DFSD vs. EVSD

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

DFSD (Dimensional Short-Duration Fixed Income ETF) and EVSD (Eaton Vance Short Duration Income ETF) are both Short-Term Bond funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, DFSD returned 2.80% vs 3.56% for EVSD. Their correlation of 0.81 means they have usually moved in the same direction. DFSD charges 0.16%/yr vs 0.24%/yr for EVSD.

Performance

DFSD vs. EVSD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional Short-Duration Fixed Income ETF (DFSD) and Eaton Vance Short Duration Income ETF (EVSD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFSD achieves a 0.79% return, which is significantly lower than EVSD's 1.08% return.

DFSD

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: -0.23%
• 6M: 0.35%
• YTD: 0.79%
• 1Y: 2.80%
• 3Y*: 5.18%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 2.47%

EVSD

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: -0.05%
• 6M: 0.67%
• YTD: 1.08%
• 1Y: 3.56%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 5.55%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
DFSD Dimensional Short-Duration Fixed Income ETF	$24.91M	$26.60M	$25.77M
EVSD Eaton Vance Short Duration Income ETF	$6.64M	$6.21M	$7.07M

DFSD vs. EVSD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
DFSD Dimensional Short-Duration Fixed Income ETF	0.79%	6.59%	2.77%
EVSD Eaton Vance Short Duration Income ETF	1.08%	6.80%	3.86%

Correlation

The correlation between DFSD and EVSD is 0.88, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 17, 2024	0.81

The correlation between DFSD and EVSD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFSD vs. EVSD — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

DFSD

DFSD Risk / Return Rank: 73
DFSD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
DFSD Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
DFSD Omega Ratio Rank: 78
DFSD Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
DFSD Martin Ratio Rank: 69

EVSD

EVSD Risk / Return Rank: 91
EVSD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
EVSD Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
EVSD Omega Ratio Rank: 94
EVSD Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
EVSD Martin Ratio Rank: 88

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

DFSD vs. EVSD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Short-Duration Fixed Income ETF (DFSD) and Eaton Vance Short Duration Income ETF (EVSD). 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.

	DFSD	EVSD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.71	2.54	-0.83
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.57	3.87	-1.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.51	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.27	3.19	-0.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.33	13.00	-4.67

DFSD vs. EVSD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFSD Sharpe Ratio is 1.71, which is lower than the EVSD Sharpe Ratio of 2.54. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFSD and EVSD, 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

DFSD vs. EVSD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFSD drawdown since its inception was -8.45%, which is greater than EVSD's maximum drawdown of -1.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFSD and EVSD.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFSD	EVSD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.45%	-1.26%	-7.19%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.47%	-1.26%	-0.21%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.47%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.35%	-0.12%	-0.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.01%	-0.19%	-1.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.40%	0.31%	+0.09%

Volatility

DFSD vs. EVSD - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional Short-Duration Fixed Income ETF (DFSD) and Eaton Vance Short Duration Income ETF (EVSD) have volatilities of 0.52% and 0.50%, 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

	DFSD	EVSD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.52%	0.50%	+0.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.59%	1.30%	+0.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.94%	1.59%	+0.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.75%	1.93%	+0.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.75%	1.93%	+0.82%

DFSD vs. EVSD - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFSD has a 0.16% expense ratio, which is lower than EVSD's 0.24% 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

DFSD vs. EVSD - Dividend Comparison

DFSD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.59%, which matches EVSD's 4.63% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFSD Dimensional Short-Duration Fixed Income ETF	4.59%	4.12%	4.81%	3.89%	2.12%	0.11%
EVSD Eaton Vance Short Duration Income ETF	4.63%	4.64%	2.91%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFSD and EVSD in my portfolio?

DFSD and EVSD have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFSD or EVSD?

DFSD has higher volatility (0.52%) compared to EVSD (0.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFSD dropped -8.45% vs EVSD's -1.26%.

Which ETF is better, DFSD or EVSD?

On 1-year performance, EVSD leads with 3.56% vs 2.80% for DFSD. On fees, DFSD is cheaper at 0.16% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFSD or EVSD?

Over the 1-year period, EVSD has performed better with a 3.56% return vs 2.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFSD or EVSD?

DFSD is cheaper with a 0.16% expense ratio, compared with 0.24% for EVSD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFSD or EVSD?

EVSD has the higher dividend yield at 4.63%, compared with 4.59% for DFSD.

What is the main difference between DFSD and EVSD?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Eaton Vance. Their fees differ too: 0.16% for DFSD and 0.24% for EVSD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EVSD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.54 vs 1.71), 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.