DFIC vs. AVDE

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DFIC (DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF) and AVDE (Avantis International Equity ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFIC returned 19.97%/yr vs 20.76%/yr for AVDE. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFIC charges 0.22%/yr vs 0.23%/yr for AVDE.

Performance

DFIC vs. AVDE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC) and Avantis International Equity ETF (AVDE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFIC achieves a 10.96% return, which is significantly lower than AVDE's 11.70% return.

DFIC

• 1D: 0.28%
• 1M: 0.63%
• YTD: 10.96%
• 6M: 11.16%
• 1Y: 28.82%
• 3Y*: 19.97%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AVDE

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: 1.17%
• YTD: 11.70%
• 6M: 11.84%
• 1Y: 30.26%
• 3Y*: 20.76%
• 5Y*: 10.72%
• 10Y*: —

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

DFIC vs. AVDE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFIC DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF	10.96%	37.09%	4.10%	17.32%	-8.86%
AVDE Avantis International Equity ETF	11.70%	38.05%	4.88%	17.18%	-9.03%

Correlation

The correlation between DFIC and AVDE is 0.99 - 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	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 24, 2022	0.99

The correlation between DFIC and AVDE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFIC vs. AVDE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFIC	AVDE
Financial Services	20.3%	23.9%
Industrials	20.0%	20.2%
Basic Materials	11.4%	11.4%
Consumer Cyclical	9.8%	9.4%
Technology	8.8%	8.0%
Energy	7.4%	7.4%
Healthcare	6.9%	5.7%
Consumer Defensive	6.0%	4.3%
Communication Services	4.3%	4.1%
Utilities	3.4%	4.0%
Real Estate	1.7%	1.5%

Return for Risk

DFIC vs. AVDE — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFIC

DFIC Risk / Return Rank: 61
DFIC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
DFIC Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
DFIC Omega Ratio Rank: 63
DFIC Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
DFIC Martin Ratio Rank: 60

AVDE

AVDE Risk / Return Rank: 61
AVDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
AVDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
AVDE Omega Ratio Rank: 63
AVDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
AVDE Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

DFIC vs. AVDE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC) and Avantis International Equity ETF (AVDE). 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.

	DFIC	AVDE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.03	2.03	0.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.81	2.80	+0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.37	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.63	2.65	-0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.38	10.35	+0.02

DFIC vs. AVDE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFIC Sharpe Ratio is 2.03, which is comparable to the AVDE Sharpe Ratio of 2.03. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFIC and AVDE, 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

DFIC vs. AVDE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFIC drawdown since its inception was -24.40%, smaller than the maximum AVDE drawdown of -36.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFIC and AVDE.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFIC	AVDE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.40%	-36.99%	+12.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.00%	-11.48%	+0.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.14%	-13.46%	+0.32%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-28.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.72%	-0.36%	-0.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.51%	-6.13%	+1.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.78%	2.93%	-0.15%

Volatility

DFIC vs. AVDE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC) is 4.52%, while Avantis International Equity ETF (AVDE) has a volatility of 4.95%. This indicates that DFIC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AVDE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFIC	AVDE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.52%	4.95%	-0.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.07%	12.78%	-0.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.30%	15.01%	-0.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.23%	16.37%	-0.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.23%	18.91%	-2.68%

DFIC vs. AVDE - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFIC has a 0.22% expense ratio, which is lower than AVDE's 0.23% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

DFIC vs. AVDE - Dividend Comparison

DFIC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.26%, less than AVDE's 3.81% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
AVDE Avantis International Equity ETF	3.81%	2.66%	3.29%	3.01%	2.79%	2.46%	1.63%	0.29%
DFIC DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF	2.26%	2.54%	2.87%	2.55%	1.47%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFIC and AVDE in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, DFIC and AVDE 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, DFIC or AVDE?

AVDE has higher volatility (4.95%) compared to DFIC (4.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFIC dropped -24.40% vs AVDE's -36.99%.

Which ETF is better, DFIC or AVDE?

On 3-year performance, AVDE leads with 20.76% vs 19.97% for DFIC. On fees, DFIC is cheaper at 0.22% per year. On volatility, DFIC has been the lower-risk option at 4.52%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFIC or AVDE?

Over the 3-year period, AVDE has performed better with a 20.76% return vs 19.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFIC or AVDE?

DFIC is cheaper with a 0.22% expense ratio, compared with 0.23% for AVDE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFIC or AVDE?

AVDE has the higher dividend yield at 3.81%, compared with 2.26% for DFIC.

What is the main difference between DFIC and AVDE?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Avantis. Their fees differ too: 0.22% for DFIC and 0.23% for AVDE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVDE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.03 vs 2.03), 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.