DXIV vs. DFAS

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

DXIV (Dimensional International Vector Equity ETF) and DFAS (Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DXIV is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap 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 year, DXIV returned 29.14% vs 29.19% for DFAS. Their 0.62 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. DXIV charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.26%/yr for DFAS.

Performance

DXIV vs. DFAS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional International Vector Equity ETF (DXIV) 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, DXIV achieves a 13.02% return, which is significantly lower than DFAS's 16.93% return.

DXIV

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: 2.25%
• 6M: 7.10%
• YTD: 13.02%
• 1Y: 29.14%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 24.63%

DFAS

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: -0.61%
• 6M: 10.95%
• YTD: 16.93%
• 1Y: 29.19%
• 3Y*: 13.31%
• 5Y*: 8.65%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 7.93%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
DFAS Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF	$35.83M	$42.77M	$37.37M
DXIV Dimensional International Vector Equity ETF	$2.19M	$2.08M	$1.51M

DXIV vs. DFAS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
DXIV Dimensional International Vector Equity ETF	13.02%	39.12%	-3.78%
DFAS Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF	16.93%	8.17%	7.17%

Correlation

The correlation between DXIV and DFAS is 0.66, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.66
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 12, 2024	0.62

The correlation between DXIV and DFAS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.62 to 0.66 - a consistent structural relationship.

DXIV vs. DFAS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DXIV	DFAS
Industrials	18.4%	19.0%
Financial Services	17.9%	19.6%
Basic Materials	11.8%	4.8%
Consumer Cyclical	11.6%	13.1%
Technology	8.8%	14.7%
Energy	8.2%	5.9%
Healthcare	7.4%	13.0%
Consumer Defensive	6.4%	4.2%
Communication Services	5.5%	2.5%
Utilities	2.5%	2.7%
Real Estate	1.5%	0.7%

Return for Risk

DXIV vs. DFAS — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

DXIV

DXIV Risk / Return Rank: 83
DXIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
DXIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
DXIV Omega Ratio Rank: 85
DXIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
DXIV Martin Ratio Rank: 80

DFAS

DFAS Risk / Return Rank: 75
DFAS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
DFAS Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
DFAS Omega Ratio Rank: 68
DFAS Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
DFAS Martin Ratio Rank: 79

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

DXIV vs. DFAS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional International Vector Equity ETF (DXIV) 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.

	DXIV	DFAS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.06	1.62	+0.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.82	2.42	+0.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.29	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.67	2.88	-0.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.36	10.09	+0.27

DXIV vs. DFAS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DXIV Sharpe Ratio is 2.06, which is comparable to the DFAS Sharpe Ratio of 1.62. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DXIV 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

DXIV vs. DFAS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DXIV drawdown since its inception was -13.71%, smaller than the maximum DFAS drawdown of -26.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DXIV and DFAS.

Drawdown Indicators

	DXIV	DFAS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.71%	-26.13%	+12.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.84%	-9.36%	-1.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-26.13%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.13%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.23%	-1.59%	+1.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.41%	-8.08%	+5.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.79%	2.67%	+0.12%

Volatility

DXIV vs. DFAS - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional International Vector Equity ETF (DXIV) has a higher volatility of 4.28% compared to Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS) at 3.36%. This indicates that DXIV'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

	DXIV	DFAS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.28%	3.36%	+0.92%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.10%	11.54%	+0.56%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.05%	16.67%	-2.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.37%	20.67%	-5.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.37%	20.66%	-5.29%

DXIV vs. DFAS - Expense Ratio Comparison

DXIV has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAS's 0.26% expense ratio.

Dividends

DXIV vs. DFAS - Dividend Comparison

DXIV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.34%, more 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%
DXIV Dimensional International Vector Equity ETF	2.34%	2.50%	0.64%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DXIV and DFAS in my portfolio?

DXIV and DFAS have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DXIV or DFAS?

DXIV has higher volatility (4.28%) compared to DFAS (3.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DXIV dropped -13.71% vs DFAS's -26.13%.

Which ETF is better, DXIV or DFAS?

On 1-year performance, DFAS leads with 29.19% vs 29.14% for DXIV. On fees, DFAS is cheaper at 0.26% per year. On volatility, DFAS has been the lower-risk option at 3.36%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DXIV or DFAS?

Over the 1-year period, DFAS has performed better with a 29.19% return vs 29.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DXIV or DFAS?

DFAS is cheaper with a 0.26% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for DXIV.

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

DXIV has the higher dividend yield at 2.34%, compared with 0.98% for DFAS.

What is the main difference between DXIV and DFAS?

DXIV is categorized as Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities, while DFAS is Small Cap Blend Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for DXIV and 0.26% for DFAS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DXIV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.06 vs 1.62), 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.