VBR vs. DFAS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VBR (Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF) and DFAS (Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VBR is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Value Index, while DFAS is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. VBR is passively managed, while DFAS is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, VBR returned 8.85%/yr vs 8.37%/yr for DFAS. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VBR charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.26%/yr for DFAS.

Performance

VBR vs. DFAS - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VBR achieves a 13.42% return, which is significantly lower than DFAS's 15.74% return.

VBR

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: 2.65%
• YTD: 13.42%
• 6M: 11.41%
• 1Y: 27.72%
• 3Y*: 16.95%
• 5Y*: 8.85%
• 10Y*: 11.02%

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)

VBR vs. DFAS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	13.42%	9.09%	12.40%	16.00%	-9.38%	1.14%
DFAS Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF	15.74%	8.17%	10.21%	17.83%	-13.84%	4.52%

Correlation

The correlation between VBR and DFAS 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 (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 14, 2021	0.98

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

VBR vs. DFAS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VBR	DFAS
Financial Services	17.5%	19.2%
Industrials	17.4%	18.9%
Consumer Cyclical	12.5%	13.0%
Technology	12.1%	15.1%
Real Estate	10.5%	0.7%
Healthcare	8.3%	12.0%
Basic Materials	6.0%	5.2%
Utilities	4.6%	2.8%
Energy	4.3%	6.4%
Consumer Defensive	4.0%	4.2%
Communication Services	2.8%	2.6%

Return for Risk

VBR vs. DFAS — Risk / Return Rank

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

VBR

VBR Risk / Return Rank: 59
VBR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
VBR Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
VBR Omega Ratio Rank: 52
VBR Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
VBR Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

VBR vs. DFAS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) 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.

	VBR	DFAS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.82	1.85	-0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.67	2.70	-0.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.32	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.14	3.35	-0.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.11	11.51	-0.39

VBR vs. DFAS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VBR Sharpe Ratio is 1.82, which is comparable to the DFAS Sharpe Ratio of 1.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VBR 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

VBR vs. DFAS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VBR drawdown since its inception was -61.98%, which is greater than DFAS's maximum drawdown of -26.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VBR and DFAS.

Drawdown Indicators

	VBR	DFAS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.98%	-26.13%	-35.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.85%	-9.36%	+0.51%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.19%	-26.13%	+1.94%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.19%	-26.13%	+1.94%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.28%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.03%	-0.12%	-0.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.25%	-8.24%	-0.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.50%	2.72%	-0.22%

Volatility

VBR vs. DFAS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) is 3.97%, while Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS) has a volatility of 4.70%. This indicates that VBR 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

	VBR	DFAS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.97%	4.70%	-0.73%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.66%	11.92%	-1.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.33%	17.00%	-1.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.73%	20.81%	-1.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.75%	20.82%	+0.93%

VBR vs. DFAS - Expense Ratio Comparison

VBR has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than DFAS's 0.26% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VBR vs. DFAS - Dividend Comparison

VBR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.73%, 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%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	1.73%	1.95%	1.98%	2.12%	2.03%	1.75%	1.68%	2.06%	2.35%	1.79%	1.77%	1.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VBR and DFAS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, VBR 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, VBR or DFAS?

DFAS has higher volatility (4.70%) compared to VBR (3.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VBR dropped -61.98% vs DFAS's -26.13%.

Which ETF is better, VBR or DFAS?

On 5-year performance, VBR leads with 8.85% vs 8.37% for DFAS. On fees, VBR is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VBR has been the lower-risk option at 3.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VBR or DFAS?

Over the 5-year period, VBR has performed better with a 8.85% return vs 8.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VBR or DFAS?

VBR is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.26% for DFAS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VBR or DFAS?

VBR has the higher dividend yield at 1.73%, compared with 0.90% for DFAS.

What is the main difference between VBR and DFAS?

VBR is categorized as Small Cap Value Equities, while DFAS is Small Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for VBR and 0.26% for DFAS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.85 vs 1.82), 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.