RSST vs. DFIV

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

RSST (Return Stacked U.S. Stocks & Managed Futures ETF) and DFIV (Dimensional International Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - RSST is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Return Stacked, while DFIV is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, RSST returned 39.99% vs 33.73% for DFIV. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RSST charges 0.99%/yr vs 0.27%/yr for DFIV.

Performance

RSST vs. DFIV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Return Stacked U.S. Stocks & Managed Futures ETF (RSST) 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, RSST achieves a 17.85% return, which is significantly higher than DFIV's 14.01% return.

RSST

• 1D: 2.11%
• 1M: 1.29%
• 6M: 15.73%
• YTD: 17.85%
• 1Y: 39.99%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 20.27%

DFIV

• 1D: 1.19%
• 1M: 2.64%
• 6M: 11.75%
• YTD: 14.01%
• 1Y: 33.73%
• 3Y*: 22.23%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 15.66%

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

RSST vs. DFIV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
RSST Return Stacked U.S. Stocks & Managed Futures ETF	17.85%	19.91%	18.37%	1.58%
DFIV Dimensional International Value ETF	14.01%	45.36%	7.26%	5.52%

Correlation

The correlation between RSST and DFIV is 0.69, 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	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 6, 2023	0.59

The correlation between RSST and DFIV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.59 to 0.69 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

RSST vs. DFIV — Risk / Return Rank

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

RSST

RSST Risk / Return Rank: 71
RSST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
RSST Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
RSST Omega Ratio Rank: 67
RSST Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
RSST Martin Ratio Rank: 75

DFIV

DFIV Risk / Return Rank: 89
DFIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
DFIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
DFIV Omega Ratio Rank: 90
DFIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
DFIV Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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.

RSST vs. DFIV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Return Stacked U.S. Stocks & Managed Futures ETF (RSST) 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.

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.

	RSST	DFIV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.71	2.40	-0.70
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.13	3.31	-1.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.43	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.43	3.51	-0.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.05	13.33	-3.28

RSST vs. DFIV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RSST Sharpe Ratio is 1.71, which is comparable to the DFIV Sharpe Ratio of 2.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RSST 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.

Drawdowns

RSST vs. DFIV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RSST drawdown since its inception was -30.80%, which is greater than DFIV's maximum drawdown of -25.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RSST and DFIV.

Drawdown Indicators

	RSST	DFIV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-30.80%	-25.42%	-5.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.71%	-9.66%	-2.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-14.72%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.88%	-0.34%	-3.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.03%	-4.39%	-1.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.99%	2.54%	+1.45%

Volatility

RSST vs. DFIV - Volatility Comparison

Return Stacked U.S. Stocks & Managed Futures ETF (RSST) has a higher volatility of 5.31% compared to Dimensional International Value ETF (DFIV) at 3.43%. This indicates that RSST'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

	RSST	DFIV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.31%	3.43%	+1.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.98%	11.68%	+5.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.53%	14.11%	+9.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.32%	16.56%	+7.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.32%	16.56%	+7.76%

RSST vs. DFIV - Expense Ratio Comparison

RSST has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is higher than DFIV's 0.27% expense ratio.

Dividends

RSST vs. DFIV - Dividend Comparison

RSST's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.95%, less than DFIV's 2.64% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFIV Dimensional International Value ETF	2.64%	2.92%	3.88%	3.93%	3.84%	2.30%
RSST Return Stacked U.S. Stocks & Managed Futures ETF	0.95%	1.12%	0.09%	0.93%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RSST and DFIV in my portfolio?

RSST and DFIV have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RSST or DFIV?

RSST has higher volatility (5.31%) compared to DFIV (3.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RSST dropped -30.80% vs DFIV's -25.42%.

Which ETF is better, RSST or DFIV?

On 1-year performance, RSST leads with 39.99% vs 33.73% for DFIV. On fees, DFIV is cheaper at 0.27% per year. On volatility, DFIV has been the lower-risk option at 3.43%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RSST or DFIV?

Over the 1-year period, RSST has performed better with a 39.99% return vs 33.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RSST or DFIV?

DFIV is cheaper with a 0.27% expense ratio, compared with 0.99% for RSST.

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

DFIV has the higher dividend yield at 2.64%, compared with 0.95% for RSST.

What is the main difference between RSST and DFIV?

RSST is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while DFIV is Foreign Large Cap Equities. They also come from different issuers: Return Stacked and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.99% for RSST and 0.27% for DFIV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFIV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.40 vs 1.71), 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.