DFAS vs. CVSM

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

DFAS (Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF) and CVSM (CresAlta Small & Mid-Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFAS charges 0.26%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for CVSM.

Performance

DFAS vs. CVSM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS) and CresAlta Small & Mid-Cap ETF (CVSM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

DFAS

• 1D: -0.51%
• 1M: 0.55%
• 6M: 10.40%
• YTD: 16.47%
• 1Y: 24.76%
• 3Y*: 14.27%
• 5Y*: 8.89%
• 10Y*: —

CVSM

• 1D: 0.17%
• 1M: -1.46%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFAS vs. CVSM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
DFAS Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF	7.02%
CVSM CresAlta Small & Mid-Cap ETF	3.14%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAS and CVSM is 0.75, 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 May 18, 2026	0.75

Return for Risk

DFAS vs. CVSM — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFAS

DFAS Risk / Return Rank: 59
DFAS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
DFAS Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
DFAS Omega Ratio Rank: 51
DFAS Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
DFAS Martin Ratio Rank: 64

CVSM

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

DFAS vs. CVSM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS) and CresAlta Small & Mid-Cap ETF (CVSM). 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.

	DFAS	CVSM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.48	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.22	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.66	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.12	—	—

Drawdowns

DFAS vs. CVSM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAS drawdown since its inception was -26.13%, which is greater than CVSM's maximum drawdown of -3.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAS and CVSM.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAS	CVSM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.13%	-3.36%	-22.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.36%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.13%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.13%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.98%	-1.46%	-0.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.16%	-1.01%	-7.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.72%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DFAS	CVSM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.22%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.85%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.86%	11.19%	+5.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.76%	11.19%	+9.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.74%	11.19%	+9.55%

DFAS vs. CVSM - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAS has a 0.26% expense ratio, which is lower than CVSM's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFAS vs. CVSM - Dividend Comparison

DFAS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.98%, more than CVSM's 0.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
CVSM CresAlta Small & Mid-Cap ETF	0.23%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DFAS Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF	0.98%	0.99%	0.93%	1.00%	1.03%	2.87%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAS and CVSM in my portfolio?

DFAS and CVSM have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DFAS or CVSM?

On fees, DFAS is cheaper at 0.26% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAS or CVSM?

DFAS is cheaper with a 0.26% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for CVSM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFAS or CVSM?

DFAS has the higher dividend yield at 0.98%, compared with 0.23% for CVSM.

What is the main difference between DFAS and CVSM?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and CresAlta. Their fees differ too: 0.26% for DFAS and 0.55% for CVSM.