vs. DFSD - Dividend Comparison

DDV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.21%, less than DFSD's 3.98% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DDV Defined Duration 5 ETF	1.21%	0.42%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DFSD Dimensional Short-Duration Fixed Income ETF	3.98%	4.12%	4.81%	3.89%	2.12%	0.11%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DDV and DFSD in my portfolio?

DDV and DFSD have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DDV or DFSD?

On fees, DFSD is cheaper at 0.16% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DDV or DFSD?

DFSD is cheaper with a 0.16% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for DDV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DDV or DFSD?

DFSD has the higher dividend yield at 3.98%, compared with 1.21% for DDV.

What is the main difference between DDV and DFSD?

DDV is categorized as Intermediate Core Bond, while DFSD is Short-Term Bond. They also come from different issuers: Discipline Funds and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for DDV and 0.16% for DFSD.