DFIP vs. CSHP

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFIP (Dimensional Inflation-Protected Securities ETF) and CSHP (iShares Enhanced Short-Term Bond Active ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFIP is a Inflation-Protected Bonds fund actively managed by Dimensional, while CSHP is a Ultrashort Bond fund actively managed by iShares. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, DFIP returned 5.08% vs 3.96% for CSHP. At a correlation of -0.16, they often move in opposite directions. DFIP charges 0.11%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for CSHP.

Performance

DFIP vs. CSHP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional Inflation-Protected Securities ETF (DFIP) and iShares Enhanced Short-Term Bond Active ETF (CSHP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFIP achieves a 1.49% return, which is significantly lower than CSHP's 1.63% return.

DFIP

• 1D: -0.26%
• 1M: -0.23%
• YTD: 1.49%
• 6M: 0.95%
• 1Y: 5.08%
• 3Y*: 4.18%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CSHP

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 0.27%
• YTD: 1.63%
• 6M: 1.93%
• 1Y: 3.96%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFIP vs. CSHP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
DFIP Dimensional Inflation-Protected Securities ETF	1.49%	7.54%	-0.43%
CSHP iShares Enhanced Short-Term Bond Active ETF	1.63%	4.10%	2.24%

Correlation

The correlation between DFIP and CSHP is -0.21, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.21
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 19, 2024	-0.16

Return for Risk

DFIP vs. CSHP — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFIP

DFIP Risk / Return Rank: 45
DFIP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
DFIP Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
DFIP Omega Ratio Rank: 41
DFIP Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
DFIP Martin Ratio Rank: 46

CSHP

CSHP Risk / Return Rank: 100
CSHP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
CSHP Sortino Ratio Rank: 100
CSHP Omega Ratio Rank: 100
CSHP Calmar Ratio Rank: 100
CSHP Martin Ratio Rank: 100

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.

DFIP vs. CSHP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Inflation-Protected Securities ETF (DFIP) and iShares Enhanced Short-Term Bond Active ETF (CSHP). 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.

	DFIP	CSHP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.48	11.91	-10.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.28	31.26	-28.97
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	7.44	-6.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.48	65.71	-63.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.52	432.16	-424.64
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFIP vs. CSHP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFIP Sharpe Ratio is 1.48, which is lower than the CSHP Sharpe Ratio of 11.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFIP and CSHP, 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

	DFIP	CSHP	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.48	11.91	-10.42
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.04	10.75	-10.71

Drawdowns

DFIP vs. CSHP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFIP drawdown since its inception was -14.96%, which is greater than CSHP's maximum drawdown of -0.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFIP and CSHP.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFIP	CSHP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.96%	-0.08%	-14.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.06%	-0.06%	-2.00%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.82%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.47%	0.00%	-0.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.95%	-0.00%	-6.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.68%	0.01%	+0.67%

Volatility

DFIP vs. CSHP - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional Inflation-Protected Securities ETF (DFIP) has a higher volatility of 0.93% compared to iShares Enhanced Short-Term Bond Active ETF (CSHP) at 0.07%. This indicates that DFIP's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than CSHP based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFIP	CSHP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.93%	0.07%	+0.86%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.32%	0.24%	+2.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.44%	0.33%	+3.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.81%	0.40%	+6.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.81%	0.40%	+6.41%

DFIP vs. CSHP - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFIP has a 0.11% expense ratio, which is lower than CSHP's 0.20% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

DFIP vs. CSHP - Dividend Comparison

DFIP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.88%, less than CSHP's 3.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
CSHP iShares Enhanced Short-Term Bond Active ETF	3.92%	5.39%	1.96%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DFIP Dimensional Inflation-Protected Securities ETF	3.88%	4.70%	3.69%	3.68%	5.97%	0.56%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFIP and CSHP in my portfolio?

DFIP and CSHP have a correlation of -0.21, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFIP or CSHP?

DFIP has higher volatility (0.93%) compared to CSHP (0.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFIP dropped -14.96% vs CSHP's -0.08%.

Which ETF is better, DFIP or CSHP?

On 1-year performance, DFIP leads with 5.08% vs 3.96% for CSHP. On fees, DFIP is cheaper at 0.11% per year. On volatility, CSHP has been the lower-risk option at 0.07%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFIP or CSHP?

Over the 1-year period, DFIP has performed better with a 5.08% return vs 3.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFIP or CSHP?

DFIP is cheaper with a 0.11% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for CSHP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFIP or CSHP?

CSHP has the higher dividend yield at 3.92%, compared with 3.88% for DFIP.

What is the main difference between DFIP and CSHP?

DFIP is categorized as Inflation-Protected Bonds, while CSHP is Ultrashort Bond. They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.11% for DFIP and 0.20% for CSHP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CSHP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (11.91 vs 1.48), 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.