DISV vs. AVDS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DISV (Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF) and AVDS (Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, DISV returned 28.97% vs 28.49% for AVDS. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DISV charges 0.42%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for AVDS.

Performance

DISV vs. AVDS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF (DISV) and Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF (AVDS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DISV achieves a 6.66% return, which is significantly lower than AVDS's 9.01% return.

DISV

• 1D: -2.93%
• 1M: -3.68%
• YTD: 6.66%
• 6M: 6.73%
• 1Y: 28.97%
• 3Y*: 23.41%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AVDS

• 1D: -2.06%
• 1M: -2.80%
• YTD: 9.01%
• 6M: 8.61%
• 1Y: 28.49%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DISV vs. AVDS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
DISV Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF	6.66%	47.42%	5.87%	4.18%
AVDS Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF	9.01%	38.18%	3.20%	3.58%

Correlation

The correlation between DISV and AVDS is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 20, 2023	0.96

The correlation between DISV and AVDS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

DISV vs. AVDS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DISV	AVDS
Basic Materials	19.9%	16.1%
Financial Services	19.5%	12.5%
Industrials	17.8%	22.4%
Consumer Cyclical	15.4%	13.4%
Energy	7.1%	5.6%
Technology	3.9%	10.1%
Consumer Defensive	3.6%	5.5%
Healthcare	3.6%	4.7%
Real Estate	3.2%	3.4%
Communication Services	2.4%	3.1%
Utilities	1.9%	3.1%

Return for Risk

DISV vs. AVDS — Risk / Return Rank

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

DISV

DISV Risk / Return Rank: 55
DISV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
DISV Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
DISV Omega Ratio Rank: 58
DISV Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
DISV Martin Ratio Rank: 51

AVDS

AVDS Risk / Return Rank: 54
AVDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
AVDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
AVDS Omega Ratio Rank: 56
AVDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
AVDS Martin Ratio Rank: 53

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.

DISV vs. AVDS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	DISV	AVDS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.92	1.83	+0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.62	2.53	+0.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.33	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.29	2.30	-0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.44	8.74	-0.30

DISV vs. AVDS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DISV Sharpe Ratio is 1.92, which is comparable to the AVDS Sharpe Ratio of 1.83. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DISV and AVDS, 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

DISV vs. AVDS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DISV drawdown since its inception was -26.77%, which is greater than AVDS's maximum drawdown of -13.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DISV and AVDS.

Drawdown Indicators

	DISV	AVDS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.77%	-13.51%	-13.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.69%	-12.44%	-0.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.15%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.16%	-4.38%	-1.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.88%	-2.83%	-2.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.44%	3.27%	+0.17%

Volatility

DISV vs. AVDS - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF (DISV) and Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF (AVDS) have volatilities of 5.57% and 5.78%, 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

	DISV	AVDS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.57%	5.78%	-0.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.69%	13.38%	-0.69%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.19%	15.61%	-0.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.43%	15.51%	+1.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.43%	15.51%	+1.92%

DISV vs. AVDS - Expense Ratio Comparison

DISV has a 0.42% expense ratio, which is higher than AVDS's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

DISV vs. AVDS - Dividend Comparison

DISV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.48%, less than AVDS's 3.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
AVDS Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF	3.37%	2.37%	3.07%	0.72%	0.00%
DISV Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF	2.48%	2.69%	2.77%	2.73%	1.23%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DISV and AVDS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, DISV and AVDS 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, DISV or AVDS?

AVDS has higher volatility (5.78%) compared to DISV (5.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DISV dropped -26.77% vs AVDS's -13.51%.

Which ETF is better, DISV or AVDS?

On 1-year performance, DISV leads with 28.97% vs 28.49% for AVDS. On fees, AVDS is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, DISV has been the lower-risk option at 5.57%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DISV or AVDS?

Over the 1-year period, DISV has performed better with a 28.97% return vs 28.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DISV or AVDS?

AVDS is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.42% for DISV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DISV or AVDS?

AVDS has the higher dividend yield at 3.37%, compared with 2.48% for DISV.

What is the main difference between DISV and AVDS?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Avantis. Their fees differ too: 0.42% for DISV and 0.30% for AVDS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DISV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.92 vs 1.83), 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.