DFAU vs. DFSV

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

DFAU (Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF) and DFSV (Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFAU is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while DFSV is a Small Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFAU returned 20.07%/yr vs 15.33%/yr for DFSV. Their 0.80 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. DFAU charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.31%/yr for DFSV.

Performance

DFAU vs. DFSV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF (DFAU) and Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF (DFSV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFAU achieves a 12.63% return, which is significantly lower than DFSV's 22.89% return.

DFAU

• 1D: 1.31%
• 1M: 1.79%
• 6M: 9.88%
• YTD: 12.63%
• 1Y: 24.32%
• 3Y*: 20.07%
• 5Y*: 12.66%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 15.12%

DFSV

• 1D: 1.21%
• 1M: 3.80%
• 6M: 13.69%
• YTD: 22.89%
• 1Y: 39.62%
• 3Y*: 15.33%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 13.45%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
DFAU Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF	$29.77M	$29.67M	$32.10M
DFSV Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF	$29.27M	$28.67M	$35.45M

DFAU vs. DFSV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFAU Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF	12.63%	16.78%	23.17%	24.79%	-7.04%
DFSV Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF	22.89%	8.59%	7.13%	19.26%	2.68%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAU and DFSV is 0.66, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.66
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 24, 2022	0.80

The correlation between DFAU and DFSV shifts across timeframes, from 0.66 (1 year) to 0.80 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

DFAU vs. DFSV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFAU	DFSV
Technology	39.8%	7.8%
Financial Services	14.2%	28.5%
Consumer Cyclical	10.4%	14.9%
Industrials	9.0%	16.1%
Communication Services	7.4%	2.6%
Healthcare	7.4%	7.3%
Consumer Defensive	3.9%	5.6%
Energy	3.2%	11.1%
Utilities	2.4%	0.6%
Basic Materials	2.2%	4.7%
Real Estate	0.2%	0.9%

Return for Risk

DFAU vs. DFSV — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

DFAU

DFAU Risk / Return Rank: 80
DFAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
DFAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
DFAU Omega Ratio Rank: 79
DFAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
DFAU Martin Ratio Rank: 85

DFSV

DFSV Risk / Return Rank: 91
DFSV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
DFSV Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
DFSV Omega Ratio Rank: 90
DFSV Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
DFSV Martin Ratio Rank: 89

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

DFAU vs. DFSV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF (DFAU) and Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF (DFSV). 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.

	DFAU	DFSV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.90	2.38	-0.48
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.61	3.45	-0.84
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.43	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.82	4.24	-1.42
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.20	14.25	-2.05

DFAU vs. DFSV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAU Sharpe Ratio is 1.90, which is comparable to the DFSV Sharpe Ratio of 2.38. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAU and DFSV, 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

DFAU vs. DFSV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAU drawdown since its inception was -23.61%, smaller than the maximum DFSV drawdown of -28.02%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAU and DFSV.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAU	DFSV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.61%	-28.02%	+4.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.67%	-9.39%	+0.72%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.36%	-28.02%	+8.66%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.61%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.88%	-6.48%	+1.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.00%	2.79%	-0.79%

Volatility

DFAU vs. DFSV - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF (DFAU) and Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF (DFSV) have volatilities of 3.63% and 3.55%, 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

	DFAU	DFSV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.63%	3.55%	+0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.12%	10.57%	-0.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.89%	16.74%	-3.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.12%	21.98%	-4.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.69%	21.98%	-5.29%

DFAU vs. DFSV - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAU has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than DFSV's 0.31% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFAU vs. DFSV - Dividend Comparison

DFAU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.90%, less than DFSV's 1.33% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DFAU Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF	0.90%	0.95%	1.10%	1.29%	1.40%	1.00%	0.13%
DFSV Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF	1.33%	1.53%	1.31%	1.29%	0.90%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAU and DFSV in my portfolio?

DFAU and DFSV have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFAU or DFSV?

DFAU has higher volatility (3.63%) compared to DFSV (3.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAU dropped -23.61% vs DFSV's -28.02%.

Which ETF is better, DFAU or DFSV?

On 3-year performance, DFAU leads with 20.07% vs 15.33% for DFSV. On fees, DFAU is cheaper at 0.12% 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, DFAU or DFSV?

Over the 3-year period, DFAU has performed better with a 20.07% return vs 15.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAU or DFSV?

DFAU is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.31% for DFSV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFAU or DFSV?

DFSV has the higher dividend yield at 1.33%, compared with 0.90% for DFAU.

What is the main difference between DFAU and DFSV?

DFAU is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while DFSV is Small Cap Value Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for DFAU and 0.31% for DFSV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFSV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.38 vs 1.90), 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.