LSVQX vs. DFAS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

LSVQX (LSV Small Cap Value Fund) and DFAS (Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF) are both funds - LSVQX is a Small Cap Value Equities fund managed by LSV, while DFAS is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. Over the past 5 years, LSVQX returned 9.20%/yr vs 8.37%/yr for DFAS. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. LSVQX charges 0.83%/yr vs 0.26%/yr for DFAS.

Performance

LSVQX vs. DFAS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in LSV Small Cap Value Fund (LSVQX) and Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with LSVQX having a 15.12% return and DFAS slightly higher at 15.74%.

LSVQX

• 1D: 0.76%
• 1M: 2.61%
• YTD: 15.12%
• 6M: 13.02%
• 1Y: 29.83%
• 3Y*: 14.18%
• 5Y*: 9.20%
• 10Y*: 9.07%

DFAS

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: 3.77%
• YTD: 15.74%
• 6M: 12.99%
• 1Y: 31.21%
• 3Y*: 16.27%
• 5Y*: 8.37%
• 10Y*: —

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

LSVQX vs. DFAS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
LSVQX LSV Small Cap Value Fund	15.12%	7.31%	4.23%	19.02%	-6.24%	1.68%
DFAS Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF	15.74%	8.17%	10.21%	17.83%	-13.84%	4.52%

Correlation

The correlation between LSVQX and DFAS is 0.94, 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	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 14, 2021	0.96

The correlation between LSVQX and DFAS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

LSVQX vs. DFAS — Risk / Return Rank

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

LSVQX

LSVQX Risk / Return Rank: 57
LSVQX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
LSVQX Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
LSVQX Omega Ratio Rank: 45
LSVQX Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
LSVQX Martin Ratio Rank: 55

DFAS

DFAS Risk / Return Rank: 60
DFAS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
DFAS Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
DFAS Omega Ratio Rank: 52
DFAS Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
DFAS Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

LSVQX vs. DFAS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for LSV Small Cap Value Fund (LSVQX) 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.

	LSVQX	DFAS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.92	1.85	+0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.82	2.70	+0.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.32	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.54	3.35	+0.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.49	11.51	-1.01

LSVQX vs. DFAS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LSVQX Sharpe Ratio is 1.92, which is comparable to the DFAS Sharpe Ratio of 1.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LSVQX 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

LSVQX vs. DFAS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LSVQX drawdown since its inception was -54.77%, which is greater than DFAS's maximum drawdown of -26.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LSVQX and DFAS.

Drawdown Indicators

	LSVQX	DFAS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.77%	-26.13%	-28.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.48%	-9.36%	+0.88%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.76%	-26.13%	+0.37%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.76%	-26.13%	+0.37%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-54.77%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.89%	-0.12%	-1.77%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.42%	-8.24%	+0.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.86%	2.72%	+0.14%

Volatility

LSVQX vs. DFAS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for LSV Small Cap Value Fund (LSVQX) is 4.11%, while Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS) has a volatility of 4.70%. This indicates that LSVQX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFAS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	LSVQX	DFAS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.11%	4.70%	-0.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.43%	11.92%	-1.49%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.67%	17.00%	-1.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.33%	20.81%	-0.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.30%	20.82%	+3.48%

LSVQX vs. DFAS - Expense Ratio Comparison

LSVQX has a 0.83% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAS's 0.26% expense ratio.

Dividends

LSVQX vs. DFAS - Dividend Comparison

LSVQX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.06%, more than DFAS's 0.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFAS Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF	0.90%	0.99%	0.93%	1.00%	1.03%	2.87%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
LSVQX LSV Small Cap Value Fund	7.06%	8.13%	1.78%	4.73%	2.02%	1.45%	1.83%	2.04%	7.00%	4.78%	2.35%	3.59%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LSVQX and DFAS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, LSVQX and DFAS 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, LSVQX or DFAS?

DFAS has higher volatility (4.70%) compared to LSVQX (4.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LSVQX dropped -54.77% vs DFAS's -26.13%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LSVQX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.92 vs 1.85), 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.