VTWV vs. DFSV

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VTWV (Vanguard Russell 2000 Value ETF) and DFSV (Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF) are both Small Cap Value Equities funds. VTWV is passively managed, while DFSV is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, VTWV returned 19.74%/yr vs 17.37%/yr for DFSV. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VTWV charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.31%/yr for DFSV.

Performance

VTWV vs. DFSV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Russell 2000 Value ETF (VTWV) and Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF (DFSV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTWV achieves a 21.24% return, which is significantly higher than DFSV's 16.63% return.

VTWV

• 1D: 0.55%
• 1M: 3.72%
• YTD: 21.24%
• 6M: 18.40%
• 1Y: 45.20%
• 3Y*: 19.74%
• 5Y*: 7.74%
• 10Y*: 10.91%

DFSV

• 1D: 0.24%
• 1M: 2.16%
• YTD: 16.63%
• 6M: 14.57%
• 1Y: 34.93%
• 3Y*: 17.37%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VTWV vs. DFSV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
VTWV Vanguard Russell 2000 Value ETF	21.24%	12.72%	7.83%	14.67%	-6.73%
DFSV Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF	16.63%	8.59%	7.13%	19.26%	2.68%

Correlation

The correlation between VTWV and DFSV is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 24, 2022	0.97

The correlation between VTWV and DFSV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

VTWV vs. DFSV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VTWV	DFSV
Financial Services	24.0%	27.5%
Industrials	12.2%	15.3%
Technology	11.6%	8.5%
Real Estate	10.2%	0.8%
Healthcare	10.1%	6.9%
Consumer Cyclical	8.9%	14.7%
Energy	7.8%	12.1%
Basic Materials	5.4%	5.2%
Utilities	5.0%	0.7%
Communication Services	2.7%	2.7%
Consumer Defensive	2.1%	5.7%

Return for Risk

VTWV vs. DFSV — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTWV

VTWV Risk / Return Rank: 82
VTWV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
VTWV Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
VTWV Omega Ratio Rank: 73
VTWV Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
VTWV Martin Ratio Rank: 87

DFSV

DFSV Risk / Return Rank: 66
DFSV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
DFSV Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
DFSV Omega Ratio Rank: 59
DFSV Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
DFSV Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

VTWV vs. DFSV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Russell 2000 Value ETF (VTWV) 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.

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.

	VTWV	DFSV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.47	1.99	+0.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.42	2.89	+0.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.35	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.26	3.74	+1.52
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.96	11.89	+6.07

VTWV vs. DFSV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTWV Sharpe Ratio is 2.47, which is comparable to the DFSV Sharpe Ratio of 1.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTWV 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.

Drawdowns

VTWV vs. DFSV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTWV drawdown since its inception was -45.73%, which is greater than DFSV's maximum drawdown of -28.02%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTWV and DFSV.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTWV	DFSV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.73%	-28.02%	-17.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.64%	-9.39%	+0.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.72%	-28.02%	+1.30%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.72%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.73%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.95%	+1.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.79%	-6.64%	-1.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.52%	2.94%	-0.42%

Volatility

VTWV vs. DFSV - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Russell 2000 Value ETF (VTWV) has a higher volatility of 5.32% compared to Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF (DFSV) at 4.04%. This indicates that VTWV'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

	VTWV	DFSV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.32%	4.04%	+1.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.61%	11.27%	+1.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.46%	17.63%	+0.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.71%	22.20%	-0.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.57%	22.20%	+1.37%

VTWV vs. DFSV - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTWV has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than DFSV's 0.31% expense ratio.

Dividends

VTWV vs. DFSV - Dividend Comparison

VTWV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.63%, more than DFSV's 1.40% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFSV Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF	1.40%	1.53%	1.31%	1.29%	0.90%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VTWV Vanguard Russell 2000 Value ETF	1.63%	1.79%	1.78%	2.02%	2.07%	1.60%	1.49%	1.82%	2.04%	1.63%	1.57%	2.03%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTWV and DFSV in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, VTWV 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, VTWV or DFSV?

VTWV has higher volatility (5.32%) compared to DFSV (4.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTWV dropped -45.73% vs DFSV's -28.02%.

Which ETF is better, VTWV or DFSV?

On 3-year performance, VTWV leads with 19.74% vs 17.37% for DFSV. On fees, VTWV is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, DFSV has been the lower-risk option at 4.04%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VTWV or DFSV?

Over the 3-year period, VTWV has performed better with a 19.74% return vs 17.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VTWV or DFSV?

VTWV is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.31% for DFSV.

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

VTWV has the higher dividend yield at 1.63%, compared with 1.40% for DFSV.

What is the main difference between VTWV and DFSV?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for VTWV and 0.31% for DFSV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTWV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.47 vs 1.99), 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.