DFAX vs. AVDS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DFAX (Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF) and AVDS (Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFAX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while AVDS is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund actively managed by Avantis. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, DFAX returned 36.37% vs 31.76% for AVDS. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFAX charges 0.28%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for AVDS.

Performance

DFAX vs. AVDS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX) and Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF (AVDS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFAX achieves a 16.39% return, which is significantly higher than AVDS's 11.30% return.

DFAX

• 1D: 0.24%
• 1M: 2.45%
• YTD: 16.39%
• 6M: 16.89%
• 1Y: 36.37%
• 3Y*: 21.52%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AVDS

• 1D: -0.01%
• 1M: -0.76%
• YTD: 11.30%
• 6M: 11.57%
• 1Y: 31.76%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFAX vs. AVDS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF	16.39%	35.42%	4.78%	3.24%
AVDS Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF	11.30%	38.18%	3.20%	3.58%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAX and AVDS is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 20, 2023	0.93

The correlation between DFAX and AVDS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFAX vs. AVDS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFAX	AVDS
Technology	19.1%	10.1%
Financial Services	17.7%	12.5%
Industrials	17.4%	22.4%
Basic Materials	10.6%	16.1%
Consumer Cyclical	9.5%	13.4%
Energy	6.1%	5.6%
Healthcare	5.8%	4.7%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	5.5%
Communication Services	4.3%	3.1%
Utilities	2.9%	3.1%
Real Estate	1.9%	3.4%

Return for Risk

DFAX vs. AVDS — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFAX

DFAX Risk / Return Rank: 72
DFAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
DFAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
DFAX Omega Ratio Rank: 76
DFAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
DFAX Martin Ratio Rank: 71

AVDS

AVDS Risk / Return Rank: 60
AVDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
AVDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
AVDS Omega Ratio Rank: 63
AVDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
AVDS Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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.

DFAX vs. AVDS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX) and Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF (AVDS). 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.

	DFAX	AVDS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.33	2.06	+0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.08	2.82	+0.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.37	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.29	2.56	+0.73
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.79	9.78	+3.01

DFAX vs. AVDS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.33, which is comparable to the AVDS Sharpe Ratio of 2.06. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAX and AVDS, 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

DFAX vs. AVDS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAX drawdown since its inception was -28.15%, which is greater than AVDS's maximum drawdown of -13.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAX and AVDS.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAX	AVDS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.15%	-13.51%	-14.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.11%	-12.44%	+1.33%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.89%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.00%	-2.37%	+2.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.62%	-2.83%	-3.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.85%	3.26%	-0.41%

Volatility

DFAX vs. AVDS - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX) has a higher volatility of 6.29% compared to Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF (AVDS) at 5.42%. This indicates that DFAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than AVDS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFAX	AVDS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.29%	5.42%	+0.87%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.80%	13.22%	+0.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.72%	15.49%	+0.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.11%	15.47%	+0.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.11%	15.47%	+0.64%

DFAX vs. AVDS - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAX has a 0.28% expense ratio, which is lower than AVDS's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFAX vs. AVDS - Dividend Comparison

DFAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.20%, less than AVDS's 3.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
AVDS Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF	3.30%	2.37%	3.07%	0.72%	0.00%	0.00%
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF	2.20%	2.58%	2.98%	3.01%	3.30%	1.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAX and AVDS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, DFAX and AVDS 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, DFAX or AVDS?

DFAX has higher volatility (6.29%) compared to AVDS (5.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAX dropped -28.15% vs AVDS's -13.51%.

Which ETF is better, DFAX or AVDS?

On 1-year performance, DFAX leads with 36.37% vs 31.76% for AVDS. On fees, DFAX is cheaper at 0.28% per year. On volatility, AVDS has been the lower-risk option at 5.42%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFAX or AVDS?

Over the 1-year period, DFAX has performed better with a 36.37% return vs 31.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAX or AVDS?

DFAX is cheaper with a 0.28% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for AVDS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFAX or AVDS?

AVDS has the higher dividend yield at 3.30%, compared with 2.20% for DFAX.

What is the main difference between DFAX and AVDS?

DFAX is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while AVDS is Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities. They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Avantis. Their fees differ too: 0.28% for DFAX and 0.30% for AVDS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.33 vs 2.06), 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.