DFAS vs. RB

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DFAS (Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF) and RB (ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFAS is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while RB is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the Russell 2000. DFAS is actively managed, while RB is passively managed. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFAS charges 0.26%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for RB.

Performance

DFAS vs. RB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS) and ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (RB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFAS achieves a 15.74% return, which is significantly higher than RB's 8.48% return.

DFAS

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

RB

• 1D: 0.70%
• 1M: 1.98%
• YTD: 8.48%
• 6M: 8.15%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFAS vs. RB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DFAS Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF	15.74%	11.82%
RB ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	8.48%	10.85%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAS and RB is 0.76, 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 Jun 26, 2025	0.76

Return for Risk

DFAS vs. RB — 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

RB

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. RB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS) and ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (RB). 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	RB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.85	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.70	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.35	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.51	—	—

Drawdowns

DFAS vs. RB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAS drawdown since its inception was -26.13%, which is greater than RB's maximum drawdown of -2.09%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAS and RB.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAS	RB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.13%	-2.09%	-24.04%
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	-0.12%	0.00%	-0.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.24%	-0.44%	-7.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.72%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DFAS	RB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.70%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.92%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.00%	6.56%	+10.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.81%	6.56%	+14.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.82%	6.56%	+14.26%

DFAS vs. RB - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAS has a 0.26% expense ratio, which is lower than RB's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFAS vs. RB - Dividend Comparison

DFAS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.90%, less than RB's 1.96% 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%
RB ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	1.96%	1.78%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAS and RB in my portfolio?

DFAS and RB have a correlation of 0.76, 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 RB?

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 RB?

DFAS is cheaper with a 0.26% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for RB.

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

RB has the higher dividend yield at 1.96%, compared with 0.90% for DFAS.

What is the main difference between DFAS and RB?

DFAS is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while RB is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 0.26% for DFAS and 0.58% for RB.