DFEM vs. DGS
DFEM (Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF) and DGS (WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. DFEM is actively managed, while DGS is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFEM returned 23.24%/yr vs 16.17%/yr for DGS. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFEM charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for DGS.
Performance
DFEM vs. DGS - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, DFEM achieves a 25.59% return, which is significantly higher than DGS's 14.53% return.
DFEM
- 1D
- -1.28%
- 1M
- 6.85%
- YTD
- 25.59%
- 6M
- 27.96%
- 1Y
- 50.40%
- 3Y*
- 23.24%
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
DGS
- 1D
- -1.37%
- 1M
- 2.58%
- YTD
- 14.53%
- 6M
- 15.57%
- 1Y
- 27.26%
- 3Y*
- 16.17%
- 5Y*
- 7.85%
- 10Y*
- 9.93%
DFEM vs. DGS - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DFEM Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF | 25.59% | 29.51% | 7.53% | 13.91% | -8.69% |
DGS WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund | 14.53% | 21.18% | 1.13% | 19.08% | -7.64% |
Correlation
The correlation between DFEM and DGS is 0.91, 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 | 0.91 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.92 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 28, 2022 | 0.92 |
The correlation between DFEM and DGS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
DFEM vs. DGS — Risk / Return Rank
DFEM
DGS
DFEM vs. DGS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF (DFEM) and WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund (DGS). 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.
| DFEM | DGS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.99 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +1.11 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.50 | 1.32 | +0.18 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 4.18 | 2.72 | +1.46 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 16.33 | 9.16 | +7.18 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading charts...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| DFEM | DGS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 2.74 | 1.76 | +0.99 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | — | 0.53 | — |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | — | 0.58 | — |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.92 | 0.23 | +0.69 |
Drawdowns
DFEM vs. DGS - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum DFEM drawdown since its inception was -20.82%, smaller than the maximum DGS drawdown of -61.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFEM and DGS.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| DFEM | DGS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -20.82% | -61.83% | +41.01% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -12.12% | -10.06% | -2.06% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -18.09% | -19.31% | +1.22% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | — | -24.86% | — |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -44.08% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.28% | -1.40% | +0.12% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -5.03% | -12.59% | +7.56% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.09% | 2.98% | +0.11% |
Volatility
DFEM vs. DGS - Volatility Comparison
Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF (DFEM) has a higher volatility of 7.78% compared to WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund (DGS) at 5.24%. This indicates that DFEM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DGS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| DFEM | DGS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 7.78% | 5.24% | +2.54% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 16.02% | 13.03% | +2.99% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 18.45% | 15.56% | +2.89% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 17.26% | 14.87% | +2.39% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 17.26% | 17.32% | -0.06% |
DFEM vs. DGS - Expense Ratio Comparison
DFEM has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than DGS's 0.58% expense ratio.
Dividends
DFEM vs. DGS - Dividend Comparison
DFEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.82%, less than DGS's 3.21% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DFEM Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF | 1.82% | 2.32% | 2.50% | 2.38% | 1.99% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
DGS WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund | 3.21% | 3.45% | 3.36% | 4.55% | 5.34% | 3.98% | 3.69% | 3.95% | 4.24% | 2.81% | 3.42% | 3.28% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.91, DFEM and DGS move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.
DFEM has higher volatility (7.78%) compared to DGS (5.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFEM dropped -20.82% vs DGS's -61.83%.
On 3-year performance, DFEM leads with 23.24% vs 16.17% for DGS. On fees, DFEM is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, DGS has been the lower-risk option at 5.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 3-year period, DFEM has performed better with a 23.24% return vs 16.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
DFEM is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for DGS.
DGS has the higher dividend yield at 3.21%, compared with 1.82% for DFEM.
They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for DFEM and 0.58% for DGS.
DFEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.74 vs 1.76), 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.
Find the right allocation for DFEM and DGS
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer