FYT vs. DFSV

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FYT (First Trust Small Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund) and DFSV (Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF) are both Small Cap Value Equities funds. FYT is passively managed, while DFSV is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, FYT returned 15.03%/yr vs 16.87%/yr for DFSV. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FYT charges 0.72%/yr vs 0.31%/yr for DFSV.

Performance

FYT vs. DFSV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Small Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FYT) and Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF (DFSV). 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 FYT having a 15.42% return and DFSV slightly lower at 15.01%.

FYT

• 1D: -1.70%
• 1M: -1.10%
• YTD: 15.42%
• 6M: 14.14%
• 1Y: 34.20%
• 3Y*: 15.03%
• 5Y*: 5.74%
• 10Y*: 9.99%

DFSV

• 1D: -0.84%
• 1M: 1.32%
• YTD: 15.01%
• 6M: 14.63%
• 1Y: 33.99%
• 3Y*: 16.87%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FYT vs. DFSV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
FYT First Trust Small Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund	15.42%	4.00%	3.24%	22.90%	-8.80%
DFSV Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF	15.01%	8.59%	7.13%	19.26%	0.60%

Correlation

The correlation between FYT and DFSV 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 (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 25, 2022	0.97

The correlation between FYT and DFSV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

FYT vs. DFSV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FYT	DFSV
Financial Services	25.5%	27.5%
Consumer Cyclical	13.3%	13.5%
Industrials	12.9%	15.1%
Real Estate	9.1%	0.9%
Technology	8.4%	8.1%
Consumer Defensive	7.2%	5.8%
Energy	7.2%	13.6%
Healthcare	6.1%	6.9%
Basic Materials	4.6%	5.4%
Communication Services	2.7%	2.6%
Utilities	2.7%	0.6%

Return for Risk

FYT vs. DFSV — Risk / Return Rank

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

FYT

FYT Risk / Return Rank: 61
FYT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
FYT Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
FYT Omega Ratio Rank: 52
FYT Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
FYT Martin Ratio Rank: 64

DFSV

DFSV Risk / Return Rank: 61
DFSV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
DFSV Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
DFSV Omega Ratio Rank: 55
DFSV Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
DFSV Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

FYT vs. DFSV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Small Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FYT) and Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF (DFSV). 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.

	FYT	DFSV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.83	1.95	-0.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.73	2.84	-0.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.34	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.12	3.64	+0.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.64	11.57	+0.06
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FYT vs. DFSV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FYT Sharpe Ratio is 1.83, which is comparable to the DFSV Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FYT and DFSV, 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

	FYT	DFSV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.83	1.95	-0.12
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.26	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.39	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.39	0.53	-0.14

Drawdowns

FYT vs. DFSV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FYT drawdown since its inception was -50.48%, which is greater than DFSV's maximum drawdown of -28.02%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FYT and DFSV.

Drawdown Indicators

	FYT	DFSV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.48%	-28.02%	-22.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.34%	-9.39%	+1.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.90%	-28.02%	-0.88%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.90%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-50.48%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.65%	-0.84%	-1.81%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.54%	-6.71%	-1.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.95%	2.95%	0.00%

Volatility

FYT vs. DFSV - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Small Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FYT) has a higher volatility of 4.66% compared to Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF (DFSV) at 3.95%. This indicates that FYT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFSV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FYT	DFSV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.66%	3.95%	+0.71%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.62%	11.28%	+0.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.90%	17.63%	+1.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.56%	22.24%	+0.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.96%	22.24%	+3.72%

FYT vs. DFSV - Expense Ratio Comparison

FYT has a 0.72% expense ratio, which is higher than DFSV's 0.31% expense ratio.

Dividends

FYT vs. DFSV - Dividend Comparison

FYT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.12%, less than DFSV's 1.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFSV Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF	1.42%	1.53%	1.31%	1.29%	0.90%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FYT First Trust Small Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund	1.12%	0.94%	2.07%	1.50%	1.36%	1.19%	0.96%	1.44%	1.78%	1.16%	1.16%	0.96%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FYT and DFSV in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, FYT and DFSV 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, FYT or DFSV?

FYT has higher volatility (4.66%) compared to DFSV (3.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FYT dropped -50.48% vs DFSV's -28.02%.

Which ETF is better, FYT or DFSV?

On 3-year performance, DFSV leads with 16.87% vs 15.03% for FYT. On fees, DFSV is cheaper at 0.31% per year. On volatility, DFSV has been the lower-risk option at 3.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FYT or DFSV?

Over the 3-year period, DFSV has performed better with a 16.87% return vs 15.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FYT or DFSV?

DFSV is cheaper with a 0.31% expense ratio, compared with 0.72% for FYT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FYT or DFSV?

DFSV has the higher dividend yield at 1.42%, compared with 1.12% for FYT.

What is the main difference between FYT and DFSV?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.72% for FYT and 0.31% for DFSV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFSV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 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.