DFSV vs. DFAT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFSV (Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF) and DFAT (Dimensional U.S. Targeted Value ETF) are both Small Cap Value Equities funds from Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFSV returned 16.87%/yr vs 16.49%/yr for DFAT. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFSV charges 0.31%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for DFAT.

Performance

DFSV vs. DFAT - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFSV achieves a 15.01% return, which is significantly higher than DFAT's 13.26% return.

DFSV

• 1D: -0.84%
• 1M: 1.32%
• YTD: 15.01%
• 6M: 14.63%
• 1Y: 33.99%
• 3Y*: 16.87%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFAT

• 1D: -0.75%
• 1M: 1.45%
• YTD: 13.26%
• 6M: 13.13%
• 1Y: 30.02%
• 3Y*: 16.49%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFSV vs. DFAT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFSV Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF	15.01%	8.59%	7.13%	19.26%	0.60%
DFAT Dimensional U.S. Targeted Value ETF	13.26%	8.73%	7.80%	20.86%	-1.44%

Correlation

The correlation between DFSV and DFAT is 0.99 - 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	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 25, 2022	0.99

The correlation between DFSV and DFAT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFSV vs. DFAT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFSV	DFAT
Financial Services	27.5%	28.0%
Industrials	15.1%	15.9%
Energy	13.6%	11.5%
Consumer Cyclical	13.5%	14.4%
Technology	8.1%	9.2%
Healthcare	6.9%	6.2%
Consumer Defensive	5.8%	6.7%
Basic Materials	5.4%	5.1%
Communication Services	2.6%	1.8%
Real Estate	0.9%	0.9%
Utilities	0.6%	0.4%

Return for Risk

DFSV vs. DFAT — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFSV

DFSV Risk / Return Rank: 61
DFSV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
DFSV Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
DFSV Omega Ratio Rank: 55
DFSV Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
DFSV Martin Ratio Rank: 63

DFAT

DFAT Risk / Return Rank: 55
DFAT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
DFAT Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
DFAT Omega Ratio Rank: 51
DFAT Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
DFAT Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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. DFAT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF (DFSV) and Dimensional U.S. Targeted Value ETF (DFAT). 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.

	DFSV	DFAT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.95	1.81	+0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.84	2.67	+0.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.32	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.64	3.16	+0.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.57	10.13	+1.45
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFSV vs. DFAT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFSV Sharpe Ratio is 1.95, which is comparable to the DFAT Sharpe Ratio of 1.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFSV and DFAT, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DFSV	DFAT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.95	1.81	+0.14
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.53	0.45	+0.08

Drawdowns

DFSV vs. DFAT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFSV drawdown since its inception was -28.02%, which is greater than DFAT's maximum drawdown of -26.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFSV and DFAT.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFSV	DFAT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.02%	-26.12%	-1.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.39%	-9.55%	+0.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.02%	-26.12%	-1.90%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.84%	-0.75%	-0.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.71%	-6.24%	-0.47%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.95%	2.97%	-0.02%

Volatility

DFSV vs. DFAT - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF (DFSV) and Dimensional U.S. Targeted Value ETF (DFAT) have volatilities of 3.95% and 4.06%, 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

	DFSV	DFAT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.95%	4.06%	-0.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.28%	10.88%	+0.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.63%	16.75%	+0.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.24%	21.48%	+0.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.24%	21.48%	+0.76%

DFSV vs. DFAT - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFSV has a 0.31% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAT's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFSV vs. DFAT - Dividend Comparison

DFSV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.42%, less than DFAT's 1.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFAT Dimensional U.S. Targeted Value ETF	1.45%	1.55%	1.31%	1.34%	1.34%	1.13%
DFSV Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF	1.42%	1.53%	1.31%	1.29%	0.90%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFSV and DFAT in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, DFSV and DFAT 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, DFSV or DFAT?

DFAT has higher volatility (4.06%) compared to DFSV (3.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFSV dropped -28.02% vs DFAT's -26.12%.

Which ETF is better, DFSV or DFAT?

On 3-year performance, DFSV leads with 16.87% vs 16.49% for DFAT. On fees, DFAT is cheaper at 0.28% per year. On volatility, DFSV has been the lower-risk option at 3.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFSV or DFAT?

Over the 3-year period, DFSV has performed better with a 16.87% return vs 16.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFSV or DFAT?

DFAT is cheaper with a 0.28% expense ratio, compared with 0.31% for DFSV.

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

DFAT has the higher dividend yield at 1.45%, compared with 1.42% for DFSV.

What is the main difference between DFSV and DFAT?

Their fees differ too: 0.31% for DFSV and 0.28% for DFAT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFSV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs 1.81), 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.