DFMC vs. AVSC

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

DFMC (Dimensional US Micro Cap Portfolio ETF) and AVSC (Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Both are actively managed. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFMC charges 0.41%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for AVSC.

Performance

DFMC vs. AVSC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional US Micro Cap Portfolio ETF (DFMC) and Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF (AVSC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

DFMC

• 1D: 0.71%
• 1M: 4.11%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AVSC

• 1D: 0.95%
• 1M: 4.22%
• 6M: 16.71%
• YTD: 25.77%
• 1Y: 40.31%
• 3Y*: 17.28%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFMC vs. AVSC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
DFMC Dimensional US Micro Cap Portfolio ETF	21.30%
AVSC Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF	22.77%

Correlation

The correlation between DFMC and AVSC is 0.97 - 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 23, 2026	0.97

Return for Risk

DFMC vs. AVSC — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFMC

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

AVSC

AVSC Risk / Return Rank: 88
AVSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
AVSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
AVSC Omega Ratio Rank: 83
AVSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
AVSC Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

DFMC vs. AVSC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional US Micro Cap Portfolio ETF (DFMC) and Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF (AVSC). 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.

	DFMC	AVSC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.29	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.29	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.39	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	5.13	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	16.14	—

Drawdowns

DFMC vs. AVSC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFMC drawdown since its inception was -4.29%, smaller than the maximum AVSC drawdown of -28.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFMC and AVSC.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFMC	AVSC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.29%	-28.40%	+24.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-7.89%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-28.40%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.62%	0.00%	-0.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.80%	-7.26%	+6.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.50%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DFMC	AVSC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.54%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	11.93%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.40%	17.71%	-2.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.40%	22.17%	-6.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.40%	22.17%	-6.77%

DFMC vs. AVSC - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFMC has a 0.41% expense ratio, which is higher than AVSC's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFMC vs. AVSC - Dividend Comparison

DFMC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.22%, less than AVSC's 0.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
AVSC Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF	0.91%	1.16%	1.17%	1.42%	1.10%
DFMC Dimensional US Micro Cap Portfolio ETF	0.22%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFMC and AVSC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, DFMC and AVSC 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 ETF is better, DFMC or AVSC?

On fees, AVSC is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFMC or AVSC?

AVSC is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.41% for DFMC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFMC or AVSC?

AVSC has the higher dividend yield at 0.91%, compared with 0.22% for DFMC.

What is the main difference between DFMC and AVSC?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional Fund Advisors and Avantis Investors. Their fees differ too: 0.41% for DFMC and 0.25% for AVSC.