DFIS vs. CIBR

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

DFIS (Dimensional International Small Cap ETF) and CIBR (First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFIS is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while CIBR is a Cybersecurity fund tracking the Nasdaq CTA Cybersecurity Index. DFIS is actively managed, while CIBR is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFIS returned 18.52%/yr vs 24.30%/yr for CIBR. A 0.55 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFIS charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for CIBR.

Performance

DFIS vs. CIBR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional International Small Cap ETF (DFIS) and First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (CIBR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFIS achieves a 10.06% return, which is significantly lower than CIBR's 19.63% return.

DFIS

• 1D: 0.57%
• 1M: 0.95%
• YTD: 10.06%
• 6M: 12.14%
• 1Y: 26.57%
• 3Y*: 18.52%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CIBR

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: 7.94%
• YTD: 19.63%
• 6M: 15.68%
• 1Y: 18.53%
• 3Y*: 24.30%
• 5Y*: 13.58%
• 10Y*: 17.88%

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

DFIS vs. CIBR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFIS Dimensional International Small Cap ETF	10.06%	37.49%	3.80%	15.19%	-12.50%
CIBR First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF	19.63%	13.06%	18.21%	39.71%	-26.06%

Correlation

The correlation between DFIS and CIBR is 0.38, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.38
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.47
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 24, 2022	0.55

The correlation between DFIS and CIBR shifts across timeframes, from 0.38 (1 year) to 0.55 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

DFIS vs. CIBR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFIS	CIBR
Industrials	24.1%	2.7%
Basic Materials	14.6%	-
Consumer Cyclical	13.5%	-
Financial Services	11.7%	-
Technology	9.8%	95.4%
Energy	5.6%	-
Healthcare	5.3%	-
Consumer Defensive	5.0%	-
Communication Services	3.7%	1.9%
Real Estate	3.5%	-
Utilities	3.2%	-

Return for Risk

DFIS vs. CIBR — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFIS

DFIS Risk / Return Rank: 53
DFIS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
DFIS Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
DFIS Omega Ratio Rank: 55
DFIS Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
DFIS Martin Ratio Rank: 51

CIBR

CIBR Risk / Return Rank: 21
CIBR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
CIBR Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
CIBR Omega Ratio Rank: 22
CIBR Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
CIBR Martin Ratio Rank: 19

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.

DFIS vs. CIBR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional International Small Cap ETF (DFIS) and First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (CIBR). 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.

	DFIS	CIBR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.67	0.69	+0.98
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.35	1.11	+1.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.14	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.02	0.79	+1.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.69	1.86	+5.83

DFIS vs. CIBR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFIS Sharpe Ratio is 1.67, which is higher than the CIBR Sharpe Ratio of 0.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFIS and CIBR, 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

DFIS vs. CIBR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFIS drawdown since its inception was -27.23%, smaller than the maximum CIBR drawdown of -33.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFIS and CIBR.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFIS	CIBR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.23%	-33.89%	+6.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.44%	-21.99%	+9.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.55%	-21.99%	+8.44%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-33.89%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.89%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.10%	-9.53%	+7.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.15%	-8.66%	+2.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.27%	9.38%	-6.11%

Volatility

DFIS vs. CIBR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional International Small Cap ETF (DFIS) is 5.44%, while First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (CIBR) has a volatility of 12.35%. This indicates that DFIS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than CIBR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFIS	CIBR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.44%	12.35%	-6.91%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.66%	21.72%	-9.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.05%	25.16%	-10.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.37%	25.04%	-7.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.37%	23.65%	-6.28%

DFIS vs. CIBR - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFIS has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than CIBR's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFIS vs. CIBR - Dividend Comparison

DFIS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.02%, more than CIBR's 0.48% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CIBR First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF	0.48%	0.42%	0.29%	0.42%	0.31%	0.59%	1.10%	0.23%	0.23%	0.10%	0.77%	0.58%
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%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFIS and CIBR in my portfolio?

DFIS and CIBR have a correlation of 0.38, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFIS or CIBR?

CIBR has higher volatility (12.35%) compared to DFIS (5.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFIS dropped -27.23% vs CIBR's -33.89%.

Which ETF is better, DFIS or CIBR?

On 3-year performance, CIBR leads with 24.30% vs 18.52% for DFIS. On fees, DFIS is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, DFIS has been the lower-risk option at 5.44%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFIS or CIBR?

Over the 3-year period, CIBR has performed better with a 24.30% return vs 18.52%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFIS or CIBR?

DFIS is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for CIBR.

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

DFIS has the higher dividend yield at 2.02%, compared with 0.48% for CIBR.

What is the main difference between DFIS and CIBR?

DFIS is categorized as Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities, while CIBR is Cybersecurity. They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for DFIS and 0.60% for CIBR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFIS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.67 vs 0.69), 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.