DFAI vs. DISV

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFAI (Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF) and DISV (Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFAI is a Global Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while DISV is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFAI returned 18.12%/yr vs 24.35%/yr for DISV. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFAI charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.42%/yr for DISV.

Performance

DFAI vs. DISV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI) and Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF (DISV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFAI achieves a 9.16% return, which is significantly lower than DISV's 10.83% return.

DFAI

• 1D: -0.84%
• 1M: 2.67%
• YTD: 9.16%
• 6M: 11.79%
• 1Y: 24.65%
• 3Y*: 18.12%
• 5Y*: 9.36%
• 10Y*: —

DISV

• 1D: -1.06%
• 1M: 3.34%
• YTD: 10.83%
• 6M: 15.28%
• 1Y: 34.34%
• 3Y*: 24.35%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFAI vs. DISV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	9.16%	34.04%	4.68%	17.60%	-9.05%
DISV Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF	10.83%	47.42%	5.87%	19.52%	-9.72%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAI and DISV is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 25, 2022	0.94

The correlation between DFAI and DISV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFAI vs. DISV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFAI	DISV
Financial Services	22.5%	18.6%
Industrials	19.5%	18.1%
Technology	9.3%	4.1%
Basic Materials	8.8%	18.3%
Healthcare	8.8%	3.0%
Consumer Cyclical	8.6%	15.3%
Energy	6.8%	9.2%
Consumer Defensive	6.4%	4.3%
Utilities	4.0%	2.6%
Communication Services	3.7%	3.4%
Real Estate	1.5%	3.2%

Return for Risk

DFAI vs. DISV — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFAI

DFAI Risk / Return Rank: 49
DFAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
DFAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
DFAI Omega Ratio Rank: 50
DFAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
DFAI Martin Ratio Rank: 52

DISV

DISV Risk / Return Rank: 65
DISV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
DISV Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
DISV Omega Ratio Rank: 69
DISV Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
DISV Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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.

DFAI vs. DISV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI) and Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF (DISV). 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.

	DFAI	DISV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.76	2.39	-0.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.49	3.28	-0.80
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.43	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.26	2.72	-0.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.87	10.27	-1.40
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFAI vs. DISV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAI Sharpe Ratio is 1.76, which is comparable to the DISV Sharpe Ratio of 2.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAI and DISV, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DFAI	DISV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.76	2.39	-0.63
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.59	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.78	0.93	-0.15

Drawdowns

DFAI vs. DISV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAI drawdown since its inception was -27.44%, roughly equal to the maximum DISV drawdown of -26.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAI and DISV.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAI	DISV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.44%	-26.77%	-0.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.95%	-12.69%	+1.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.25%	-14.15%	+0.90%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.44%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.61%	-2.48%	+0.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.12%	-4.90%	-0.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.79%	3.35%	-0.56%

Volatility

DFAI vs. DISV - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI) has a higher volatility of 4.45% compared to Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF (DISV) at 4.16%. This indicates that DFAI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DISV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFAI	DISV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.45%	4.16%	+0.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.68%	11.69%	-0.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.08%	14.45%	-0.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.92%	17.36%	-1.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.70%	17.36%	-1.66%

DFAI vs. DISV - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAI has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is lower than DISV's 0.42% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFAI vs. DISV - Dividend Comparison

DFAI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.26%, less than DISV's 2.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	2.26%	2.45%	2.72%	2.64%	2.72%	2.06%	0.09%
DISV Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF	2.39%	2.69%	2.77%	2.73%	1.23%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAI and DISV in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, DFAI and DISV 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, DFAI or DISV?

DFAI has higher volatility (4.45%) compared to DISV (4.16%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAI dropped -27.44% vs DISV's -26.77%.

Which ETF is better, DFAI or DISV?

On 3-year performance, DISV leads with 24.35% vs 18.12% for DFAI. On fees, DFAI is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, DISV has been the lower-risk option at 4.16%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFAI or DISV?

Over the 3-year period, DISV has performed better with a 24.35% return vs 18.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAI or DISV?

DFAI is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.42% for DISV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFAI or DISV?

DISV has the higher dividend yield at 2.39%, compared with 2.26% for DFAI.

What is the main difference between DFAI and DISV?

DFAI is categorized as Global Equities, while DISV is Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.18% for DFAI and 0.42% for DISV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DISV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.39 vs 1.76), 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.