EFV vs. DFIV

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EFV (iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF) and DFIV (Dimensional International Value ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. EFV is passively managed, while DFIV is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, EFV returned 21.99%/yr vs 23.90%/yr for DFIV. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. EFV charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.27%/yr for DFIV.

Performance

EFV vs. DFIV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (EFV) and Dimensional International Value ETF (DFIV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EFV achieves a 9.13% return, which is significantly lower than DFIV's 11.54% return.

EFV

• 1D: -0.78%
• 1M: 2.26%
• YTD: 9.13%
• 6M: 12.94%
• 1Y: 27.83%
• 3Y*: 21.99%
• 5Y*: 12.07%
• 10Y*: 9.75%

DFIV

• 1D: -0.70%
• 1M: 2.57%
• YTD: 11.54%
• 6M: 15.41%
• 1Y: 34.88%
• 3Y*: 23.90%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

EFV vs. DFIV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
EFV iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF	9.13%	42.22%	5.35%	18.85%	-5.22%	-2.01%
DFIV Dimensional International Value ETF	11.54%	45.36%	7.26%	17.75%	-3.70%	0.08%

Correlation

The correlation between EFV and DFIV is 0.97 - 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	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 14, 2021	0.98

The correlation between EFV and DFIV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

EFV vs. DFIV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EFV	DFIV
Financial Services	36.9%	32.4%
Industrials	10.2%	9.6%
Consumer Defensive	8.3%	4.9%
Basic Materials	7.5%	10.9%
Healthcare	7.2%	4.9%
Energy	7.0%	16.4%
Utilities	5.9%	2.5%
Consumer Cyclical	4.8%	9.6%
Communication Services	4.4%	4.2%
Technology	4.3%	2.8%
Real Estate	2.5%	1.8%

Return for Risk

EFV vs. DFIV — Risk / Return Rank

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

EFV

EFV Risk / Return Rank: 55
EFV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
EFV Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
EFV Omega Ratio Rank: 57
EFV Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
EFV Martin Ratio Rank: 55

DFIV

DFIV Risk / Return Rank: 75
DFIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
DFIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
DFIV Omega Ratio Rank: 75
DFIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
DFIV Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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.

EFV vs. DFIV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (EFV) and Dimensional International Value ETF (DFIV). 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.

	EFV	DFIV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.97	2.56	-0.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.73	3.50	-0.77
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.46	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.57	3.63	-1.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.57	14.02	-4.45
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EFV vs. DFIV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EFV Sharpe Ratio is 1.97, which is comparable to the DFIV Sharpe Ratio of 2.56. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EFV and DFIV, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	EFV	DFIV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.97	2.56	-0.59
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.55	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.27	0.94	-0.67

Drawdowns

EFV vs. DFIV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EFV drawdown since its inception was -63.94%, which is greater than DFIV's maximum drawdown of -25.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EFV and DFIV.

Drawdown Indicators

	EFV	DFIV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.94%	-25.42%	-38.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.90%	-9.66%	-1.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.72%	-14.72%	+1.00%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.84%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.16%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.51%	-1.02%	-1.49%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.83%	-4.48%	-10.35%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.91%	2.49%	+0.42%

Volatility

EFV vs. DFIV - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (EFV) has a higher volatility of 4.52% compared to Dimensional International Value ETF (DFIV) at 3.89%. This indicates that EFV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFIV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EFV	DFIV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.52%	3.89%	+0.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.56%	10.99%	+0.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.21%	13.69%	+0.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.96%	16.63%	-0.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.86%	16.63%	+1.23%

EFV vs. DFIV - Expense Ratio Comparison

EFV has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than DFIV's 0.27% expense ratio.

Dividends

EFV vs. DFIV - Dividend Comparison

EFV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.81%, more than DFIV's 2.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFIV Dimensional International Value ETF	2.55%	2.92%	3.88%	3.93%	3.84%	2.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
EFV iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF	3.81%	4.16%	4.66%	4.36%	4.17%	4.07%	2.42%	4.62%	4.56%	3.56%	3.28%	3.59%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EFV and DFIV in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, EFV and DFIV 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, EFV or DFIV?

EFV has higher volatility (4.52%) compared to DFIV (3.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EFV dropped -63.94% vs DFIV's -25.42%.

Which ETF is better, EFV or DFIV?

On 3-year performance, DFIV leads with 23.90% vs 21.99% for EFV. On fees, DFIV is cheaper at 0.27% per year. On volatility, DFIV has been the lower-risk option at 3.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EFV or DFIV?

Over the 3-year period, DFIV has performed better with a 23.90% return vs 21.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EFV or DFIV?

DFIV is cheaper with a 0.27% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for EFV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EFV or DFIV?

EFV has the higher dividend yield at 3.81%, compared with 2.55% for DFIV.

What is the main difference between EFV and DFIV?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for EFV and 0.27% for DFIV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFIV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.56 vs 1.97), 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.