DFAS vs. DFAT

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DFAS (Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF) and DFAT (Dimensional U.S. Targeted Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFAS is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while DFAT is a Small Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, DFAS returned 8.37%/yr vs 10.54%/yr for DFAT. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFAS charges 0.26%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for DFAT.

Performance

DFAS vs. DFAT - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with DFAS having a 15.74% return and DFAT slightly lower at 15.54%.

DFAS

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: 3.77%
• YTD: 15.74%
• 6M: 12.99%
• 1Y: 31.21%
• 3Y*: 16.27%
• 5Y*: 8.37%
• 10Y*: —

DFAT

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: 2.40%
• YTD: 15.54%
• 6M: 13.44%
• 1Y: 32.06%
• 3Y*: 17.14%
• 5Y*: 10.54%
• 10Y*: —

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

DFAS vs. DFAT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFAS Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF	15.74%	8.17%	10.21%	17.83%	-13.84%	4.52%
DFAT Dimensional U.S. Targeted Value ETF	15.54%	8.73%	7.80%	20.86%	-6.23%	3.66%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAS and DFAT is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 14, 2021	0.98

The correlation between DFAS and DFAT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFAS vs. DFAT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFAS	DFAT
Financial Services	19.2%	27.9%
Industrials	18.9%	16.2%
Technology	15.1%	9.4%
Consumer Cyclical	13.0%	14.9%
Healthcare	12.0%	6.4%
Energy	6.4%	10.5%
Basic Materials	5.2%	4.8%
Consumer Defensive	4.2%	6.9%
Utilities	2.8%	0.4%
Communication Services	2.6%	1.8%
Real Estate	0.7%	0.8%

Return for Risk

DFAS vs. DFAT — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFAS

DFAS Risk / Return Rank: 60
DFAS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
DFAS Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
DFAS Omega Ratio Rank: 52
DFAS Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
DFAS Martin Ratio Rank: 65

DFAT

DFAT Risk / Return Rank: 62
DFAT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
DFAT Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
DFAT Omega Ratio Rank: 57
DFAT Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
DFAT 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.

DFAS vs. DFAT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS) and Dimensional U.S. Targeted Value ETF (DFAT). 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	DFAT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.85	1.92	-0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.70	2.82	-0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.34	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.35	3.37	-0.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.51	10.82	+0.68

DFAS vs. DFAT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAS Sharpe Ratio is 1.85, which is comparable to the DFAT Sharpe Ratio of 1.92. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAS and DFAT, 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

DFAS vs. DFAT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAS drawdown since its inception was -26.13%, roughly equal to the maximum DFAT drawdown of -26.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAS and DFAT.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAS	DFAT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.13%	-26.12%	-0.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.36%	-9.55%	+0.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.13%	-26.12%	-0.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.13%	-26.12%	-0.01%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.12%	-1.47%	+1.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.24%	-6.24%	-2.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.72%	2.97%	-0.25%

Volatility

DFAS vs. DFAT - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS) has a higher volatility of 4.70% compared to Dimensional U.S. Targeted Value ETF (DFAT) at 3.88%. This indicates that DFAS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFAT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFAS	DFAT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.70%	3.88%	+0.82%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.92%	10.91%	+1.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.00%	16.80%	+0.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.81%	21.39%	-0.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.82%	21.44%	-0.62%

DFAS vs. DFAT - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAS has a 0.26% expense ratio, which is lower than DFAT's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFAS vs. DFAT - Dividend Comparison

DFAS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.90%, less than DFAT's 1.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFAS Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF	0.90%	0.99%	0.93%	1.00%	1.03%	2.87%
DFAT Dimensional U.S. Targeted Value ETF	1.42%	1.55%	1.31%	1.34%	1.34%	1.13%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAS and DFAT in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, DFAS and DFAT 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, DFAS or DFAT?

DFAS has higher volatility (4.70%) compared to DFAT (3.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAS dropped -26.13% vs DFAT's -26.12%.

Which ETF is better, DFAS or DFAT?

On 5-year performance, DFAT leads with 10.54% vs 8.37% for DFAS. On fees, DFAS is cheaper at 0.26% per year. On volatility, DFAT has been the lower-risk option at 3.88%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFAS or DFAT?

Over the 5-year period, DFAT has performed better with a 10.54% return vs 8.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAS or DFAT?

DFAS is cheaper with a 0.26% expense ratio, compared with 0.28% for DFAT.

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

DFAT has the higher dividend yield at 1.42%, compared with 0.90% for DFAS.

What is the main difference between DFAS and DFAT?

DFAS is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while DFAT is Small Cap Value Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.26% for DFAS and 0.28% for DFAT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.92 vs 1.85), 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.