DFAS vs. DISV

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFAS (Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF) and DISV (Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFAS is a Small Cap Blend 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, DFAS returned 15.22%/yr vs 24.35%/yr for DISV. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFAS charges 0.34%/yr vs 0.42%/yr for DISV.

Performance

DFAS vs. DISV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS) 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, DFAS achieves a 12.81% return, which is significantly higher than DISV's 10.83% return.

DFAS

• 1D: -0.81%
• 1M: 2.19%
• YTD: 12.81%
• 6M: 12.10%
• 1Y: 27.65%
• 3Y*: 15.22%
• 5Y*: —
• 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)

DFAS vs. DISV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFAS Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF	12.81%	8.17%	10.21%	17.83%	-8.74%
DISV Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF	10.83%	47.42%	5.87%	19.52%	-9.72%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAS and DISV is 0.65, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.65
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.66
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 25, 2022	0.71

The correlation between DFAS and DISV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.65 to 0.71 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFAS vs. DISV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFAS	DISV
Financial Services	19.5%	18.6%
Industrials	18.6%	18.1%
Technology	15.0%	4.1%
Consumer Cyclical	11.9%	15.3%
Healthcare	11.0%	3.0%
Energy	6.7%	9.2%
Basic Materials	5.6%	18.3%
Consumer Defensive	4.3%	4.3%
Utilities	3.8%	2.6%
Communication Services	2.8%	3.4%
Real Estate	0.2%	3.2%

Return for Risk

DFAS vs. DISV — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFAS

DFAS Risk / Return Rank: 51
DFAS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
DFAS Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
DFAS Omega Ratio Rank: 45
DFAS Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
DFAS Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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.

DFAS vs. DISV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	DFAS	DISV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.66	2.39	-0.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.46	3.28	-0.83
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.43	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.97	2.72	+0.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.17	10.27	-0.10
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFAS vs. DISV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAS Sharpe Ratio is 1.66, which is lower than the DISV Sharpe Ratio of 2.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAS 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

	DFAS	DISV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.66	2.39	-0.73
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.36	0.93	-0.57

Drawdowns

DFAS vs. DISV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAS drawdown since its inception was -26.13%, roughly equal to the maximum DISV drawdown of -26.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAS and DISV.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAS	DISV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.13%	-26.77%	+0.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.36%	-12.69%	+3.33%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.13%	-14.15%	-11.98%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.81%	-2.48%	+1.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.31%	-4.90%	-3.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.73%	3.35%	-0.62%

Volatility

DFAS vs. DISV - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS) and Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF (DISV) have volatilities of 4.31% and 4.16%, 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

	DFAS	DISV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.31%	4.16%	+0.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.58%	11.69%	-0.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.77%	14.45%	+2.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.84%	17.36%	+3.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.84%	17.36%	+3.48%

DFAS vs. DISV - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAS has a 0.34% expense ratio, which is lower than DISV's 0.42% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFAS vs. DISV - Dividend Comparison

DFAS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.92%, less than DISV's 2.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFAS Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF	0.92%	0.99%	0.93%	1.00%	1.03%	2.87%
DISV Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF	2.39%	2.69%	2.77%	2.73%	1.23%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAS and DISV in my portfolio?

DFAS and DISV have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFAS or DISV?

DFAS has higher volatility (4.31%) compared to DISV (4.16%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAS dropped -26.13% vs DISV's -26.77%.

Which ETF is better, DFAS or DISV?

On 3-year performance, DISV leads with 24.35% vs 15.22% for DFAS. On fees, DFAS is cheaper at 0.34% 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, DFAS or DISV?

Over the 3-year period, DISV has performed better with a 24.35% return vs 15.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAS or DISV?

DFAS is cheaper with a 0.34% expense ratio, compared with 0.42% for DISV.

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

DISV has the higher dividend yield at 2.39%, compared with 0.92% for DFAS.

What is the main difference between DFAS and DISV?

DFAS is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while DISV is Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.34% for DFAS and 0.42% for DISV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DISV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.39 vs 1.66), 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.