DFSV vs. AVDV

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DFSV (Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF) and AVDV (Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFSV is a Small Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while AVDV is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund actively managed by Avantis. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFSV returned 17.37%/yr vs 28.44%/yr for AVDV. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFSV charges 0.31%/yr vs 0.36%/yr for AVDV.

Performance

DFSV vs. AVDV - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with DFSV having a 16.63% return and AVDV slightly lower at 15.88%.

DFSV

• 1D: 0.24%
• 1M: 2.16%
• YTD: 16.63%
• 6M: 14.57%
• 1Y: 34.93%
• 3Y*: 17.37%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AVDV

• 1D: 0.58%
• 1M: 0.45%
• YTD: 15.88%
• 6M: 16.04%
• 1Y: 44.77%
• 3Y*: 28.44%
• 5Y*: 14.52%
• 10Y*: —

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

DFSV vs. AVDV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFSV Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF	16.63%	8.59%	7.13%	19.26%	2.68%
AVDV Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF	15.88%	49.37%	8.67%	16.85%	-7.87%

Correlation

The correlation between DFSV and AVDV is 0.58, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.58
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.63
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 24, 2022	0.69

The correlation between DFSV and AVDV shifts across timeframes, from 0.58 (1 year) to 0.69 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

DFSV vs. AVDV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFSV	AVDV
Financial Services	27.5%	13.6%
Industrials	15.3%	22.8%
Consumer Cyclical	14.7%	15.4%
Energy	12.1%	9.6%
Technology	8.5%	6.6%
Healthcare	6.9%	2.3%
Consumer Defensive	5.7%	3.4%
Basic Materials	5.2%	21.0%
Communication Services	2.7%	2.4%
Real Estate	0.8%	1.3%
Utilities	0.7%	1.7%

Return for Risk

DFSV vs. AVDV — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFSV

DFSV Risk / Return Rank: 66
DFSV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
DFSV Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
DFSV Omega Ratio Rank: 59
DFSV Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
DFSV Martin Ratio Rank: 67

AVDV

AVDV Risk / Return Rank: 80
AVDV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
AVDV Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
AVDV Omega Ratio Rank: 85
AVDV Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
AVDV Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

DFSV vs. AVDV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF (DFSV) and Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF (AVDV). 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.

	DFSV	AVDV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.99	2.77	-0.77
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.89	3.62	-0.73
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.50	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.74	3.41	+0.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.89	13.59	-1.70

DFSV vs. AVDV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFSV Sharpe Ratio is 1.99, which is comparable to the AVDV Sharpe Ratio of 2.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFSV and AVDV, 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

DFSV vs. AVDV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFSV drawdown since its inception was -28.02%, smaller than the maximum AVDV drawdown of -43.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFSV and AVDV.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFSV	AVDV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.02%	-43.01%	+14.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.39%	-13.19%	+3.80%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.02%	-14.17%	-13.85%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-28.08%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.95%	-1.49%	-0.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.64%	-6.74%	+0.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.94%	3.30%	-0.36%

Volatility

DFSV vs. AVDV - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF (DFSV) is 4.04%, while Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF (AVDV) has a volatility of 5.78%. This indicates that DFSV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AVDV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFSV	AVDV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.04%	5.78%	-1.74%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.27%	13.93%	-2.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.63%	16.28%	+1.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.20%	17.38%	+4.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.20%	19.75%	+2.45%

DFSV vs. AVDV - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFSV has a 0.31% expense ratio, which is lower than AVDV's 0.36% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFSV vs. AVDV - Dividend Comparison

DFSV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.40%, less than AVDV's 4.08% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
AVDV Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF	4.08%	3.05%	4.31%	3.29%	3.17%	2.39%	1.67%	0.36%
DFSV Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF	1.40%	1.53%	1.31%	1.29%	0.90%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFSV and AVDV in my portfolio?

DFSV and AVDV have a correlation of 0.58, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFSV or AVDV?

AVDV has higher volatility (5.78%) compared to DFSV (4.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFSV dropped -28.02% vs AVDV's -43.01%.

Which ETF is better, DFSV or AVDV?

On 3-year performance, AVDV leads with 28.44% vs 17.37% for DFSV. On fees, DFSV is cheaper at 0.31% per year. On volatility, DFSV has been the lower-risk option at 4.04%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFSV or AVDV?

Over the 3-year period, AVDV has performed better with a 28.44% return vs 17.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFSV or AVDV?

DFSV is cheaper with a 0.31% expense ratio, compared with 0.36% for AVDV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFSV or AVDV?

AVDV has the higher dividend yield at 4.08%, compared with 1.40% for DFSV.

What is the main difference between DFSV and AVDV?

DFSV is categorized as Small Cap Value Equities, while AVDV is Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities. They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Avantis. Their fees differ too: 0.31% for DFSV and 0.36% for AVDV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVDV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.77 vs 1.99), 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.