DWUSX vs. AVDV

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DWUSX (DFA World ex U.S. Targeted Value Portfolio) and AVDV (Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. Over the past 5 years, DWUSX returned 13.77%/yr vs 13.85%/yr for AVDV. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DWUSX charges 0.52%/yr vs 0.36%/yr for AVDV.

Performance

DWUSX vs. AVDV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA World ex U.S. Targeted Value Portfolio (DWUSX) and Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF (AVDV). 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 DWUSX having a 13.73% return and AVDV slightly lower at 13.23%.

DWUSX

• 1D: 0.32%
• 1M: 1.52%
• YTD: 13.73%
• 6M: 14.02%
• 1Y: 35.66%
• 3Y*: 21.32%
• 5Y*: 13.77%
• 10Y*: 11.55%

AVDV

• 1D: -2.28%
• 1M: -1.84%
• YTD: 13.23%
• 6M: 12.69%
• 1Y: 40.80%
• 3Y*: 27.46%
• 5Y*: 13.85%
• 10Y*: —

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

DWUSX vs. AVDV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
DWUSX DFA World ex U.S. Targeted Value Portfolio	13.73%	39.16%	5.31%	17.40%	-11.83%	26.30%	4.96%	10.63%
AVDV Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF	13.23%	49.37%	8.67%	16.85%	-11.47%	15.80%	5.01%	11.78%

Correlation

The correlation between DWUSX and AVDV is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 26, 2019	0.94

The correlation between DWUSX and AVDV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DWUSX vs. AVDV — Risk / Return Rank

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

DWUSX

DWUSX Risk / Return Rank: 76
DWUSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
DWUSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
DWUSX Omega Ratio Rank: 80
DWUSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
DWUSX Martin Ratio Rank: 63

AVDV

AVDV Risk / Return Rank: 74
AVDV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
AVDV Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
AVDV Omega Ratio Rank: 79
AVDV Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
AVDV Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

DWUSX vs. AVDV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA World ex U.S. Targeted Value Portfolio (DWUSX) and Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF (AVDV). 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.

	DWUSX	AVDV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.57	2.50	+0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.51	3.29	+0.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.45	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.12	3.11	+0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.68	12.36	-0.67

DWUSX vs. AVDV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DWUSX Sharpe Ratio is 2.57, which is comparable to the AVDV Sharpe Ratio of 2.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DWUSX and AVDV, 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

DWUSX vs. AVDV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DWUSX drawdown since its inception was -49.65%, which is greater than AVDV's maximum drawdown of -43.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DWUSX and AVDV.

Drawdown Indicators

	DWUSX	AVDV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-49.65%	-43.01%	-6.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.26%	-13.19%	+1.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.03%	-14.17%	+1.14%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.71%	-28.08%	+1.37%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-49.65%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.68%	-3.73%	+3.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.63%	-6.74%	-1.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.99%	3.31%	-0.32%

Volatility

DWUSX vs. AVDV - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA World ex U.S. Targeted Value Portfolio (DWUSX) is 5.07%, while Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF (AVDV) has a volatility of 6.23%. This indicates that DWUSX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AVDV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DWUSX	AVDV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.07%	6.23%	-1.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.66%	14.14%	-2.48%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.65%	16.42%	-2.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.34%	17.41%	-2.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.97%	19.76%	-3.79%

DWUSX vs. AVDV - Expense Ratio Comparison

DWUSX has a 0.52% expense ratio, which is higher than AVDV's 0.36% expense ratio.

Dividends

DWUSX vs. AVDV - Dividend Comparison

DWUSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.46%, less than AVDV's 4.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVDV Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF	4.17%	3.05%	4.31%	3.29%	3.17%	2.39%	1.67%	0.36%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DWUSX DFA World ex U.S. Targeted Value Portfolio	2.46%	2.64%	2.86%	2.81%	2.91%	16.59%	1.37%	3.22%	5.51%	3.18%	1.94%	1.27%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DWUSX and AVDV in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, DWUSX and AVDV 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, DWUSX or AVDV?

AVDV has higher volatility (6.23%) compared to DWUSX (5.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DWUSX dropped -49.65% vs AVDV's -43.01%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DWUSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.57 vs 2.50), 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.