EVLU vs. DFIV

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

EVLU (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Value Factor ETF) and DFIV (Dimensional International Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EVLU is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Value Factor Select Index (Net), while DFIV is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. EVLU is passively managed, while DFIV is actively managed. Over the past year, EVLU returned 76.75% vs 34.88% for DFIV. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EVLU charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.27%/yr for DFIV.

Performance

EVLU vs. DFIV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Value Factor ETF (EVLU) 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, EVLU achieves a 37.12% return, which is significantly higher than DFIV's 11.54% return.

EVLU

• 1D: 2.17%
• 1M: 17.76%
• YTD: 37.12%
• 6M: 40.51%
• 1Y: 76.75%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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)

EVLU vs. DFIV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
EVLU iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Value Factor ETF	37.12%	38.54%	1.61%
DFIV Dimensional International Value ETF	11.54%	45.36%	-1.91%

Correlation

The correlation between EVLU and DFIV is 0.63, 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	0.63
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 9, 2024	0.64

The correlation between EVLU and DFIV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.63 to 0.64 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

EVLU vs. DFIV — Risk / Return Rank

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

EVLU

EVLU Risk / Return Rank: 93
EVLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
EVLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
EVLU Omega Ratio Rank: 95
EVLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
EVLU Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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.

EVLU vs. DFIV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Value Factor ETF (EVLU) 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.

	EVLU	DFIV	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	4.09	2.56	+1.52
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	5.03	3.50	+1.53
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.72	1.46	+0.26
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.03	3.63	+2.40
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	22.39	14.02	+8.37
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EVLU vs. DFIV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EVLU Sharpe Ratio is 4.09, which is higher than the DFIV Sharpe Ratio of 2.56. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EVLU 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

	EVLU	DFIV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.09	2.56	+1.52
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.34	0.94	+1.41

Drawdowns

EVLU vs. DFIV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EVLU drawdown since its inception was -17.17%, smaller than the maximum DFIV drawdown of -25.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EVLU and DFIV.

Drawdown Indicators

	EVLU	DFIV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.17%	-25.42%	+8.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.90%	-9.66%	-3.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-14.72%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.02%	+1.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.48%	-4.48%	+1.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.47%	2.49%	+0.98%

Volatility

EVLU vs. DFIV - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Value Factor ETF (EVLU) has a higher volatility of 8.68% compared to Dimensional International Value ETF (DFIV) at 3.89%. This indicates that EVLU'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

	EVLU	DFIV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.68%	3.89%	+4.79%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.02%	10.99%	+5.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.88%	13.69%	+5.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.86%	16.63%	+3.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.86%	16.63%	+3.23%

EVLU vs. DFIV - Expense Ratio Comparison

EVLU has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than DFIV's 0.27% expense ratio.

Dividends

EVLU vs. DFIV - Dividend Comparison

EVLU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.79%, more than DFIV's 2.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFIV Dimensional International Value ETF	2.55%	2.92%	3.88%	3.93%	3.84%	2.30%
EVLU iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Value Factor ETF	3.79%	5.20%	1.03%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EVLU and DFIV in my portfolio?

EVLU and DFIV have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EVLU or DFIV?

EVLU has higher volatility (8.68%) compared to DFIV (3.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EVLU dropped -17.17% vs DFIV's -25.42%.

Which ETF is better, EVLU or DFIV?

On 1-year performance, EVLU leads with 76.75% vs 34.88% for DFIV. 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, EVLU or DFIV?

Over the 1-year period, EVLU has performed better with a 76.75% return vs 34.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EVLU or DFIV?

DFIV is cheaper with a 0.27% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for EVLU.

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

EVLU has the higher dividend yield at 3.79%, compared with 2.55% for DFIV.

What is the main difference between EVLU and DFIV?

EVLU is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while DFIV is Foreign Large Cap Equities. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for EVLU and 0.27% for DFIV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EVLU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.09 vs 2.56), 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.