DFVQX vs. DISV

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

DFVQX (DFA International Vector Equity Portfolio) and DISV (Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds from Dimensional. Over the past 3 years, DFVQX returned 18.40%/yr vs 21.47%/yr for DISV. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFVQX charges 0.36%/yr vs 0.42%/yr for DISV.

Performance

DFVQX vs. DISV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA International Vector Equity Portfolio (DFVQX) and Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF (DISV). 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 DFVQX having a 10.23% return and DISV slightly lower at 9.87%.

DFVQX

• 1D: -0.76%
• 1M: -0.51%
• 6M: 6.45%
• YTD: 10.23%
• 1Y: 24.70%
• 3Y*: 18.40%
• 5Y*: 10.85%
• 10Y*: 10.01%

DISV

• 1D: -0.68%
• 1M: -0.52%
• 6M: 5.56%
• YTD: 9.87%
• 1Y: 27.68%
• 3Y*: 21.47%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFVQX vs. DISV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFVQX DFA International Vector Equity Portfolio	10.23%	38.02%	4.55%	17.05%	-8.46%
DISV Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF	9.87%	47.42%	5.87%	19.52%	-9.36%

Correlation

The correlation between DFVQX and DISV is 0.90, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 24, 2022	0.95

The correlation between DFVQX and DISV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFVQX vs. DISV — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFVQX

DFVQX Risk / Return Rank: 55
DFVQX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
DFVQX Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
DFVQX Omega Ratio Rank: 55
DFVQX Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
DFVQX Martin Ratio Rank: 50

DISV

DISV Risk / Return Rank: 65
DISV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
DISV Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
DISV Omega Ratio Rank: 69
DISV Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
DISV 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.

DFVQX vs. DISV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA International Vector Equity Portfolio (DFVQX) and Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF (DISV). 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.

	DFVQX	DISV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	1.86	-0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.51	2.60	-0.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.33	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.32	2.19	+0.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.69	7.70	+1.00

DFVQX vs. DISV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFVQX Sharpe Ratio is 1.79, which is comparable to the DISV Sharpe Ratio of 1.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFVQX and DISV, 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

DFVQX vs. DISV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFVQX drawdown since its inception was -44.58%, which is greater than DISV's maximum drawdown of -26.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFVQX and DISV.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFVQX	DISV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.58%	-26.77%	-17.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.98%	-12.69%	+1.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.00%	-14.15%	+1.15%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.33%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.58%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.09%	-3.34%	+1.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.80%	-4.87%	-2.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.91%	3.61%	-0.70%

Volatility

DFVQX vs. DISV - Volatility Comparison

DFA International Vector Equity Portfolio (DFVQX) has a higher volatility of 3.86% compared to Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF (DISV) at 3.62%. This indicates that DFVQX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DISV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFVQX	DISV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.86%	3.62%	+0.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.01%	12.58%	-0.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.21%	14.95%	-0.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.71%	17.30%	-1.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.25%	17.30%	-1.05%

DFVQX vs. DISV - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFVQX has a 0.36% expense ratio, which is lower than DISV's 0.42% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFVQX vs. DISV - Dividend Comparison

DFVQX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.12%, more than DISV's 2.51% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFVQX DFA International Vector Equity Portfolio	3.12%	3.06%	3.56%	3.47%	2.73%	4.76%	1.79%	2.68%	5.96%	1.81%	2.15%	2.77%
DISV Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF	2.51%	2.69%	2.77%	2.73%	1.23%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFVQX and DISV in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, DFVQX and DISV 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, DFVQX or DISV?

DFVQX has higher volatility (3.86%) compared to DISV (3.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFVQX dropped -44.58% vs DISV's -26.77%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DISV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.86 vs 1.79), 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.