DFAS vs SCDS
Dimensional US Small Cap ETF vs JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Small Core ETF
Which is better, DFAS or SCDS?
Nearly the same fund. DFAS costs less.
DFAS has a lower expense ratio. SCDS led over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.95.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFAS | SCDS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.27%Best | 0.40% |
| AUM | $34.2B | $9M |
| Dividend Yield | 1.04% | 1.12% |
| Holdings | 2,060 | 279 |
| YTD Return | +10.62% | +17.38%Best |
| 1Y Return | +14.08% | +21.08%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.46% | - |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.05% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.9%Best | 17.7% |
| Max Drawdown | -26.1%Best | -26.7% |
| $10,000 over 2.2 years | $13,088 | $14,139Best |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | J.P. Morgan Asset Management |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Small Cap Blend | Small Cap Blend |
| Inception | Dec 15, 1998 | Aug 7, 2024 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 2.2 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 8, 2024 to Oct 14, 2026 (2.2 years).
DFAS vs SCDS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 2.2 years both funds cover.
DFAS vs SCDS Performance
Dimensional US Small Cap ETF (DFAS) is an ETF from Dimensional and JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Small Core ETF (SCDS) is an ETF from J.P. Morgan Asset Management. Over the past year DFAS returned +14.08% while SCDS returned +21.08%. Year to date, DFAS is up 10.62% versus a gain of 17.38% for SCDS.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCDS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% compared with 15.9% for DFAS. 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 -26.1% for DFAS and -26.7% for SCDS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFAS charges 0.27% per year while SCDS charges 0.40%. On a $10,000 position that is $27 vs $40 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFAS currently yields 1.04% against 1.12% for SCDS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 1,552 holdings in DFAS and 274 in SCDS, totalling 93.8% and 99.5% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 1,552 positions we hold weights for in DFAS and 274 in SCDS, against full books of 2,060 and 279.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DFAS and SCDS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFAS or SCDS?
DFAS has an expense ratio of 0.27% while SCDS charges 0.40%. DFAS is the cheaper option, by $13 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DFAS or SCDS?
Over the past year DFAS returned +14.08% vs +21.08% for SCDS, so SCDS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), DFAS annualized +13.01% vs +17.05% for SCDS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DFAS or SCDS?
SCDS has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 15.9% for DFAS. Worst drawdown: DFAS -26.1% vs SCDS -26.7%.
Should I hold both DFAS and SCDS?
DFAS and SCDS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFAS or SCDS?
DFAS yields 1.04% while SCDS yields 1.12%, so SCDS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SCDS better than DFAS?
DFAS has a lower expense ratio. SCDS led over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.95. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.