AVUV vs DFSV: Avantis vs Dimensional Small Cap Value
Both AVUV and DFSV are built on decades of academic factor research from the same intellectual lineage. AVUV was designed by former Dimensional (DFA) employees. DFSV is Dimensional's own small cap value ETF. At virtually the same cost, the differences are in implementation.
AVUV and DFSV both target the small cap value premium: the long-documented tendency of small, cheap stocks to outperform large growth stocks over time. AVUV is run by Avantis, founded by former Dimensional employees who designed its methodology. DFSV is Dimensional's own ETF vehicle. AVUV charges 0.25%; DFSV charges 0.30%. Both are actively managed in the sense that they apply factor screens rather than tracking a fixed index, but both are rules-based and low-turnover. AVUV applies a slightly stronger profitability screen, tilting toward profitable small-value companies and away from distressed deep-value names. DFSV weights more toward price-to-book value. Empirically, profitability combined with value has produced stronger risk-adjusted returns than value alone. AVUV's edge comes from this combined factor exposure. Both funds belong in any serious small-cap value allocation; AVUV's profitability tilt gives it a marginal advantage on a risk-adjusted basis.
Whether the lower-cost fund suits your situation depends on your existing holdings, account type, tax situation, and how you use each fund. This is a cost comparison, not a personalized recommendation.
Both funds trade commission-free at every major brokerage. Where to buy them →
📋 AVUV vs DFSV: Key Facts Side by Side
| Metric | AVUV | DFSV |
|---|---|---|
| Fund Name | Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF | DFA U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio – ETF Class Shares |
| Issuer | Avantis | Dimensional |
| Tracks Index | Active (factor-based) | Active (factor-based) |
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% ✓ | 0.30% |
| Cost per $10K/yr | $25.00 | $30.00 |
| AUM | $30.4B | $26.5B |
| Holdings | 700 | 800 |
| Inception | 2019 | 2022 |
| 1-Year Return | +20.92% | +19.77% |
| 3-Year Return | +18.12% | +15.36% |
| 5-Year Return | +10.92% | — |
| Dividend Yield | 1.29% | — |
| Holdings Overlap | See holdings overlap → | |
| Avg Bid-Ask Spread | 0.02% | 0.03% |
AUM and returns updated Oct 14, 2026 from ETF BFF database; expense ratios verified against issuer filings. Returns are annualised. Not investment advice.
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📊 AVUV vs DFSV: Annualised Returns
Annualised returns (trailing, price-based). Past performance does not guarantee future results.
🎯 Which Fund Fits Which Investor?
- want the lowest fees: saves ~$5/yr per $10K vs DFSV
- already use Avantis and prefer staying within one fund family
- already use Dimensional and prefer staying within one fund family
💰 What the Fee Difference Actually Costs
Adjust the numbers for your situation. This models each fund's expense ratio compounding against your balance over time.
Assumes a constant annual return reinvested, with each fund's expense ratio deducted yearly. Illustrative only; actual returns vary. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
🧩 What AVUV and DFSV Actually Hold in Common
Among their largest holdings, AVUV and DFSV share no names in common. At the top, they hold genuinely different baskets.
- Matson Inc 1.1%
- GATX Corp 0.9%
- Lantheus Holdings Inc 0.8%
- Abercrombie & Fitch Co Class A 0.8%
- SM Energy Co 0.8%
- Macy's Inc 0.8%
- Viasat Inc 0.8%
- SkyWest Inc 0.7%
- International Seaways Inc 0.7%
- Lear Corp 0.7%
- HF Sinclair Corp 1.0%
- BorgWarner Inc 0.9%
- Invesco Ltd 0.9%
- Elanco Animal Health Inc 0.8%
- Avnet Inc 0.8%
- Ovintiv Inc 0.7%
- Arrow Electronics Inc 0.7%
- Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc Class A 0.7%
- Darling Ingredients Inc 0.7%
Based on each fund's largest disclosed holdings. Names marked • are held by both. Weights shift over time. For overlap beyond the top holdings shown here, the holdings overlap tool shows the full picture.
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