DFAX vs. DFSV

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

DFAX (Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF) and DFSV (Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFAX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI All Country World ex USA Index, while DFSV is a Small Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. DFAX is passively managed, while DFSV is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFAX returned 21.17%/yr vs 18.04%/yr for DFSV. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFAX charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.31%/yr for DFSV.

Performance

DFAX vs. DFSV - 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 Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF (DFSV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with DFAX having a 15.50% return and DFSV slightly higher at 16.23%.

DFAX

• 1D: 0.24%
• 1M: 2.61%
• YTD: 15.50%
• 6M: 18.24%
• 1Y: 34.48%
• 3Y*: 21.17%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFSV

• 1D: 1.06%
• 1M: 1.11%
• YTD: 16.23%
• 6M: 16.16%
• 1Y: 36.37%
• 3Y*: 18.04%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFAX vs. DFSV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF	15.50%	35.42%	4.78%	16.66%	-9.85%
DFSV Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF	16.23%	8.59%	7.13%	19.26%	0.60%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAX and DFSV is 0.61, 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	0.61
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.66
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 25, 2022	0.71

The correlation between DFAX and DFSV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.61 to 0.71 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFAX vs. DFSV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFAX	DFSV
Financial Services	17.9%	27.5%
Industrials	16.1%	15.1%
Basic Materials	13.2%	5.4%
Technology	10.9%	8.1%
Consumer Cyclical	10.9%	13.5%
Energy	6.6%	13.6%
Healthcare	5.6%	6.9%
Utilities	4.2%	0.6%
Consumer Defensive	3.9%	5.8%
Communication Services	3.5%	2.6%
Real Estate	3.1%	0.9%

Return for Risk

DFAX vs. DFSV — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFAX

DFAX Risk / Return Rank: 70
DFAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
DFAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
DFAX Omega Ratio Rank: 73
DFAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
DFAX Martin Ratio Rank: 68

DFSV

DFSV Risk / Return Rank: 68
DFSV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
DFSV Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
DFSV Omega Ratio Rank: 61
DFSV Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
DFSV Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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. DFSV - 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 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.

	DFAX	DFSV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.34	2.08	+0.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.14	3.01	+0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.37	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.12	3.89	-0.77
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.33	12.38	-0.06
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFAX vs. DFSV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.34, which is comparable to the DFSV Sharpe Ratio of 2.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAX 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DFAX	DFSV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.34	2.08	+0.26
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.65	0.54	+0.11

Drawdowns

DFAX vs. DFSV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAX drawdown since its inception was -28.15%, roughly equal to the maximum DFSV drawdown of -28.02%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAX and DFSV.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAX	DFSV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.15%	-28.02%	-0.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.11%	-9.39%	-1.72%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.89%	-28.02%	+14.13%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.76%	0.00%	-0.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.67%	-6.70%	+0.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.80%	2.94%	-0.14%

Volatility

DFAX vs. DFSV - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX) has a higher volatility of 5.10% compared to Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF (DFSV) at 3.89%. This indicates that DFAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFSV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFAX	DFSV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.10%	3.89%	+1.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.67%	11.31%	+1.36%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.82%	17.57%	-2.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.98%	22.24%	-6.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.98%	22.24%	-6.26%

DFAX vs. DFSV - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAX has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than DFSV's 0.31% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFAX vs. DFSV - Dividend Comparison

DFAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.21%, more than DFSV's 1.41% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF	2.21%	2.58%	2.98%	3.01%	3.30%	1.40%
DFSV Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF	1.41%	1.53%	1.31%	1.29%	0.90%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAX and DFSV in my portfolio?

DFAX and DFSV have a correlation of 0.61, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFAX or DFSV?

DFAX has higher volatility (5.10%) compared to DFSV (3.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAX dropped -28.15% vs DFSV's -28.02%.

Which ETF is better, DFAX or DFSV?

On 3-year performance, DFAX leads with 21.17% vs 18.04% for DFSV. On fees, DFAX is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, DFSV has been the lower-risk option at 3.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFAX or DFSV?

Over the 3-year period, DFAX has performed better with a 21.17% return vs 18.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAX or DFSV?

DFAX is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.31% for DFSV.

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

DFAX has the higher dividend yield at 2.21%, compared with 1.41% for DFSV.

What is the main difference between DFAX and DFSV?

DFAX is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while DFSV is Small Cap Value Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for DFAX and 0.31% for DFSV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.34 vs 2.08), 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.