DFAU vs. DISV

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

DFAU (Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF) and DISV (Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFAU is a Large 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, DFAU returned 18.74%/yr vs 21.47%/yr for DISV. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFAU charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.42%/yr for DISV.

Performance

DFAU vs. DISV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF (DFAU) 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, DFAU achieves a 10.59% return, which is significantly higher than DISV's 9.87% return.

DFAU

• 1D: -0.92%
• 1M: 0.84%
• 6M: 8.39%
• YTD: 10.59%
• 1Y: 20.62%
• 3Y*: 18.74%
• 5Y*: 12.67%
• 10Y*: —

DISV

• 1D: -0.68%
• 1M: -0.52%
• 6M: 5.56%
• YTD: 9.87%
• 1Y: 27.68%
• 3Y*: 21.47%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFAU vs. DISV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFAU Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF	10.59%	16.78%	23.17%	24.79%	-11.92%
DISV Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF	9.87%	47.42%	5.87%	19.52%	-9.36%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAU 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	0.63
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 24, 2022	0.69

The correlation between DFAU and DISV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.63 to 0.69 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFAU vs. DISV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFAU	DISV
Technology	36.0%	4.0%
Financial Services	12.1%	18.3%
Consumer Cyclical	10.6%	15.5%
Industrials	10.1%	17.8%
Communication Services	9.8%	2.5%
Healthcare	8.3%	3.5%
Consumer Defensive	4.4%	4.4%
Energy	4.1%	7.0%
Basic Materials	2.4%	18.9%
Utilities	2.3%	2.7%
Real Estate	0.1%	3.0%

Return for Risk

DFAU vs. DISV — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFAU

DFAU Risk / Return Rank: 63
DFAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
DFAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
DFAU Omega Ratio Rank: 61
DFAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
DFAU Martin Ratio Rank: 73

DISV

DISV Risk / Return Rank: 65
DISV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
DISV Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
DISV Omega Ratio Rank: 69
DISV Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
DISV Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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.

DFAU vs. DISV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

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	DISV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.63	1.86	-0.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.26	2.60	-0.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.33	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.39	2.19	+0.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.42	7.70	+2.72

DFAU vs. DISV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAU Sharpe Ratio is 1.63, which is comparable to the DISV Sharpe Ratio of 1.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAU 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.

Drawdowns

DFAU vs. DISV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAU drawdown since its inception was -23.61%, smaller than the maximum DISV drawdown of -26.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAU and DISV.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAU	DISV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.61%	-26.77%	+3.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.67%	-12.69%	+4.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.36%	-14.15%	-5.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.61%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.32%	-3.34%	+2.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.91%	-4.87%	-0.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.98%	3.61%	-1.63%

Volatility

DFAU vs. DISV - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF (DFAU) is 3.24%, while Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF (DISV) has a volatility of 3.62%. This indicates that DFAU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DISV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFAU	DISV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.24%	3.62%	-0.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.01%	12.58%	-2.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.70%	14.95%	-2.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.12%	17.30%	-0.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.70%	17.30%	-0.60%

DFAU vs. DISV - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAU has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than DISV's 0.42% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFAU vs. DISV - Dividend Comparison

DFAU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.91%, less than DISV's 2.51% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DFAU Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF	0.91%	0.95%	1.10%	1.29%	1.40%	1.00%	0.13%
DISV Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF	2.51%	2.69%	2.77%	2.73%	1.23%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAU and DISV in my portfolio?

DFAU 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, DFAU or DISV?

DISV has higher volatility (3.62%) compared to DFAU (3.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAU dropped -23.61% vs DISV's -26.77%.

Which ETF is better, DFAU or DISV?

On 3-year performance, DISV leads with 21.47% vs 18.74% for DFAU. On fees, DFAU is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, DFAU has been the lower-risk option at 3.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFAU or DISV?

Over the 3-year period, DISV has performed better with a 21.47% return vs 18.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAU or DISV?

DFAU is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.42% for DISV.

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

DISV has the higher dividend yield at 2.51%, compared with 0.91% for DFAU.

What is the main difference between DFAU and DISV?

DFAU is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while DISV is Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for DFAU and 0.42% for DISV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DISV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.86 vs 1.63), 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.