DFIV vs. AVDVX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DFIV (Dimensional International Value ETF) and AVDVX (Avantis International Small Cap Value Fund) are both funds - DFIV is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while AVDVX is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund managed by Avantis Investors. Over the past 3 years, DFIV returned 23.86%/yr vs 26.32%/yr for AVDVX. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFIV charges 0.27%/yr vs 0.36%/yr for AVDVX.

Performance

DFIV vs. AVDVX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional International Value ETF (DFIV) and Avantis International Small Cap Value Fund (AVDVX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFIV achieves a 11.48% return, which is significantly lower than AVDVX's 15.65% return.

DFIV

• 1D: 0.36%
• 1M: -0.05%
• YTD: 11.48%
• 6M: 11.84%
• 1Y: 35.09%
• 3Y*: 23.86%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AVDVX

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: 0.05%
• YTD: 15.65%
• 6M: 16.00%
• 1Y: 43.90%
• 3Y*: 26.32%
• 5Y*: 14.80%
• 10Y*: —

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

DFIV vs. AVDVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFIV Dimensional International Value ETF	11.48%	45.36%	7.26%	17.75%	-3.70%	0.50%
AVDVX Avantis International Small Cap Value Fund	15.65%	48.24%	8.41%	16.75%	-10.88%	-1.45%

Correlation

The correlation between DFIV and AVDVX is 0.85, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.85
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2021	0.91

The correlation between DFIV and AVDVX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFIV vs. AVDVX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFIV

DFIV Risk / Return Rank: 78
DFIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
DFIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
DFIV Omega Ratio Rank: 80
DFIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
DFIV Martin Ratio Rank: 76

AVDVX

AVDVX Risk / Return Rank: 81
AVDVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
AVDVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
AVDVX Omega Ratio Rank: 80
AVDVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
AVDVX 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.

DFIV vs. AVDVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional International Value ETF (DFIV) and Avantis International Small Cap Value Fund (AVDVX). 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.

	DFIV	AVDVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.51	2.71	-0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.42	3.60	-0.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.48	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.65	3.34	+0.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.00	13.00	+1.00

DFIV vs. AVDVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFIV Sharpe Ratio is 2.51, which is comparable to the AVDVX Sharpe Ratio of 2.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFIV and AVDVX, 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

DFIV vs. AVDVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFIV drawdown since its inception was -25.42%, smaller than the maximum AVDVX drawdown of -43.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFIV and AVDVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFIV	AVDVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.42%	-43.06%	+17.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.66%	-12.92%	+3.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.72%	-13.84%	-0.88%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.37%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.07%	-2.07%	+1.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.45%	-6.68%	+2.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.51%	3.31%	-0.80%

Volatility

DFIV vs. AVDVX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional International Value ETF (DFIV) is 4.14%, while Avantis International Small Cap Value Fund (AVDVX) has a volatility of 5.78%. This indicates that DFIV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AVDVX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFIV	AVDVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.14%	5.78%	-1.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.44%	13.35%	-1.91%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.06%	15.90%	-1.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.63%	16.82%	-0.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.63%	19.43%	-2.80%

DFIV vs. AVDVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFIV has a 0.27% expense ratio, which is lower than AVDVX's 0.36% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFIV vs. AVDVX - Dividend Comparison

DFIV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.55%, less than AVDVX's 9.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
AVDVX Avantis International Small Cap Value Fund	9.06%	10.48%	4.35%	3.52%	3.33%	4.23%	1.35%	0.39%
DFIV Dimensional International Value ETF	2.55%	2.92%	3.88%	3.93%	3.84%	2.30%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFIV and AVDVX in my portfolio?

DFIV and AVDVX have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFIV or AVDVX?

AVDVX has higher volatility (5.78%) compared to DFIV (4.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFIV dropped -25.42% vs AVDVX's -43.06%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVDVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.71 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.