DFUS vs. DFAS

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

DFUS (Dimensional U.S. Equity Market ETF) and DFAS (Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFUS is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while DFAS is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, DFUS returned 12.93%/yr vs 9.04%/yr for DFAS. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFUS charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.26%/yr for DFAS.

Performance

DFUS vs. DFAS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional U.S. Equity Market ETF (DFUS) and Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFUS achieves a 11.37% return, which is significantly lower than DFAS's 16.68% return.

DFUS

• 1D: 0.39%
• 1M: 1.62%
• 6M: 9.17%
• YTD: 11.37%
• 1Y: 22.36%
• 3Y*: 20.26%
• 5Y*: 12.93%
• 10Y*: —

DFAS

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 0.74%
• 6M: 10.54%
• YTD: 16.68%
• 1Y: 24.76%
• 3Y*: 14.34%
• 5Y*: 9.04%
• 10Y*: —

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

DFUS vs. DFAS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFUS Dimensional U.S. Equity Market ETF	11.37%	17.46%	24.34%	26.36%	-18.34%	12.07%
DFAS Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF	16.68%	8.17%	10.21%	17.83%	-13.84%	4.52%

Correlation

The correlation between DFUS and DFAS is 0.77, 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	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.80
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 14, 2021	0.84

The correlation between DFUS and DFAS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.77 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFUS vs. DFAS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFUS	DFAS
Technology	37.7%	15.1%
Financial Services	11.7%	19.2%
Consumer Cyclical	10.2%	13.0%
Communication Services	10.1%	2.6%
Industrials	9.4%	18.9%
Healthcare	8.6%	12.0%
Consumer Defensive	4.4%	4.2%
Energy	3.5%	6.4%
Utilities	2.2%	2.8%
Basic Materials	2.0%	5.2%
Real Estate	0.1%	0.7%

Return for Risk

DFUS vs. DFAS — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFUS

DFUS Risk / Return Rank: 67
DFUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
DFUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
DFUS Omega Ratio Rank: 66
DFUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
DFUS Martin Ratio Rank: 75

DFAS

DFAS Risk / Return Rank: 59
DFAS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
DFAS Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
DFAS Omega Ratio Rank: 51
DFAS Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
DFAS Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

DFUS vs. DFAS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional U.S. Equity Market ETF (DFUS) and Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS). 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.

	DFUS	DFAS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.73	1.48	+0.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.39	2.22	+0.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.26	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.51	2.66	-0.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.92	9.13	+1.79

DFUS vs. DFAS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFUS Sharpe Ratio is 1.73, which is comparable to the DFAS Sharpe Ratio of 1.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFUS and DFAS, 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

DFUS vs. DFAS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFUS drawdown since its inception was -24.62%, smaller than the maximum DFAS drawdown of -26.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFUS and DFAS.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFUS	DFAS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.62%	-26.13%	+1.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.96%	-9.36%	+0.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.44%	-26.13%	+6.69%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.62%	-26.13%	+1.51%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.55%	-1.80%	+1.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.73%	-8.15%	+2.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.05%	2.72%	-0.67%

Volatility

DFUS vs. DFAS - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional U.S. Equity Market ETF (DFUS) has a higher volatility of 3.81% compared to Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS) at 3.56%. This indicates that DFUS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFAS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFUS	DFAS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.81%	3.56%	+0.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.24%	11.83%	-1.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.95%	16.82%	-3.87%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.29%	20.75%	-3.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.19%	20.73%	-3.54%

DFUS vs. DFAS - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFUS has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than DFAS's 0.26% 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

DFUS vs. DFAS - Dividend Comparison

DFUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.86%, less than DFAS's 0.98% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFAS Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF	0.98%	0.99%	0.93%	1.00%	1.03%	2.87%
DFUS Dimensional U.S. Equity Market ETF	0.86%	0.88%	1.04%	1.33%	1.48%	0.85%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFUS and DFAS in my portfolio?

DFUS and DFAS have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFUS or DFAS?

DFUS has higher volatility (3.81%) compared to DFAS (3.56%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFUS dropped -24.62% vs DFAS's -26.13%.

Which ETF is better, DFUS or DFAS?

On 5-year performance, DFUS leads with 12.93% vs 9.04% for DFAS. On fees, DFUS is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, DFAS has been the lower-risk option at 3.56%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFUS or DFAS?

Over the 5-year period, DFUS has performed better with a 12.93% return vs 9.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFUS or DFAS?

DFUS is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.26% for DFAS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFUS or DFAS?

DFAS has the higher dividend yield at 0.98%, compared with 0.86% for DFUS.

What is the main difference between DFUS and DFAS?

DFUS is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while DFAS is Small Cap Blend Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for DFUS and 0.26% for DFAS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.73 vs 1.48), 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.