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Upturn AI SWOT - About
Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS)
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Upturn Advisory Summary
09/16/2025: DFAS (1-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
Upturn Star Rating
Not Recommended Performance
These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, consistently fall short of market performance, signaling caution before investing.
Analysis of Past Performance
Type ETF | Historic Profit 10.9% | Avg. Invested days 54 | Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating |
Upturn Star Rating | Upturn Advisory Performance  3.0 | ETF Returns Performance  3.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 09/16/2025 |
Key Highlights
Volume (30-day avg) - | Beta 1.15 | 52 Weeks Range 51.31 - 71.25 | Updated Date 06/29/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 51.31 - 71.25 | Updated Date 06/29/2025 |
Upturn AI SWOT
Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF
ETF Overview
Overview
The Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS) aims to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing in a broad and diverse portfolio of U.S. small-cap companies, emphasizing a value tilt and profitability screen.
Reputation and Reliability
Dimensional Fund Advisors is a well-regarded firm known for its systematic, research-driven investment approach.
Management Expertise
Dimensional has a long history of managing factor-based portfolios and employs a team of experienced investment professionals.
Investment Objective
Goal
Seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing in U.S. small-cap companies.
Investment Approach and Strategy
Strategy: DFAS does not strictly track an index but employs a rules-based approach to select and weight securities, focusing on profitability and value.
Composition The ETF primarily holds stocks of U.S. small-cap companies. Its specific holdings vary according to Dimensional's investment criteria.
Market Position
Market Share: Relatively smaller compared to largest Small Cap ETFs.
Total Net Assets (AUM): 1470000000
Competitors
Key Competitors
- IWM
- VBR
- SLY
- VB
Competitive Landscape
The small-cap ETF market is highly competitive, with numerous funds offering exposure to this segment. DFAS competes on its factor-based approach and relatively low expense ratio compared to actively managed small-cap funds, but it faces stiff competition from larger, more liquid, and passively managed index funds. DFAS has potential to generate higher risk-adjusted returns. DFAS disadvantages are that it has less trading volume and AUM.
Financial Performance
Historical Performance: Historical performance data is required from a financial data source.
Benchmark Comparison: Benchmark comparison data is required from a financial data source.
Expense Ratio: 0.12
Liquidity
Average Trading Volume
The average trading volume for DFAS is moderate but may be lower compared to larger, more established small-cap ETFs.
Bid-Ask Spread
The bid-ask spread is typically tight, reflecting adequate liquidity for most investors.
Market Dynamics
Market Environment Factors
Small-cap stocks are sensitive to economic growth, interest rates, and investor sentiment. Current market conditions, including inflation and Fed policy, can impact DFAS's performance.
Growth Trajectory
DFAS's growth is dependent on the overall attractiveness of small-cap stocks and the fund's ability to deliver competitive returns relative to its peers. Strategic shifts in portfolio construction and holdings adjustments can change the ETF's trajectory.
Moat and Competitive Advantages
Competitive Edge
DFAS has a systematic, rules-based approach focusing on profitability and value factors, which may lead to superior long-term returns. Dimensional's research-driven process differentiates it from purely passive index funds. The ETF's relatively low expense ratio enhances its competitiveness compared to actively managed small-cap funds. By screening for profitability, the ETF aims to avoid weaker small-cap companies and improve risk-adjusted returns. The implementation of a weighting strategy can further refine the ETF's performance.
Risk Analysis
Volatility
Small-cap stocks are generally more volatile than large-cap stocks. DFAS may exhibit higher volatility than broad market ETFs.
Market Risk
DFAS is subject to market risk, particularly related to the performance of small-cap companies and their sensitivity to economic cycles. Specific risks include exposure to smaller, less liquid stocks.
Investor Profile
Ideal Investor Profile
The ideal investor is one with a long-term investment horizon seeking exposure to small-cap stocks and comfortable with potentially higher volatility. Investors who want to diversify with small-cap stocks.
Market Risk
DFAS is best suited for long-term investors seeking capital appreciation and willing to accept higher risk. May also suit passive index followers seeking to slightly outperform the market.
Summary
The Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS) offers exposure to a diversified portfolio of U.S. small-cap companies with a focus on profitability and value. It employs a systematic investment approach and boasts a low expense ratio. While DFAS may exhibit higher volatility than broad market ETFs, it presents an opportunity for long-term capital appreciation. It is best suited for long-term investors who are comfortable with the risk profile of small-cap stocks.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Dimensional Fund Advisors Website
- Morningstar
- ETF.com
Disclaimers:
The data provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Market conditions and fund performance can change over time. Consult a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF
Exchange NYSE ARCA | Headquaters - | ||
IPO Launch date - | CEO - | ||
Sector - | Industry - | Full time employees - | Website |
Full time employees - | Website | ||
The fund, using a market capitalization weighted approach, is designed to generally purchase a broad and diverse group of securities of U.S. small cap companies. As a non-fundamental policy, normally, the fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets in securities of small cap U.S. companies. The fund may purchase or sell futures contracts and options on futures contracts for U.S. equity securities and indices, to increase or decrease equity market exposure based on actual or expected cash inflows to or outflows from the Portfolio.
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