DFSV vs. TCV

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

DFSV (Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF) and TCV (Towle Value ETF) are both Small Cap Value Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, DFSV returned 37.95% vs 42.65% for TCV. Their correlation of 0.83 means they have usually moved in the same direction. DFSV charges 0.31%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for TCV.

Performance

DFSV vs. TCV - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFSV achieves a 21.42% return, which is significantly lower than TCV's 26.87% return.

DFSV

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 2.56%
• 6M: 13.68%
• YTD: 21.42%
• 1Y: 37.95%
• 3Y*: 14.56%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 13.17%

TCV

• 1D: -0.89%
• 1M: 3.05%
• 6M: 14.79%
• YTD: 26.87%
• 1Y: 42.65%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 29.39%

*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)
DFSV Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF	$29.48M	$29.48M	$35.45M
TCV Towle Value ETF	$839.64K	$680.12K	$340.23K

DFSV vs. TCV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DFSV Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF	21.42%	10.15%
TCV Towle Value ETF	26.87%	2.99%

Correlation

The correlation between DFSV and TCV is 0.83, 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.	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 17, 2025	0.83

The correlation between DFSV and TCV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFSV vs. TCV — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFSV

DFSV Risk / Return Rank: 88
DFSV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
DFSV Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
DFSV Omega Ratio Rank: 86
DFSV Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
DFSV Martin Ratio Rank: 87

TCV

TCV Risk / Return Rank: 81
TCV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
TCV Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
TCV Omega Ratio Rank: 77
TCV Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
TCV Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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.

DFSV vs. TCV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF (DFSV) and Towle Value ETF (TCV). 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	TCV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.10	1.95	+0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.06	2.72	+0.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.33	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.75	3.27	+0.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.62	10.51	+2.10

DFSV vs. TCV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFSV Sharpe Ratio is 2.10, which is comparable to the TCV Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFSV and TCV, 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. TCV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFSV drawdown since its inception was -28.02%, which is greater than TCV's maximum drawdown of -12.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFSV and TCV.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFSV	TCV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.02%	-12.23%	-15.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.39%	-12.13%	+2.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.02%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.75%	-2.70%	+1.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.49%	-3.22%	-3.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.79%	3.76%	-0.97%

Volatility

DFSV vs. TCV - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF (DFSV) is 3.40%, while Towle Value ETF (TCV) has a volatility of 4.79%. This indicates that DFSV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than TCV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFSV	TCV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.40%	4.79%	-1.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.52%	13.59%	-3.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.87%	20.43%	-3.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.98%	21.02%	+0.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.98%	21.02%	+0.96%

DFSV vs. TCV - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFSV has a 0.31% expense ratio, which is lower than TCV's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFSV vs. TCV - Dividend Comparison

DFSV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.35%, more than TCV's 0.57% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFSV Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF	1.35%	1.53%	1.31%	1.29%	0.90%
TCV Towle Value ETF	0.57%	0.31%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFSV and TCV in my portfolio?

DFSV and TCV have a correlation of 0.83, 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 TCV?

TCV has higher volatility (4.79%) compared to DFSV (3.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFSV dropped -28.02% vs TCV's -12.23%.

Which ETF is better, DFSV or TCV?

On 1-year performance, TCV leads with 42.65% vs 37.95% for DFSV. On fees, DFSV is cheaper at 0.31% per year. On volatility, DFSV has been the lower-risk option at 3.40%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFSV or TCV?

Over the 1-year period, TCV has performed better with a 42.65% return vs 37.95%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFSV or TCV?

DFSV is cheaper with a 0.31% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for TCV.

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

DFSV has the higher dividend yield at 1.35%, compared with 0.57% for TCV.

What is the main difference between DFSV and TCV?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Alpha Architect. Their fees differ too: 0.31% for DFSV and 0.85% for TCV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFSV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.10 vs 1.95), 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.