DDLS vs. DFIS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DDLS (WisdomTree Dynamic Currency Hedged International SmallCap Equity Fund) and DFIS (Dimensional International Small Cap ETF) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. DDLS is passively managed, while DFIS is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DDLS returned 17.12%/yr vs 19.32%/yr for DFIS. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DDLS charges 0.48%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for DFIS.

Performance

DDLS vs. DFIS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree Dynamic Currency Hedged International SmallCap Equity Fund (DDLS) and Dimensional International Small Cap ETF (DFIS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DDLS achieves a 5.70% return, which is significantly lower than DFIS's 10.27% return.

DDLS

• 1D: -0.85%
• 1M: 2.35%
• YTD: 5.70%
• 6M: 8.32%
• 1Y: 22.41%
• 3Y*: 17.12%
• 5Y*: 9.57%
• 10Y*: 9.73%

DFIS

• 1D: -1.12%
• 1M: 2.92%
• YTD: 10.27%
• 6M: 13.97%
• 1Y: 28.03%
• 3Y*: 19.32%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DDLS vs. DFIS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DDLS WisdomTree Dynamic Currency Hedged International SmallCap Equity Fund	5.70%	27.97%	10.22%	15.25%	-6.53%
DFIS Dimensional International Small Cap ETF	10.27%	37.49%	3.80%	15.19%	-12.94%

Correlation

The correlation between DDLS and DFIS is 0.87, 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	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 25, 2022	0.91

The correlation between DDLS and DFIS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

DDLS vs. DFIS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DDLS	DFIS
Industrials	25.1%	23.9%
Financial Services	12.9%	12.0%
Consumer Cyclical	11.2%	13.5%
Basic Materials	8.0%	14.2%
Technology	7.8%	9.6%
Real Estate	6.3%	3.7%
Consumer Defensive	5.9%	5.0%
Communication Services	3.7%	3.6%
Energy	3.2%	6.0%
Healthcare	2.7%	5.2%
Utilities	2.0%	3.3%

Return for Risk

DDLS vs. DFIS — Risk / Return Rank

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

DDLS

DDLS Risk / Return Rank: 49
DDLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
DDLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
DDLS Omega Ratio Rank: 52
DDLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
DDLS Martin Ratio Rank: 48

DFIS

DFIS Risk / Return Rank: 53
DFIS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
DFIS Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
DFIS Omega Ratio Rank: 55
DFIS Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
DFIS Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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.

DDLS vs. DFIS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Dynamic Currency Hedged International SmallCap Equity Fund (DDLS) and Dimensional International Small Cap ETF (DFIS). 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.

	DDLS	DFIS	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.75	1.94	-0.19
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.52	2.71	-0.19
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.35	-0.02
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.10	2.26	-0.16
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	7.89	8.73	-0.84
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DDLS vs. DFIS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DDLS Sharpe Ratio is 1.75, which is comparable to the DFIS Sharpe Ratio of 1.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DDLS and DFIS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DDLS	DFIS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.75	1.94	-0.19
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.70	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.63	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.64	0.67	-0.03

Drawdowns

DDLS vs. DFIS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DDLS drawdown since its inception was -36.80%, which is greater than DFIS's maximum drawdown of -27.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DDLS and DFIS.

Drawdown Indicators

	DDLS	DFIS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.80%	-27.23%	-9.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.69%	-12.44%	+1.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.66%	-13.55%	+1.89%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.87%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.80%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.22%	-1.91%	-1.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.71%	-6.17%	+0.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.85%	3.22%	-0.37%

Volatility

DDLS vs. DFIS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for WisdomTree Dynamic Currency Hedged International SmallCap Equity Fund (DDLS) is 3.89%, while Dimensional International Small Cap ETF (DFIS) has a volatility of 4.71%. This indicates that DDLS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFIS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DDLS	DFIS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.89%	4.71%	-0.82%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.53%	12.04%	-1.51%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.92%	14.54%	-1.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.75%	17.32%	-3.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.59%	17.32%	-1.73%

DDLS vs. DFIS - Expense Ratio Comparison

DDLS has a 0.48% expense ratio, which is higher than DFIS's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

DDLS vs. DFIS - Dividend Comparison

DDLS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.54%, more than DFIS's 2.02% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
DDLS WisdomTree Dynamic Currency Hedged International SmallCap Equity Fund	3.54%	3.80%	4.11%	4.05%	5.44%	3.18%	3.16%	3.68%	1.75%	1.60%	3.47%
DFIS Dimensional International Small Cap ETF	2.02%	2.23%	2.19%	2.36%	1.13%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DDLS and DFIS in my portfolio?

DDLS and DFIS have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DDLS or DFIS?

DFIS has higher volatility (4.71%) compared to DDLS (3.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DDLS dropped -36.80% vs DFIS's -27.23%.

Which ETF is better, DDLS or DFIS?

On 3-year performance, DFIS leads with 19.32% vs 17.12% for DDLS. On fees, DFIS is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, DDLS has been the lower-risk option at 3.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DDLS or DFIS?

Over the 3-year period, DFIS has performed better with a 19.32% return vs 17.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DDLS or DFIS?

DFIS is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.48% for DDLS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DDLS or DFIS?

DDLS has the higher dividend yield at 3.54%, compared with 2.02% for DFIS.

What is the main difference between DDLS and DFIS?

They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.48% for DDLS and 0.39% for DFIS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFIS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.94 vs 1.75), 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.