What is the difference between small-cap and large-cap international value?

AVDV (stock_1) focuses on international small-cap value companies, while DFIV (stock_2) targets international large-cap value companies. This means stock_1 invests in smaller firms in developed or emerging markets, aiming to capture the size premium. In contrast, stock_2 invests in larger, established international firms. The strategies differ in market capitalisation and potential risk-return profiles, with smaller companies often exhibiting higher volatility but potentially greater growth opportunities compared to larger, more stable counterparts.

How do the expense ratios of AVDV and DFIV compare?

AVDV (stock_1) has an expense ratio of 0.36%, whereas DFIV (stock_2) charges 0.27%. This represents a 0.09 percentage point difference annually. While both are actively managed, DFIV is generally cheaper to hold. Lower fees directly reduce annual costs for investors, allowing more capital to compound over time. However, investors should weigh this cost against potential performance differences from each fund's specific market capitalisation focus.

What does the fund size indicate about AVDV and DFIV?

DFIV (stock_2) holds US$22.2 billion, making it larger than AVDV (stock_1), which holds US$20.5 billion. Both are substantial funds. The larger size of stock_2 reflects its long history since 1999. The slightly smaller size of stock_1, launched in 2019, may indicate greater flexibility in implementing its strategy in smaller, potentially more illiquid markets, though it has already achieved significant scale.

How does the dividend yield differ between AVDV and DFIV?

AVDV (stock_1) currently offers a dividend yield of 3.07%, compared to 2.57% for DFIV (stock_2). This 0.50 percentage point difference suggests stock_1 might generate higher cash distributions annually, reflecting characteristics of smaller value-oriented firms. The yield for stock_2 is typical for larger international value companies. Investors should remember that yields fluctuate with market prices and company policies.

Do AVDV and DFIV share the same top holdings?

No. AVDV's top holdings (stock_1) include CDE, SSRM, and ZIM, while DFIV's top holdings (stock_2) feature SHEL and BP. There is zero overlap in these listed positions. This is because stock_1 targets small/mid-cap companies and stock_2 targets large-cap companies.

What do the top holdings reveal about each fund's concentration?

DFIV (stock_2) has a top holding of SHEL at 3.34%, indicating more concentration in specific large companies. AVDV (stock_1) has extremely small top holdings, with its largest being CDE at only 0.60%. This suggests stock_1 is far more diversified across many smaller companies, reducing single-stock risk but potentially diluting the impact of individual winners compared to a more concentrated large-cap approach.

How long have AVDV and DFIV been in operation?

DFIV (stock_2) launched on 16 April 1999, offering a 27-year track record. AVDV (stock_1) was established on 24 September 2019, providing a roughly 7-year history. Stock_2 has a longer record spanning multiple market cycles. Stock_1's shorter history includes recent market environments, which investors should consider when evaluating performance consistency.

How do sector weights impact the comparison between AVDV and DFIV?

Currently, detailed sector weight data for both AVDV (stock_1) and DFIV (stock_2) is not available. Investors should monitor how these funds allocate assets across sectors, as this significantly influences risk and return. Without current sector data, it is impossible to compare their specific economic exposures directly from that angle.

Which fund aligns better with an income-focused strategy?

AVDV (stock_1) has a higher 3.07% dividend yield compared to DFIV's 2.57%. Investors prioritising immediate cash flow might find stock_1's higher yield more attractive. Stock_2 offers reliable income from large-cap value. Both provide income support from international markets.

What practical factors should beginners compare when evaluating these two ETFs?

Beginners should compare the 0.09 percentage point expense ratio difference (0.36% for stock_1 versus 0.27% for stock_2) and the 0.50 percentage point yield gap (3.07% versus 2.57%). Note the 27-year inception date (1999) of stock_2 versus the 7-year date (2019) for stock_1. Also consider that their top holdings do not overlap.

AVDV vs DFIV

Two funds, one decision: we compare cost, performance and what each ETF actually holds in September 2026.

Compare Avantis International Small Cap Valuation (AVDV) and Dimensional International Value ETF (DFIV) to evaluate fees, holdings, and dividend yields. AVDV charges a 0.36% expense ratio while DFIV charges 0.27%. Neither fund tracks a published index, so review how each strategy targets value in international markets. Educational content, not financial advice.

Fund Snapshot

Key Fund Metrics

AVDV

Metric

DFIV

0.36%

Expense Ratio

0.27%

3.07%

Dividend Yield

2.57%

$20.46B

Net Assets

$22.16B

1,745

Holdings

609

Sep 24, 2019

Inception Date

Apr 16, 1999

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Index Tracked

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Foreign Small/Mid Value

Fund Category

Foreign Large Value

DFIV costs about $9.00 less per year for every $10,000 invested.

Shared Top Holdings

These funds do not share any of their top holdings.

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Investment Analysis

AVDV

Pros

AVDV offers extensive international small-cap exposure, as evidenced by its Foreign Small/Mid Value classification.
An expense ratio of 0.36% is competitive for the complex task of accessing illiquid international small-cap markets.
The fund's 3.07% dividend yield is attractive compared to typical small-cap valuations and provides income support.

Considerations

A 0.36% expense ratio is higher than many passive alternatives, creating a persistent drag on net returns.
Since its September 2019 inception, the fund has a shorter operating history than many established market products.
Top holdings weights below 0.61% suggest significant diversification but potentially dilute conviction when compared to concentrated strategies.

DFIV

Pros

DFIV provides access to large-cap international value companies with a lower 0.27% expense ratio.
The fund's April 1999 inception date means it has a long performance record, spanning multiple market cycles.
A 2.57% dividend yield is typical for large-cap value stocks and offers a reliable stream of income.

Considerations

A 2.57% dividend yield is lower than some peer international value products, potentially reducing income appeal.
With a top holding of SHEL at 3.34%, the fund exhibits more concentration risk than broader benchmarks.
Being classified as Foreign Large Value, the fund lacks the size premium that smaller companies can offer.

About AVDV and DFIV

AVDV (AVDV)

The Avantis International Small Cap Valuation ETF is an exchange-traded fund designed for investors looking to access small-cap companies located outside the United States. Launched in September 2019, this fund falls within the Foreign Small/Mid Value category and currently holds a substantial net asset value of approximately USD 20.46 billion. It maintains a diversified portfolio of 1,745 holdings, offering broad exposure to the international small-cap value sector. Investors should be aware that the fund operates with an expense ratio of 0.36% and currently provides a dividend yield of 3.07%. As with any investment focused on smaller companies and international markets, value can fluctuate based on market conditions and economic factors. This ETF is intended for those seeking diversification beyond domestic markets, though returns are not guaranteed and capital is at risk.

DFIV (DFIV)

The Dimensional International Value ETF (DFIV) offers investors exposure to developed and emerging markets outside the United States and Canada. This fund focuses on companies in international markets that appear to be trading at lower valuations relative to their peers, often referred to as 'value' stocks. By investing in a diversified basket of hundreds of holdings, DFIV aims to capture the potential long-term returns associated with the value investment style while spreading risk across various sectors and regions. It provides a way to diversify a portfolio beyond domestic assets. However, international investing carries unique risks, including currency fluctuations and geopolitical events. The fund’s expense ratio is moderate, and it may distribute income. As with any investment, values can rise and fall, and past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

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AVDV vs DFIV

Fund Snapshot