AVUV vs DFSV
Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF vs Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF
Quick Verdict
AVUV has a lower expense ratio. AVUV delivered stronger 1-year returns. DFSV offers more diversification with 1013 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AVUV | DFSV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.30% | |
| AUM | $30.1B | $8.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.25% | 1.38% | |
| Holdings | 788 | 1,037 | |
| YTD Return | +24.14% | +22.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +39.87% | +37.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.49% | +16.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.72% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.6% | 21.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -49.6% | -28.0% | |
| Fund Family | Avantis Investors | Dimensional | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 24, 2019 | Feb 23, 2022 |
AVUV vs DFSV Performance
Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF (AVUV) is a ETF from Avantis Investors and Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF (DFSV) is a ETF from Dimensional. Over the past year AVUV returned +39.87% while DFSV returned +37.70%. Year to date, AVUV is up 24.14% versus a gain of 22.45% for DFSV.
Over three years, AVUV compounded at +17.49% per year against +16.00% for DFSV. Across the full 5-year window we track, AVUV has the edge at +15.98% annualized vs +13.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AVUV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.6% compared with 21.4% for DFSV. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -49.6% for AVUV and -28.0% for DFSV. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AVUV charges 0.25% per year while DFSV charges 0.30%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $30 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AVUV currently yields 1.25% against 1.38% for DFSV.
Holdings Overlap
AVUV and DFSV share 523 holdings out of 1217 unique holdings combined, representing a 40.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AVUV or DFSV?
AVUV has an expense ratio of 0.25% while DFSV charges 0.30%. AVUV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AVUV or DFSV?
Over the past year AVUV returned +39.87% vs +37.70% for DFSV, so AVUV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), AVUV annualized +15.98% vs +13.02% for DFSV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AVUV or DFSV?
AVUV has been the more volatile fund at 25.6% annualized versus 21.4% for DFSV. Worst drawdown: AVUV -49.6% vs DFSV -28.0%.
Should I hold both AVUV and DFSV?
AVUV and DFSV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between AVUV and DFSV?
AVUV and DFSV share 523 common holdings with a 40.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1217 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AVUV or DFSV?
AVUV yields 1.25% while DFSV yields 1.38%, so DFSV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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