DFIV vs. DFVIX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DFIV (Dimensional International Value ETF) and DFVIX (DFA International Value III Portfolio) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds from Dimensional. Over the past 3 years, DFIV returned 23.86%/yr vs 22.50%/yr for DFVIX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFIV charges 0.27%/yr vs 0.24%/yr for DFVIX.

Performance

DFIV vs. DFVIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional International Value ETF (DFIV) and DFA International Value III Portfolio (DFVIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with DFIV having a 11.48% return and DFVIX slightly higher at 11.84%.

DFIV

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

DFVIX

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: -0.26%
• YTD: 11.84%
• 6M: 12.12%
• 1Y: 35.95%
• 3Y*: 22.50%
• 5Y*: 16.00%
• 10Y*: 12.32%

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

DFIV vs. DFVIX - 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%
DFVIX DFA International Value III Portfolio	11.84%	44.85%	6.86%	17.89%	-3.41%	5.90%

Correlation

The correlation between DFIV and DFVIX 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	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2021	0.98

The correlation between DFIV and DFVIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFIV vs. DFVIX — 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

DFVIX

DFVIX Risk / Return Rank: 82
DFVIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
DFVIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
DFVIX Omega Ratio Rank: 76
DFVIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
DFVIX Martin Ratio Rank: 84

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. DFVIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional International Value ETF (DFIV) and DFA International Value III Portfolio (DFVIX). 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	DFVIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.51	2.54	-0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.42	3.44	-0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.45	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.65	3.75	-0.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.00	14.61	-0.60

DFIV vs. DFVIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFIV Sharpe Ratio is 2.51, which is comparable to the DFVIX Sharpe Ratio of 2.54. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFIV and DFVIX, 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. DFVIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFIV drawdown since its inception was -25.42%, smaller than the maximum DFVIX drawdown of -66.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFIV and DFVIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFIV	DFVIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.42%	-66.53%	+41.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.66%	-9.53%	-0.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.72%	-14.68%	-0.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.26%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-47.89%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.07%	-1.33%	+0.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.45%	-12.25%	+7.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.51%	2.44%	+0.07%

Volatility

DFIV vs. DFVIX - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional International Value ETF (DFIV) and DFA International Value III Portfolio (DFVIX) have volatilities of 4.14% and 4.32%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFIV	DFVIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.14%	4.32%	-0.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.44%	11.35%	+0.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.06%	14.08%	-0.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.63%	16.49%	+0.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.63%	18.07%	-1.44%

DFIV vs. DFVIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFIV has a 0.27% expense ratio, which is higher than DFVIX's 0.24% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

DFIV vs. DFVIX - Dividend Comparison

DFIV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.55%, less than DFVIX's 3.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFIV Dimensional International Value ETF	2.55%	2.92%	3.88%	3.93%	3.84%	2.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DFVIX DFA International Value III Portfolio	3.92%	4.09%	4.16%	4.44%	3.82%	7.97%	2.25%	3.53%	6.16%	3.02%	3.43%	5.84%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFIV and DFVIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, DFIV and DFVIX 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, DFIV or DFVIX?

DFVIX has higher volatility (4.32%) compared to DFIV (4.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFIV dropped -25.42% vs DFVIX's -66.53%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFVIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.54 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.