DGEIX vs. AVUVX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DGEIX (DFA Global Equity Portfolio Institutional Class) and AVUVX (Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value Fund) are both mutual funds - DGEIX is a Global Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while AVUVX is a Small Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Avantis Investors. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, DGEIX returned 10.93%/yr vs 12.18%/yr for AVUVX. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.25% expense ratio.

Performance

DGEIX vs. AVUVX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA Global Equity Portfolio Institutional Class (DGEIX) and Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value Fund (AVUVX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DGEIX achieves a 12.60% return, which is significantly lower than AVUVX's 20.86% return.

DGEIX

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 1.57%
• YTD: 12.60%
• 6M: 11.70%
• 1Y: 28.36%
• 3Y*: 20.09%
• 5Y*: 10.93%
• 10Y*: 12.90%

AVUVX

• 1D: 0.29%
• 1M: 2.64%
• YTD: 20.86%
• 6M: 18.81%
• 1Y: 39.18%
• 3Y*: 20.28%
• 5Y*: 12.18%
• 10Y*: —

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

DGEIX vs. AVUVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
DGEIX DFA Global Equity Portfolio Institutional Class	12.60%	19.86%	15.71%	20.35%	-14.72%	20.31%	13.51%	4.85%
AVUVX Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value Fund	20.86%	8.88%	8.83%	22.96%	-4.74%	40.31%	10.64%	4.95%

Correlation

The correlation between DGEIX and AVUVX is 0.79, 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	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 4, 2019	0.85

The correlation between DGEIX and AVUVX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DGEIX vs. AVUVX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DGEIX

DGEIX Risk / Return Rank: 78
DGEIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
DGEIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
DGEIX Omega Ratio Rank: 73
DGEIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
DGEIX Martin Ratio Rank: 83

AVUVX

AVUVX Risk / Return Rank: 77
AVUVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
AVUVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
AVUVX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
AVUVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
AVUVX Martin Ratio Rank: 85

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.

DGEIX vs. AVUVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA Global Equity Portfolio Institutional Class (DGEIX) and Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value Fund (AVUVX). 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.

	DGEIX	AVUVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.40	2.28	+0.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.29	3.24	+0.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	1.39	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.33	4.90	-1.56
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.39	14.91	-0.51

DGEIX vs. AVUVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DGEIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.40, which is comparable to the AVUVX Sharpe Ratio of 2.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DGEIX and AVUVX, 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

DGEIX vs. AVUVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DGEIX drawdown since its inception was -59.77%, which is greater than AVUVX's maximum drawdown of -50.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DGEIX and AVUVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DGEIX	AVUVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.77%	-50.24%	-9.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.85%	-8.25%	-0.60%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.97%	-28.81%	+11.84%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.20%	-28.81%	+3.61%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.00%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.54%	-1.55%	+1.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.98%	-7.68%	-0.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.05%	2.71%	-0.66%

Volatility

DGEIX vs. AVUVX - Volatility Comparison

DFA Global Equity Portfolio Institutional Class (DGEIX) and Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value Fund (AVUVX) have volatilities of 4.46% and 4.28%, 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

	DGEIX	AVUVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.46%	4.28%	+0.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.84%	11.61%	-1.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.32%	17.75%	-5.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.73%	22.66%	-6.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.90%	28.72%	-11.82%

DGEIX vs. AVUVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both DGEIX and AVUVX have an expense ratio of 0.25%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

DGEIX vs. AVUVX - Dividend Comparison

DGEIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.70%, less than AVUVX's 5.87% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVUVX Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value Fund	5.87%	7.09%	4.11%	1.57%	8.07%	5.83%	0.73%	0.14%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DGEIX DFA Global Equity Portfolio Institutional Class	2.70%	2.79%	3.64%	3.82%	4.92%	1.94%	2.37%	2.22%	2.62%	1.50%	1.90%	1.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DGEIX and AVUVX in my portfolio?

DGEIX and AVUVX have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DGEIX or AVUVX?

DGEIX has higher volatility (4.46%) compared to AVUVX (4.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DGEIX dropped -59.77% vs AVUVX's -50.24%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DGEIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.40 vs 2.28), 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.