DFEV vs. AVEM

Last updated Jun 20, 2026

DFEV (Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF) and AVEM (Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFEV is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund actively managed by Dimensional, while AVEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund actively managed by Avantis. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFEV returned 25.21%/yr vs 25.24%/yr for AVEM. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFEV charges 0.43%/yr vs 0.33%/yr for AVEM.

Performance

DFEV vs. AVEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF (DFEV) and Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF (AVEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFEV achieves a 31.95% return, which is significantly higher than AVEM's 30.29% return.

DFEV

• 1D: 2.80%
• 1M: 8.94%
• YTD: 31.95%
• 6M: 34.54%
• 1Y: 56.45%
• 3Y*: 25.21%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AVEM

• 1D: 3.17%
• 1M: 8.73%
• YTD: 30.29%
• 6M: 32.23%
• 1Y: 53.71%
• 3Y*: 25.24%
• 5Y*: 11.01%
• 10Y*: —

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

DFEV vs. AVEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFEV Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF	31.95%	32.54%	7.26%	15.52%	-6.08%
AVEM Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF	30.29%	34.48%	7.49%	15.30%	-5.25%

Correlation

The correlation between DFEV and AVEM is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 27, 2022	0.96

The correlation between DFEV and AVEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFEV vs. AVEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFEV

DFEV Risk / Return Rank: 89
DFEV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
DFEV Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
DFEV Omega Ratio Rank: 90
DFEV Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
DFEV Martin Ratio Rank: 88

AVEM

AVEM Risk / Return Rank: 81
AVEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
AVEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
AVEM Omega Ratio Rank: 83
AVEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
AVEM Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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.

DFEV vs. AVEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF (DFEV) and Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF (AVEM). 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.

	DFEV	AVEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.95	2.51	+0.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.75	3.20	+0.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.55	1.47	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.00	4.11	+0.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.95	15.64	+2.31

DFEV vs. AVEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFEV Sharpe Ratio is 2.95, which is comparable to the AVEM Sharpe Ratio of 2.51. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFEV and AVEM, 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

DFEV vs. AVEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFEV drawdown since its inception was -18.49%, smaller than the maximum AVEM drawdown of -36.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFEV and AVEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFEV	AVEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.49%	-36.05%	+17.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.35%	-13.13%	+1.78%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.94%	-18.02%	+0.08%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-33.88%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.64%	-10.05%	+5.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.15%	3.44%	-0.29%

Volatility

DFEV vs. AVEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF (DFEV) is 10.15%, while Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF (AVEM) has a volatility of 11.12%. This indicates that DFEV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AVEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFEV	AVEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.15%	11.12%	-0.97%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.18%	19.25%	-2.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.24%	21.53%	-2.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.89%	18.82%	-1.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.89%	20.82%	-3.93%

DFEV vs. AVEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFEV has a 0.43% expense ratio, which is higher than AVEM's 0.33% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFEV vs. AVEM - Dividend Comparison

DFEV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.99%, less than AVEM's 2.48% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
AVEM Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF	2.48%	2.45%	3.17%	3.06%	2.77%	2.61%	1.60%	0.35%
DFEV Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF	1.99%	2.69%	3.17%	3.47%	3.35%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFEV and AVEM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, DFEV and AVEM 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, DFEV or AVEM?

AVEM has higher volatility (11.12%) compared to DFEV (10.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFEV dropped -18.49% vs AVEM's -36.05%.

Which ETF is better, DFEV or AVEM?

On 3-year performance, AVEM leads with 25.24% vs 25.21% for DFEV. On fees, AVEM is cheaper at 0.33% per year. On volatility, DFEV has been the lower-risk option at 10.15%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFEV or AVEM?

Over the 3-year period, AVEM has performed better with a 25.24% return vs 25.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFEV or AVEM?

AVEM is cheaper with a 0.33% expense ratio, compared with 0.43% for DFEV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFEV or AVEM?

AVEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.48%, compared with 1.99% for DFEV.

What is the main difference between DFEV and AVEM?

DFEV is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while AVEM is Emerging Markets Equities. They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Avantis. Their fees differ too: 0.43% for DFEV and 0.33% for AVEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFEV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.95 vs 2.51), 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.