DFAT vs. VBR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFAT (Dimensional U.S. Targeted Value ETF) and VBR (Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF) are both Small Cap Value Equities funds. DFAT is actively managed, while VBR is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, DFAT returned 10.18%/yr vs 8.59%/yr for VBR. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFAT charges 0.28%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VBR.

Performance

DFAT vs. VBR - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFAT achieves a 15.13% return, which is significantly higher than VBR's 13.29% return.

DFAT

• 1D: -0.35%
• 1M: 2.05%
• YTD: 15.13%
• 6M: 13.50%
• 1Y: 30.29%
• 3Y*: 17.00%
• 5Y*: 10.18%
• 10Y*: —

VBR

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: 2.54%
• YTD: 13.29%
• 6M: 11.72%
• 1Y: 26.18%
• 3Y*: 16.90%
• 5Y*: 8.59%
• 10Y*: 11.01%

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

DFAT vs. VBR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFAT Dimensional U.S. Targeted Value ETF	15.13%	8.73%	7.80%	20.86%	-6.23%	3.66%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	13.29%	9.09%	12.40%	16.00%	-9.38%	1.14%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAT and VBR is 0.97 - 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	0.97
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 DFAT and VBR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFAT vs. VBR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFAT	VBR
Financial Services	27.9%	17.5%
Industrials	16.2%	17.4%
Consumer Cyclical	14.9%	12.5%
Energy	10.5%	4.3%
Technology	9.4%	12.1%
Consumer Defensive	6.9%	4.0%
Healthcare	6.4%	8.3%
Basic Materials	4.8%	6.0%
Communication Services	1.8%	2.8%
Real Estate	0.8%	10.5%
Utilities	0.4%	4.6%

Return for Risk

DFAT vs. VBR — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFAT

DFAT Risk / Return Rank: 59
DFAT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
DFAT Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
DFAT Omega Ratio Rank: 54
DFAT Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
DFAT Martin Ratio Rank: 60

VBR

VBR Risk / Return Rank: 55
VBR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
VBR Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
VBR Omega Ratio Rank: 48
VBR Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VBR Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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. VBR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional U.S. Targeted Value ETF (DFAT) and Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR). 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.

	DFAT	VBR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.82	1.72	+0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.69	2.54	+0.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.30	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.19	2.97	+0.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.22	10.49	-0.27

DFAT vs. VBR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAT Sharpe Ratio is 1.82, which is comparable to the VBR Sharpe Ratio of 1.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAT and VBR, 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

DFAT vs. VBR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAT drawdown since its inception was -26.12%, smaller than the maximum VBR drawdown of -61.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAT and VBR.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAT	VBR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.12%	-61.98%	+35.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.55%	-8.85%	-0.70%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.12%	-24.19%	-1.93%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.12%	-24.19%	-1.93%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-45.28%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.81%	-1.14%	-0.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.24%	-8.25%	+2.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.97%	2.50%	+0.47%

Volatility

DFAT vs. VBR - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional U.S. Targeted Value ETF (DFAT) and Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) have volatilities of 3.91% and 3.98%, 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

	DFAT	VBR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.91%	3.98%	-0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.92%	10.66%	+0.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.78%	15.30%	+1.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.39%	19.73%	+1.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.43%	21.71%	-0.28%

DFAT vs. VBR - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAT has a 0.28% expense ratio, which is higher than VBR's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFAT vs. VBR - Dividend Comparison

DFAT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.42%, less than VBR's 1.73% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFAT Dimensional U.S. Targeted Value ETF	1.42%	1.55%	1.31%	1.34%	1.34%	1.13%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	1.73%	1.95%	1.98%	2.12%	2.03%	1.75%	1.68%	2.06%	2.35%	1.79%	1.77%	1.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAT and VBR in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, DFAT and VBR 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, DFAT or VBR?

VBR has higher volatility (3.98%) compared to DFAT (3.91%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAT dropped -26.12% vs VBR's -61.98%.

Which ETF is better, DFAT or VBR?

On 5-year performance, DFAT leads with 10.18% vs 8.59% for VBR. On fees, VBR is cheaper at 0.05% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFAT or VBR?

Over the 5-year period, DFAT has performed better with a 10.18% return vs 8.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAT or VBR?

VBR is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.28% for DFAT.

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

VBR has the higher dividend yield at 1.73%, compared with 1.42% for DFAT.

What is the main difference between DFAT and VBR?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.28% for DFAT and 0.05% for VBR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.82 vs 1.72), 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.