DFAC vs. AVUS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DFAC (Dimensional U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF) and AVUS (Avantis U.S. Equity ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, DFAC returned 12.14%/yr vs 13.28%/yr for AVUS. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFAC charges 0.17%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for AVUS.

Performance

DFAC vs. AVUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAC) and Avantis U.S. Equity ETF (AVUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFAC achieves a 11.90% return, which is significantly lower than AVUS's 14.87% return.

DFAC

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 1.38%
• YTD: 11.90%
• 6M: 10.98%
• 1Y: 28.74%
• 3Y*: 20.04%
• 5Y*: 12.14%
• 10Y*: —

AVUS

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 1.87%
• YTD: 14.87%
• 6M: 14.04%
• 1Y: 32.84%
• 3Y*: 22.02%
• 5Y*: 13.28%
• 10Y*: —

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

DFAC vs. AVUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFAC Dimensional U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF	11.90%	15.66%	19.61%	21.96%	-14.93%	9.55%
AVUS Avantis U.S. Equity ETF	14.87%	16.68%	20.43%	21.77%	-13.82%	9.03%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAC and AVUS is 0.99 - 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	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 14, 2021	0.99

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

DFAC vs. AVUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFAC	AVUS
Technology	31.2%	30.5%
Financial Services	13.8%	14.5%
Industrials	12.4%	11.2%
Consumer Cyclical	10.6%	11.4%
Healthcare	9.1%	7.0%
Communication Services	7.8%	9.3%
Energy	5.3%	6.8%
Consumer Defensive	4.7%	4.2%
Basic Materials	3.2%	2.6%
Utilities	1.8%	2.3%
Real Estate	0.2%	0.1%

Return for Risk

DFAC vs. AVUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFAC

DFAC Risk / Return Rank: 74
DFAC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
DFAC Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
DFAC Omega Ratio Rank: 72
DFAC Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
DFAC Martin Ratio Rank: 79

AVUS

AVUS Risk / Return Rank: 84
AVUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
AVUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
AVUS Omega Ratio Rank: 82
AVUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
AVUS Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

DFAC vs. AVUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAC) and Avantis U.S. Equity ETF (AVUS). 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.

	DFAC	AVUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.30	2.61	-0.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.14	3.51	-0.38
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.47	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.40	4.20	-0.80
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.87	18.77	-3.90

DFAC vs. AVUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAC Sharpe Ratio is 2.30, which is comparable to the AVUS Sharpe Ratio of 2.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAC and AVUS, 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

DFAC vs. AVUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAC drawdown since its inception was -23.12%, smaller than the maximum AVUS drawdown of -37.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAC and AVUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAC	AVUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.12%	-37.04%	+13.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.49%	-7.85%	-0.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.02%	-19.74%	-0.28%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.12%	-22.19%	-0.93%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.79%	-0.51%	-0.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.41%	-5.06%	-0.35%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.94%	1.75%	+0.19%

Volatility

DFAC vs. AVUS - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAC) and Avantis U.S. Equity ETF (AVUS) have volatilities of 4.35% and 4.50%, 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

	DFAC	AVUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.35%	4.50%	-0.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.65%	9.72%	-0.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.59%	12.66%	-0.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.14%	17.35%	-0.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.14%	20.83%	-3.69%

DFAC vs. AVUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAC has a 0.17% expense ratio, which is higher than AVUS's 0.15% 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

DFAC vs. AVUS - Dividend Comparison

DFAC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.91%, less than AVUS's 1.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
AVUS Avantis U.S. Equity ETF	1.17%	1.08%	1.27%	1.41%	1.59%	1.08%	1.19%	0.35%
DFAC Dimensional U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF	0.91%	0.97%	1.03%	1.20%	1.50%	0.88%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAC and AVUS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, DFAC and AVUS 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, DFAC or AVUS?

AVUS has higher volatility (4.50%) compared to DFAC (4.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAC dropped -23.12% vs AVUS's -37.04%.

Which ETF is better, DFAC or AVUS?

On 5-year performance, AVUS leads with 13.28% vs 12.14% for DFAC. On fees, AVUS is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, DFAC has been the lower-risk option at 4.35%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFAC or AVUS?

Over the 5-year period, AVUS has performed better with a 13.28% return vs 12.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAC or AVUS?

AVUS is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.17% for DFAC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFAC or AVUS?

AVUS has the higher dividend yield at 1.17%, compared with 0.91% for DFAC.

What is the main difference between DFAC and AVUS?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Avantis. Their fees differ too: 0.17% for DFAC and 0.15% for AVUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.61 vs 2.30), 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.