DFSV vs. VTI

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DFSV (Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF) and VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFSV is a Small Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while VTI is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Total Market Index. DFSV is actively managed, while VTI is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFSV returned 17.37%/yr vs 21.19%/yr for VTI. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFSV charges 0.31%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTI.

Performance

DFSV vs. VTI - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFSV achieves a 16.63% return, which is significantly higher than VTI's 10.35% return.

DFSV

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

VTI

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: 0.55%
• YTD: 10.35%
• 6M: 9.59%
• 1Y: 27.18%
• 3Y*: 21.19%
• 5Y*: 12.36%
• 10Y*: 15.31%

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

DFSV vs. VTI - 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%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	10.35%	17.10%	23.81%	26.05%	-8.72%

Correlation

The correlation between DFSV and VTI is 0.67, 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	0.67
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 24, 2022	0.78

The correlation between DFSV and VTI shifts across timeframes, from 0.67 (1 year) to 0.78 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

DFSV vs. VTI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFSV	VTI
Financial Services	27.5%	11.3%
Industrials	15.3%	9.4%
Consumer Cyclical	14.7%	9.7%
Energy	12.1%	3.3%
Technology	8.5%	37.0%
Healthcare	6.9%	9.0%
Consumer Defensive	5.7%	4.3%
Basic Materials	5.2%	1.9%
Communication Services	2.7%	9.8%
Real Estate	0.8%	2.3%
Utilities	0.7%	2.1%

Return for Risk

DFSV vs. VTI — 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

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 68
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VTI 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. VTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF (DFSV) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). 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	VTI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.99	2.14	-0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.89	2.90	-0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.38	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.74	3.06	+0.68
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.89	13.68	-1.78

DFSV vs. VTI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFSV Sharpe Ratio is 1.99, which is comparable to the VTI Sharpe Ratio of 2.14. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFSV and VTI, 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. VTI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFSV drawdown since its inception was -28.02%, smaller than the maximum VTI drawdown of -55.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFSV and VTI.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFSV	VTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.02%	-55.45%	+27.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.39%	-8.92%	-0.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.02%	-19.30%	-8.72%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.36%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.95%	-1.48%	-0.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.64%	-8.01%	+1.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.94%	1.99%	+0.95%

Volatility

DFSV vs. VTI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF (DFSV) is 4.04%, while Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) has a volatility of 4.74%. This indicates that DFSV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VTI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFSV	VTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.04%	4.74%	-0.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.27%	9.96%	+1.31%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.63%	12.76%	+4.87%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.20%	17.49%	+4.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.20%	18.35%	+3.85%

DFSV vs. VTI - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFSV has a 0.31% expense ratio, which is higher than VTI's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFSV vs. VTI - Dividend Comparison

DFSV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.40%, more than VTI's 1.02% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFSV Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF	1.40%	1.53%	1.31%	1.29%	0.90%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	1.02%	1.12%	1.27%	1.44%	1.66%	1.21%	1.42%	1.78%	2.04%	1.71%	1.92%	1.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFSV and VTI in my portfolio?

DFSV and VTI have a correlation of 0.67, 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 VTI?

VTI has higher volatility (4.74%) compared to DFSV (4.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFSV dropped -28.02% vs VTI's -55.45%.

Which ETF is better, DFSV or VTI?

On 3-year performance, VTI leads with 21.19% vs 17.37% for DFSV. On fees, VTI is cheaper at 0.03% 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 VTI?

Over the 3-year period, VTI has performed better with a 21.19% 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 VTI?

VTI is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.31% for DFSV.

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

DFSV has the higher dividend yield at 1.40%, compared with 1.02% for VTI.

What is the main difference between DFSV and VTI?

DFSV is categorized as Small Cap Value Equities, while VTI is Large Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.31% for DFSV and 0.03% for VTI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.14 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.