DFISX vs. AVANX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFISX (DFA International Small Company Portfolio) and AVANX (Avantis International Small Cap Value Fund Class G) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. Over the past 3 years, DFISX returned 18.77%/yr vs 28.63%/yr for AVANX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep.

Performance

DFISX vs. AVANX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA International Small Company Portfolio (DFISX) and Avantis International Small Cap Value Fund Class G (AVANX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFISX achieves a 9.65% return, which is significantly lower than AVANX's 17.36% return.

DFISX

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: 3.43%
• YTD: 9.65%
• 6M: 13.12%
• 1Y: 26.38%
• 3Y*: 18.77%
• 5Y*: 7.30%
• 10Y*: 8.36%

AVANX

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: 4.01%
• YTD: 17.36%
• 6M: 21.19%
• 1Y: 45.66%
• 3Y*: 28.63%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFISX vs. AVANX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFISX DFA International Small Company Portfolio	9.65%	36.35%	3.76%	14.46%	-12.81%
AVANX Avantis International Small Cap Value Fund Class G	17.36%	48.78%	8.80%	17.17%	-7.66%

Correlation

The correlation between DFISX and AVANX 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 Feb 1, 2022	0.97

The correlation between DFISX and AVANX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFISX vs. AVANX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFISX

DFISX Risk / Return Rank: 38
DFISX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
DFISX Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
DFISX Omega Ratio Rank: 41
DFISX Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
DFISX Martin Ratio Rank: 35

AVANX

AVANX Risk / Return Rank: 80
AVANX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
AVANX Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
AVANX Omega Ratio Rank: 80
AVANX Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
AVANX Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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.

DFISX vs. AVANX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA International Small Company Portfolio (DFISX) and Avantis International Small Cap Value Fund Class G (AVANX). 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.

	DFISX	AVANX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.87	2.95	-1.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.65	3.91	-1.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.53	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.15	3.50	-1.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.90	13.91	-6.01
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFISX vs. AVANX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFISX Sharpe Ratio is 1.87, which is lower than the AVANX Sharpe Ratio of 2.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFISX and AVANX, 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

	DFISX	AVANX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.87	2.95	-1.08
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.46	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.52	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.47	1.06	-0.60

Drawdowns

DFISX vs. AVANX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFISX drawdown since its inception was -60.66%, which is greater than AVANX's maximum drawdown of -25.35%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFISX and AVANX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFISX	AVANX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.66%	-25.35%	-35.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.96%	-12.86%	+0.90%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.68%	-13.83%	+0.15%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.06%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.00%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.31%	-0.72%	-0.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.64%	-4.82%	-6.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.24%	3.23%	+0.01%

Volatility

DFISX vs. AVANX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA International Small Company Portfolio (DFISX) is 3.78%, while Avantis International Small Cap Value Fund Class G (AVANX) has a volatility of 4.45%. This indicates that DFISX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AVANX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFISX	AVANX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.78%	4.45%	-0.67%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.00%	12.48%	-1.48%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.77%	15.30%	-1.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.89%	17.09%	-1.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.20%	17.09%	-0.89%

Dividends

DFISX vs. AVANX - Dividend Comparison

DFISX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.87%, less than AVANX's 9.26% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVANX Avantis International Small Cap Value Fund Class G	9.26%	10.86%	4.74%	3.87%	3.70%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DFISX DFA International Small Company Portfolio	2.87%	3.19%	3.39%	3.01%	3.51%	3.06%	1.71%	4.54%	7.74%	1.27%	4.44%	4.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFISX and AVANX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, DFISX and AVANX 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, DFISX or AVANX?

AVANX has higher volatility (4.45%) compared to DFISX (3.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFISX dropped -60.66% vs AVANX's -25.35%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVANX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.95 vs 1.87), 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.