DFSU vs. AVIE

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

DFSU (Dimensional US Sustainability Core 1 ETF) and AVIE (Avantis Inflation Focused Equity ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFSU returned 18.49%/yr vs 13.54%/yr for AVIE. A 0.55 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFSU charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for AVIE.

Performance

DFSU vs. AVIE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional US Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSU) and Avantis Inflation Focused Equity ETF (AVIE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFSU achieves a 9.07% return, which is significantly lower than AVIE's 16.94% return.

DFSU

• 1D: -0.59%
• 1M: 2.20%
• 6M: 6.45%
• YTD: 9.07%
• 1Y: 19.96%
• 3Y*: 18.49%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AVIE

• 1D: 1.05%
• 1M: 1.67%
• 6M: 14.10%
• YTD: 16.94%
• 1Y: 25.91%
• 3Y*: 13.54%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFSU vs. AVIE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFSU Dimensional US Sustainability Core 1 ETF	9.07%	15.65%	22.96%	26.27%	0.90%
AVIE Avantis Inflation Focused Equity ETF	16.94%	11.37%	6.17%	4.19%	0.56%

Correlation

The correlation between DFSU and AVIE is 0.28, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.28
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 2, 2022	0.55

Over the past year, the correlation between DFSU and AVIE has dropped to 0.28 - well below their long-term average of 0.55, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

DFSU vs. AVIE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFSU	AVIE
Financial Services	21.0%	15.0%
Consumer Cyclical	17.2%	0.0%
Healthcare	15.5%	26.3%
Industrials	15.0%	1.3%
Technology	13.0%	0.1%
Communication Services	8.3%	-
Consumer Defensive	3.8%	17.1%
Basic Materials	2.9%	9.8%
Energy	2.1%	30.0%
Utilities	1.1%	0.0%
Real Estate	0.1%	0.1%

Return for Risk

DFSU vs. AVIE — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFSU

DFSU Risk / Return Rank: 55
DFSU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
DFSU Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
DFSU Omega Ratio Rank: 55
DFSU Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
DFSU Martin Ratio Rank: 61

AVIE

AVIE Risk / Return Rank: 92
AVIE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
AVIE Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
AVIE Omega Ratio Rank: 90
AVIE Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
AVIE 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.

DFSU vs. AVIE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional US Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSU) and Avantis Inflation Focused Equity ETF (AVIE). 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.

	DFSU	AVIE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.51	2.55	-1.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.15	3.70	-1.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.45	-0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.98	5.24	-3.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.50	16.43	-7.93

DFSU vs. AVIE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFSU Sharpe Ratio is 1.51, which is lower than the AVIE Sharpe Ratio of 2.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFSU and AVIE, 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

DFSU vs. AVIE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFSU drawdown since its inception was -19.88%, which is greater than AVIE's maximum drawdown of -12.39%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFSU and AVIE.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFSU	AVIE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.88%	-12.39%	-7.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.12%	-4.97%	-5.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.88%	-12.39%	-7.49%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.59%	-0.07%	-0.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.61%	-2.97%	+0.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.35%	1.60%	+0.75%

Volatility

DFSU vs. AVIE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional US Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSU) is 3.41%, while Avantis Inflation Focused Equity ETF (AVIE) has a volatility of 3.66%. This indicates that DFSU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AVIE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFSU	AVIE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.41%	3.66%	-0.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.25%	7.47%	+2.78%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.31%	10.21%	+3.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.18%	12.90%	+3.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.18%	12.90%	+3.28%

DFSU vs. AVIE - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFSU has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is lower than AVIE's 0.25% 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

DFSU vs. AVIE - Dividend Comparison

DFSU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.83%, less than AVIE's 1.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
AVIE Avantis Inflation Focused Equity ETF	1.42%	1.75%	1.89%	3.72%	0.39%
DFSU Dimensional US Sustainability Core 1 ETF	0.83%	0.85%	0.96%	1.03%	0.21%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFSU and AVIE in my portfolio?

DFSU and AVIE have a correlation of 0.28, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFSU or AVIE?

AVIE has higher volatility (3.66%) compared to DFSU (3.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFSU dropped -19.88% vs AVIE's -12.39%.

Which ETF is better, DFSU or AVIE?

On 3-year performance, DFSU leads with 18.49% vs 13.54% for AVIE. On fees, DFSU is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, DFSU has been the lower-risk option at 3.41%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFSU or AVIE?

Over the 3-year period, DFSU has performed better with a 18.49% return vs 13.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFSU or AVIE?

DFSU is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for AVIE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFSU or AVIE?

AVIE has the higher dividend yield at 1.42%, compared with 0.83% for DFSU.

What is the main difference between DFSU and AVIE?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Avantis. Their fees differ too: 0.18% for DFSU and 0.25% for AVIE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVIE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.55 vs 1.51), 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.