BUSA vs. DLN

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

BUSA (Brandes U.S. Value ETF) and DLN (WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. BUSA is actively managed, while DLN is passively managed. Over the past year, BUSA returned 21.71% vs 21.18% for DLN. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BUSA charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for DLN.

Performance

BUSA vs. DLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Brandes U.S. Value ETF (BUSA) and WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund (DLN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUSA achieves a 8.57% return, which is significantly lower than DLN's 10.07% return.

BUSA

• 1D: 0.53%
• 1M: 1.19%
• YTD: 8.57%
• 6M: 7.45%
• 1Y: 21.71%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DLN

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: 0.26%
• YTD: 10.07%
• 6M: 9.07%
• 1Y: 21.18%
• 3Y*: 18.04%
• 5Y*: 12.41%
• 10Y*: 13.02%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

BUSA vs. DLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
BUSA Brandes U.S. Value ETF	8.57%	17.56%	15.76%	10.92%
DLN WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund	10.07%	15.53%	19.66%	10.53%

Correlation

The correlation between BUSA and DLN is 0.83, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 5, 2023	0.88

The correlation between BUSA and DLN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

BUSA vs. DLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BUSA	DLN
Healthcare	23.9%	12.6%
Financial Services	20.2%	17.4%
Technology	13.0%	22.8%
Industrials	12.9%	7.8%
Energy	7.3%	7.9%
Communication Services	5.6%	7.5%
Consumer Defensive	5.1%	8.9%
Consumer Cyclical	4.5%	4.9%
Basic Materials	4.1%	1.0%
Utilities	3.4%	5.5%
Real Estate	-	3.9%

Return for Risk

BUSA vs. DLN — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

BUSA

BUSA Risk / Return Rank: 63
BUSA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
BUSA Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
BUSA Omega Ratio Rank: 60
BUSA Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
BUSA Martin Ratio Rank: 61

DLN

DLN Risk / Return Rank: 83
DLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
DLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
DLN Omega Ratio Rank: 83
DLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
DLN Martin Ratio Rank: 83

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

BUSA vs. DLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Brandes U.S. Value ETF (BUSA) and WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund (DLN). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	BUSA	DLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.82	2.37	-0.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.60	3.37	-0.77
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.43	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.87	3.49	-0.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.64	14.59	-4.96

BUSA vs. DLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUSA Sharpe Ratio is 1.82, which is comparable to the DLN Sharpe Ratio of 2.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUSA and DLN, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

BUSA vs. DLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUSA drawdown since its inception was -14.19%, smaller than the maximum DLN drawdown of -57.84%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUSA and DLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUSA	DLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.19%	-57.84%	+43.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.61%	-6.10%	-1.51%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.71%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-16.26%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.82%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.45%	-1.01%	-0.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.12%	-7.50%	+5.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.26%	1.45%	+0.81%

Volatility

BUSA vs. DLN - Volatility Comparison

Brandes U.S. Value ETF (BUSA) has a higher volatility of 3.17% compared to WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund (DLN) at 2.71%. This indicates that BUSA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DLN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUSA	DLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.17%	2.71%	+0.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.59%	6.97%	+1.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.97%	9.00%	+2.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.61%	13.26%	+0.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.61%	16.14%	-2.53%

BUSA vs. DLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUSA has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than DLN's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUSA vs. DLN - Dividend Comparison

BUSA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.46%, less than DLN's 1.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BUSA Brandes U.S. Value ETF	1.46%	1.53%	1.37%	0.22%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DLN WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund	1.79%	1.90%	2.00%	2.43%	2.53%	2.01%	2.66%	2.51%	2.90%	2.33%	2.64%	2.80%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUSA and DLN in my portfolio?

BUSA and DLN have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BUSA or DLN?

BUSA has higher volatility (3.17%) compared to DLN (2.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUSA dropped -14.19% vs DLN's -57.84%.

Which ETF is better, BUSA or DLN?

On 1-year performance, BUSA leads with 21.71% vs 21.18% for DLN. On fees, DLN is cheaper at 0.28% per year. On volatility, DLN has been the lower-risk option at 2.71%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUSA or DLN?

Over the 1-year period, BUSA has performed better with a 21.71% return vs 21.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUSA or DLN?

DLN is cheaper with a 0.28% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for BUSA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BUSA or DLN?

DLN has the higher dividend yield at 1.79%, compared with 1.46% for BUSA.

What is the main difference between BUSA and DLN?

They also come from different issuers: Brandes and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for BUSA and 0.28% for DLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.37 vs 1.82), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.