DFAT vs. ISVL

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

DFAT (Dimensional U.S. Targeted Value ETF) and ISVL (iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF) are both Small Cap Value Equities funds. DFAT is actively managed, while ISVL is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFAT returned 17.55%/yr vs 21.99%/yr for ISVL. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFAT charges 0.28%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for ISVL.

Performance

DFAT vs. ISVL - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFAT achieves a 14.41% return, which is significantly higher than ISVL's 9.65% return.

DFAT

• 1D: 1.01%
• 1M: 1.12%
• YTD: 14.41%
• 6M: 14.52%
• 1Y: 32.14%
• 3Y*: 17.55%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ISVL

• 1D: 1.10%
• 1M: 1.96%
• YTD: 9.65%
• 6M: 13.29%
• 1Y: 29.05%
• 3Y*: 21.99%
• 5Y*: 10.31%
• 10Y*: —

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

DFAT vs. ISVL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFAT Dimensional U.S. Targeted Value ETF	14.41%	8.73%	7.80%	20.86%	-6.23%	5.08%
ISVL iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF	9.65%	42.84%	4.58%	17.56%	-13.69%	-1.31%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAT and ISVL is 0.58, 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	0.58
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 15, 2021	0.71

The correlation between DFAT and ISVL shifts across timeframes, from 0.58 (1 year) to 0.71 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

DFAT vs. ISVL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFAT	ISVL
Financial Services	28.0%	20.8%
Industrials	15.9%	23.3%
Consumer Cyclical	14.4%	10.4%
Energy	11.5%	7.3%
Technology	9.2%	4.7%
Consumer Defensive	6.7%	5.3%
Healthcare	6.2%	3.7%
Basic Materials	5.1%	9.1%
Communication Services	1.8%	3.0%
Real Estate	0.9%	11.1%
Utilities	0.4%	1.5%

Return for Risk

DFAT vs. ISVL — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFAT

DFAT Risk / Return Rank: 61
DFAT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
DFAT Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
DFAT Omega Ratio Rank: 57
DFAT Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
DFAT Martin Ratio Rank: 61

ISVL

ISVL Risk / Return Rank: 57
ISVL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
ISVL Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
ISVL Omega Ratio Rank: 62
ISVL Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
ISVL Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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.

DFAT vs. ISVL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional U.S. Targeted Value ETF (DFAT) and iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF (ISVL). 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.

	DFAT	ISVL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.93	2.02	-0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.84	2.83	0.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.37	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.38	2.34	+1.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.84	9.17	+1.68
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFAT vs. ISVL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAT Sharpe Ratio is 1.93, which is comparable to the ISVL Sharpe Ratio of 2.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAT and ISVL, 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

	DFAT	ISVL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.93	2.02	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.61	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.46	0.71	-0.25

Drawdowns

DFAT vs. ISVL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAT drawdown since its inception was -26.12%, smaller than the maximum ISVL drawdown of -30.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAT and ISVL.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAT	ISVL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.12%	-30.48%	+4.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.55%	-12.48%	+2.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.12%	-12.93%	-13.19%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-30.48%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.08%	+1.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.24%	-6.66%	+0.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.97%	3.18%	-0.21%

Volatility

DFAT vs. ISVL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional U.S. Targeted Value ETF (DFAT) is 3.96%, while iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF (ISVL) has a volatility of 4.49%. This indicates that DFAT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ISVL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFAT	ISVL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.96%	4.49%	-0.53%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.91%	12.05%	-1.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.70%	14.45%	+2.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.48%	16.90%	+4.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.48%	16.78%	+4.70%

DFAT vs. ISVL - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAT has a 0.28% expense ratio, which is lower than ISVL's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFAT vs. ISVL - Dividend Comparison

DFAT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.43%, less than ISVL's 2.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFAT Dimensional U.S. Targeted Value ETF	1.43%	1.55%	1.31%	1.34%	1.34%	1.13%
ISVL iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF	2.45%	2.69%	3.92%	3.82%	3.37%	2.82%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAT and ISVL in my portfolio?

DFAT and ISVL have a correlation of 0.58, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFAT or ISVL?

ISVL has higher volatility (4.49%) compared to DFAT (3.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAT dropped -26.12% vs ISVL's -30.48%.

Which ETF is better, DFAT or ISVL?

On 3-year performance, ISVL leads with 21.99% vs 17.55% for DFAT. On fees, DFAT is cheaper at 0.28% per year. On volatility, DFAT has been the lower-risk option at 3.96%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFAT or ISVL?

Over the 3-year period, ISVL has performed better with a 21.99% return vs 17.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAT or ISVL?

DFAT is cheaper with a 0.28% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for ISVL.

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

ISVL has the higher dividend yield at 2.45%, compared with 1.43% for DFAT.

What is the main difference between DFAT and ISVL?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.28% for DFAT and 0.30% for ISVL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ISVL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.02 vs 1.93), 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.