DFEV vs. DFAS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFEV (Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF) and DFAS (Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFEV is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund actively managed by Dimensional, while DFAS is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFEV returned 24.39%/yr vs 15.91%/yr for DFAS. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFEV charges 0.43%/yr vs 0.26%/yr for DFAS.

Performance

DFEV vs. DFAS - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFEV achieves a 25.45% return, which is significantly higher than DFAS's 14.69% return.

DFEV

• 1D: -5.33%
• 1M: 2.00%
• YTD: 25.45%
• 6M: 26.35%
• 1Y: 48.75%
• 3Y*: 24.39%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFAS

• 1D: -0.91%
• 1M: 2.82%
• YTD: 14.69%
• 6M: 12.40%
• 1Y: 28.52%
• 3Y*: 15.91%
• 5Y*: 7.86%
• 10Y*: —

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

DFEV vs. DFAS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFEV Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF	25.45%	32.54%	7.26%	15.52%	-6.08%
DFAS Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF	14.69%	8.17%	10.21%	17.83%	-1.34%

Correlation

The correlation between DFEV and DFAS is 0.58, 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	0.58
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.56
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 27, 2022	0.60

The correlation between DFEV and DFAS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.56 to 0.60 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFEV vs. DFAS — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFEV

DFEV Risk / Return Rank: 80
DFEV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
DFEV Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
DFEV Omega Ratio Rank: 83
DFEV Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
DFEV Martin Ratio Rank: 81

DFAS

DFAS Risk / Return Rank: 56
DFAS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
DFAS Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
DFAS Omega Ratio Rank: 47
DFAS Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
DFAS Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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. DFAS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF (DFEV) and Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS). 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	DFAS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.45	1.69	+0.76
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.09	2.49	+0.60
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.29	+0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.31	3.06	+1.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.41	10.51	+4.90

DFEV vs. DFAS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFEV Sharpe Ratio is 2.45, which is higher than the DFAS Sharpe Ratio of 1.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFEV and DFAS, 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. DFAS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFEV drawdown since its inception was -18.49%, smaller than the maximum DFAS drawdown of -26.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFEV and DFAS.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFEV	DFAS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.49%	-26.13%	+7.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.35%	-9.36%	-1.99%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.94%	-26.13%	+8.19%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.13%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.33%	-1.03%	-4.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.63%	-8.23%	+3.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.17%	2.72%	+0.45%

Volatility

DFEV vs. DFAS - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF (DFEV) has a higher volatility of 11.67% compared to Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS) at 4.84%. This indicates that DFEV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFAS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFEV	DFAS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.67%	4.84%	+6.83%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.08%	11.96%	+6.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.00%	17.00%	+3.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.09%	20.81%	-3.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.09%	20.82%	-3.73%

DFEV vs. DFAS - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFEV has a 0.43% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAS's 0.26% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFEV vs. DFAS - Dividend Comparison

DFEV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.09%, more than DFAS's 0.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFAS Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF	0.91%	0.99%	0.93%	1.00%	1.03%	2.87%
DFEV Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF	2.09%	2.69%	3.17%	3.47%	3.35%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFEV and DFAS in my portfolio?

DFEV and DFAS have a correlation of 0.58, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFEV or DFAS?

DFEV has higher volatility (11.67%) compared to DFAS (4.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFEV dropped -18.49% vs DFAS's -26.13%.

Which ETF is better, DFEV or DFAS?

On 3-year performance, DFEV leads with 24.39% vs 15.91% for DFAS. On fees, DFAS is cheaper at 0.26% per year. On volatility, DFAS has been the lower-risk option at 4.84%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFEV or DFAS?

Over the 3-year period, DFEV has performed better with a 24.39% return vs 15.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFEV or DFAS?

DFAS is cheaper with a 0.26% expense ratio, compared with 0.43% for DFEV.

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

DFEV has the higher dividend yield at 2.09%, compared with 0.91% for DFAS.

What is the main difference between DFEV and DFAS?

DFEV is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while DFAS is Small Cap Blend Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.43% for DFEV and 0.26% for DFAS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFEV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.45 vs 1.69), 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.